THE MEANING OF SEXUAL SATISFACTION IN PREGNANT TAIWANESE WOMEN

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore Taiwanese women's experience of sexual satisfaction during pregnancy. Twelve participants were recruited through purposive sampling of outpatients registered in the antepartum clinic of a medical center in northern Taiwan. Data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews and tape recordings. A modified phenomenologic methodology and narrative analysis of transcripts yielded four essential themes related to the personal meaning of sexually satisfying experiences in pregnancy: 1) improvement of self-identity, 2) empowerment through sexual relations, 3) strengthening the marital bond, and 4) reinforcement of the value of sexuality. This woman-centered view of the significance of sexually satisfying experiences in pregnancy can help health care professionals understand and educate their clients about women's sexuality during pregnancy.