Sexualidade de gestantes na atenção primária à saúde: uma atmosfera de interpretações e significados.

Abstract

Sexuality is influenced by different contexts, such as cultural, economic, political and religious ones. Thus, this phenomenon is permeated by different perceptions, experiences and meanings, especially during pregnancy. When it concerns with sex refers to the biological characteristics that define humans as women and men. However, sexuality has increased in proportion, spreading its influence upon social circle, culminating in discussions in favor of reproductive and sexual rights. In this sense, it was analyzed how pregnant women experience and realize their sexuality during the pregnancy period. This is a descriptive study with qualitative approach. Data collection began in November 2014. The participants were 13 pregnant women, who were effectively carrying out consultations offered by the service, followed properly by ethical principles proposed by Resolution No. 466/2012 of the National Health Council, which includes research and tests with humans beings. Inclusion criteria were: pregnant women over eighteen and the ones who were adequately attending the visits recommended by SISPRENATAL. To collect empirical data, a semi-structured interview guide was utilized, with subjective questions about the meaning of sexuality and the changes inherent to the pregnancy period. The results were examined through content analysis technique suggested by Bardin. Based on the answers of pregnant women, two themes were created: pregnancy and sexuality: the meaning that is expressed in a multitude of dimensions and sexual health and its interface with reproductive rights. It was found that some women think sexuality is summarized into a physiological need; others believe it involves feelings as affection, confidence and mutual understanding, with the direct participation of the partner in this process. It was also identified that sexuality in pregnancy undergoes several implications from organic transformations inherent to gestation period. This study reinforces the importance of having improvements and changes in all social sectors, in order to stimulate discussions about this theme, since both pregnancy and sexuality have been considered controversial issues often neglected by the family and health professional approach. Then it is presupposed the need to propagate this study in health care units so that health professionals could assess themselves regarding the promotion of sexual health in the prenatal period and assist these women wholly, with scientific bases, enabling to deepen the discussion about sexuality experienced during pregnancy, so that doubts, fears, anxieties and taboos could be deconstructed. Thus, the search for strategies, lectures and practical programs contribute directly to the satisfaction of sexual health of the pregnant woman who, besides preparing herself to become a mother, is a woman like any other and desires to practice her sexuality.