Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Stunkard Figure Rating Scale and Sexuality During Pregnancy. A Longitudinal, Pilot Study

Cesare Battaglia, Elena Morotti, Isabella Zanetti, Bruno Battaglia and Mara Mattioli

Body image and body weight may be associated with sexuality in pregnant women. Twenty pregnant women filled in the two-factor McCoy Female Questionnaire, the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale and the Beck's Depression Inventory Questionnaire. In the pregnant women, the number of intercourses/week and the McCoy Female Questionnaire score for sexuality significantly decreased. The Stunkard Figure Rating Scale evidenced that the "actual body" silhouette score increased during the third trimester of pregnancy and that the women worsened the feeling with their own body image. Changes in body appearance, during pregnancy, and the women's fear of being less attractive for their partners may have lasting effects on sexuality.