Sexuality and pregnancy: a review.

Since Old Testament times, couples have been told to abstain from a sexual relationship for various fixed periods of time during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Today's physicians usually carry on this practise based on their undergraduate teaching and experience. Much of today's advice is not supported by scientific fact. This article considers the importance of sexuality to the pregnant couple. The available facts are summarized, as are the arguments against sexuality in pregnancy and absolute contraindications to sexuality in pregnancy. Guidelines for sexual counselling in pregnancy are suggested.