Associação da sexualidade à autoestima de gestantes atendidas em ambulatório de alto risco

Abstract

This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, and analytical study conducted with pregnant women receiving care at the Gynecology and Obstetrics outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the countryside of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The objective was to analyze the association between self esteem and sexuality among pregnant women attending a high-risk Gynecology and Obstetrics outpatient clinic. A total of 146 pregnant women participated and completed instruments for sociodemographic and obstetric characterization, sexual health assessment, and measurement of self-esteem using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Data were submitted to descriptive and bivariate analyses, as well as multiple linear regression. A progressive reduction in self-esteem scores was observed with advancing gestational age. Better perception of sexual life and greater importance attributed to sex were associated with increased self-esteem. Regarding changes in sexual desire, pregnant women who reported reduction or variation presented higher self esteem scores compared to those who did not perceive changes, whereas increased desire was not associated with the outcome. No significant associations were identified with cohabitation, sexual health counseling, or frequency of sexual intercourse. The results highlight the interrelationship between sexuality, self-esteem, and high-risk pregnancy, indicating that emotional and subjective factors play a relevant role in the gestational experience. It is concluded that prenatal care, especially in the high-risk context, should include sexuality as a dimension of comprehensive care, with qualified nursing practice in welcoming, health education, and identification of psychosocial vulnerabilities, aiming to promote maternal well being.