Abstract:

Aim: To evaluate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises on sexual quality of life in women during pregnancy. Methods: This is a randomized controlled intervention study. The study was completed with 71 pregnant women (experimental group (EG) = 36, control group (CG) = 35). Data were collected using a data collection form and the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female (SQOL-F). The pregnant women in the experimental group received an education program of progressive muscle relaxation exercises except for antenatal class education. The education programs were conducted in groups of 4-5-women with a total of 8 groups. In group educations, 10 minutes of deep breathing, and 20 minutes of progressive muscles relaxation exercises were taught. After training in the antenatal class, the women were asked to continue the exercises at home for 30 minutes, once a day, for 4 weeks. Data were collected 3 times: at the introduction session, and at the end of the second and fourth weeks. Results: The SQOL-F scores, which were obtained at two weeks after the first PMR exercises (in the second measurement) were determined to be 93.3 for the EG and 83.3 for the CG. The SQOL-F scores, which were obtained at the third measurement two weeks after the first intervention, were EG=95.0 and CG=84.4.The SQOL-F scores, which were obtained at the third measurement four weeks after the first intervention, were EG=95.0 and CG=84.4. At the second (p=0.006) and third measurements (p=0.001), SQOL-F score medians were significantly different between groups. Conclusion: Almost half of the women experienced sexual problems (such as problems arousal, orgasm, sexualpain), but they did not perceive them as problems. Progressive muscle exercises conducted in the second and third trimesters increase the sexual quality of life in pregnant women.

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