Maternal and Partner Pregnancy Impact Expectations Scales (PIES-M/P): Development, Evaluation, and Implications

A number of studies have examined women’s and couples’ sexual experiences during pregnancy; few studies, however, have explored how pregnant couples expect their sex lives to change despite the possible relationship between sexual expectations and sexual function and satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of two scales: the Maternal Pregnancy Impact Expectations Scale (PIES-M) and the Partner Pregnancy Impact Expectations Scale (PIES-P), which measure newly pregnant couples’ sexual expectations later in the pregnancy.

The current project was split into three distinct phases across two data collection points: 1. language elicitation, 2. item development and revision, and 3. empirical validation. A total of 242 participants were included in Phase 1, and a total of 241 data points in 124 dyads for Phase 3 were obtained via a cross-sectional, web-based survey administered in 2011 and 2012. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure of the PIES-M and PIES-P. Multilevel modeling was used to understand the variability of PIES-M and PIES-P scores. Measures on sexual motivation, sexual interest, sexual anxiety, attitudes to sex, and somatic pregnancy symptoms were used to further assess the test scales.

Findings demonstrated a two-factor structure for the PIES-M with sexual expectations and pain expectations loading on separate factors. For PIES-P, all items loaded onto one factor as no pain expectation items were included for partners.

Both the maternal and partner versions of the scales demonstrated acceptable construct validity and internal consistency, providing evidence for the validity of these measures of sexual expectations during pregnancy.

A greater understanding of sexual expectations during pregnancy has social, clinical, and research implications. Policy makers and practitioners should assess and incorporate sexual expectations into their practice, especially with marginalized and minoritized populations.