Sexual activity is negatively affected during pregnancy. In addition process of adapting to the changes in the pregnant woman's body negatively affects her psychology. Therefore, pregnant woman's perception of her body image can lead to sexual stress. This study aimed to determine the mediating role of body image perception in the relationship between pregnant women's attitudes toward sexuality and their sexual stress. The study sample consisted of 422 pregnant women.

Sexual activity is negatively affected during pregnancy. In addition process of adapting to the changes in the pregnant woman's body negatively affects her psychology. Therefore, pregnant woman's perception of her body image can lead to sexual stress. This study aimed to determine the mediating role of body image perception in the relationship between pregnant women's attitudes toward sexuality and their sexual stress. The study sample consisted of 422 pregnant women. Data collection tools included a "Personal Information Form," the "Attitude Scale toward Sexuality during Pregnancy," the "Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised" and the "Body Understanding Measure for Pregnancy Scale."

Inclusion Criteria:

• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Having no communication problems
• Being at the ≥10th weeks of gestation
• Scoring ≥11.5 on the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusing to participate in the study
• Having been diagnosed with a sexual dysfunction before pregnancy
• Having psychological health problems according to medical records

The population of the study consisted of pregnant women over the age of 20 who presented to the obstetrics and gynecology clinic. During the study, 440 pregnant women were reached. Twelve of them dropped out of the study, and six preferred to have their follow-up at a different hospital; therefore, they were not included in the study. Eventually, the study sample consisted of 422 pregnant women.