Is it safe to have sexual intercourse at 25 weeks of pregnancy, and what precautions should be taken?

Generally, whether sexual intercourse is allowed at 25 weeks of pregnancy mainly depends on the specific health condition of the pregnant woman and the advice of her doctor. If the pregnant woman has no complications during pregnancy, sexual intercourse is usually permissible; however, if complications arise during pregnancy, it is not recommended to engage in sexual activity. When engaging in sexual intercourse, attention should be paid to the intensity and frequency, choice of positions, awareness of physical reactions, safety of lubricants used, and maintaining hygiene. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Is Sexual Intercourse Permissible?

If the pregnant woman has not experienced any complications throughout her pregnancy, such as placenta previa, risk of miscarriage, signs of preterm labor, cervical insufficiency, or infections, then at 25 weeks of pregnancy, sexual intercourse may be permitted with the approval of a doctor. Engaging in moderate sexual activity can help strengthen the emotional bond between couples and also benefit the pregnant woman's mental and physical well-being.

However, if the pregnant woman has any of the aforementioned complications or high-risk factors, her doctor may advise against sexual intercourse to reduce risks to both the fetus and the mother. In daily life, attention should be paid to personal hygiene to avoid infections, especially during the later stages of pregnancy when the risk of infection increases.

2. Precautions

1. Intensity and Frequency

During sexual intercourse, overly vigorous or frequent activity should be avoided to prevent adverse effects on the fetus. Gentle approaches should be adopted, with controlled and appropriate frequency.

2. Choice of Positions

During sexual intercourse, pressure on the pregnant woman's abdomen should be avoided. Positions that do not exert pressure on the abdomen are preferable, such as the side-lying position.

3. Awareness of Physical Reactions

Throughout the sexual activity, the pregnant woman should closely monitor her physical reactions. If any discomfort occurs, such as pain, bleeding, or other abnormal symptoms, sexual activity should be stopped immediately and medical advice should be sought.

4. Safety of Lubricant Use

When using lubricants, their safety should be ensured. Some lubricants may contain chemical ingredients that could potentially be absorbed through the vaginal mucosa, possibly affecting the health of the fetus. Therefore, special care should be taken when selecting and using lubricants.

5. Maintaining Hygiene

Both partners should pay attention to cleanliness before and after sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of infection.

In daily life, pregnant women should also focus on adequate rest, balanced nutrition, and appropriate exercise to maintain good physical health and emotional well-being, and should attend regular prenatal check-ups to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.