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How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 25 Weeks?
At 25 weeks, you are about five months and two weeks pregnant. You are in the second trimester of your pregnancy. By now, there is fetal movement and your baby starts to move frequently and may respond to touch or sound.
Here, we tell you more about the baby’s development in this week and how your body changes accordingly.
How Big Is Your Baby At 25 Weeks?
At 25 weeks, the baby is as big as a rutabagaiA root vegetable that's considered a cross between turnips and cabbage.
(1). Your baby measures 13.6in (34.6cm) in length and weighs 1.46lb (660g) (2).
Baby Development At 25 Weeks
Here is how the organs are developing in this week:
| Body parts | Developmental stage |
|---|---|
| Skin | Fat is depositing under the skin layer |
| Nose (3) | Nostrils begin to open up |
| Reflexes (4) | The baby can respond to sound, touch, and light |
| Spine | Developing different parts |
| Lungs (5) | Breathing patterns are developed. It occurs 44 times/ minute. The alveoliiTiny air sacs in the lungs where the blood exchanges the gases oxygen and carbon dioxide during respiration. start creating surfactant (6) |
| Kidneys | Start producing urine |
| Brain (7) | Developing |
| Digestive system | Still developing |
The baby moves vigorously at this time and follows a sleep pattern, which indicates that the baby is healthy and doing fine inside the womb. During the pregnancy ultrasound, you can see that the fetus is small and has plenty of space inside the uterus to move around. The fetus can attain different birthing positions before coming into the optimal position.
The changes in this week may make you a little more uncomfortable than before. Read more about it next.
What Symptoms Of Pregnancy Do You Experience In The 25th Week?
The common symptoms in this week include:
- Weight gain: The weight gain should be based on the BMI (8):
| BMI | Below 18.5 | 18.5 – 24.9 | 25 – 29.9 | 30 and Above |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight gain (Pounds) | 28-40 | 25-35 | 15-25 | 11-20 |
- Trouble sleeping: Besides the bodily discomforts, frequent breaks to the bathroom during the night can disturb the sleep.
- Frequent urination: The pressure exerted by the growing uterus on the bladder increases the urge to urinate.
- Constipation: Progesterone relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract, which slows down the digestion process causing constipation during pregnancy.
- Hemorrhoids: Increased blood flow and constipation cause the veins in the rectal area to swell.
- Gas and bloating: Indigestion generates gas and makes you feel bloated.
- Heartburn: The growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach, which pushes the gastric acids up into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
- Back pain: The pressure exerted by the extra weight of the baby on the lower back can cause aches in the region.
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- Fatigue: Since the body is working harder to nurture the baby, you’ll feel tired than usual.
- Edema: The water retention in the body causes swelling of hands and feet.
- Braxton Hicks contractions: You may experience irregular and less painful contractions that go away when you switch positions. The contractions are the body’s way of preparing for labor and delivery.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: A tingling effect is felt in the hands and wrist, due to the increased blood volume that exerts pressure on the nerves.
- Snoring: An increase in the blood flow to the mucous membranes can cause nasal congestion and make you snore.
- Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD): This is a condition where the ligaments and the muscles of the pelvic joints are stretched, causing pain in the pelvic area. Pelvic tilts and kegel exercises help strengthen the muscles of pelvic area (9).
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS): Also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, this condition causes a tingling effect in the legs along with an uncontrollable urge to move them. A low ferritiniA protein in the blood that stores iron. level in the blood (hemoglobin 10).
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In addition to these, you might experience certain emotional and physical changes in this week.
Point to considerChanges In The Body At 25 Weeks Of Pregnancy
Here are some changes you might experience during this week of pregnancy:
Physical changes:
- The belly grows and seems a little protruded by this week.
Describing her discomfort with the protruded belly during the 25th week of pregnancy, blogger and mother of two shares remarks, “This week could be summed up as itchy. My belly is itchy as the skin is stretching, and the belly bands on my maternity jeans seem to only exacerbate the itch (i).”
- The breasts grow in size, and the areola gets darker.
- The skin stretches due to the growing uterus, leaving stretch marks. According to the US National Institutes of Health, stretch marks affect 33% to 88% of pregnancies.
- The linea nigraiA dark vertical line that appears on the stomach during pregnancy. gets darker.
- The increase in hormonal levels makes the hair look fuller, shinier, and thicker.
Emotional changes:
- Mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations are common during this week.
- Anxiety about labor and delivery, and parenthood is also not uncommon in this phase.
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When To Call The Doctor
In the case of any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away (11):
- You experience contractions once in every 10 minutes or more, often within one hour (five or more contractions in an hour)
- Amniotic fluid leakage from your vagina (rupture of the amniotic saciThe thin-walled fluid-filled sac in the uterus where the embryo grows and eventually forms the fetus. )
- Menstrual-like cramps
- Low, dull backache
- Pelvic pressure
- Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea
- An unusual or sudden increase of vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding
Even if the symptoms are normal, make sure you meet the doctor during the regular OB/GYN visit.
Your OB/GYN Visit
Here is what you can expect during your OB/GYN visit:
- Weight check
- Blood pressure
- Glucose tolerance test: If the glucose challenge test results are abnormal, the doctor would suggest the glucose tolerance test to measure the sugar level in the mother’s bloodstream.
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For the glucose challenge test, blood is drawn an hour after you drink glucose water, and is checked for increased blood sugar levels
. In case of a positive test result, a glucose tolerance test will be done. This requires overnight fasting and blood will be drawn before you break the fast and is tested for sugar levels.
This is followed by an hourly blood test for the next three hours. An abnormal test result is an indication of gestational diabetes (12).
The doctor would recommend a healthy, low-sugar diet to keep gestational diabetesiPregnancy-specific condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, which may pose a risk of complications. , if you have it, in control. Otherwise, you can follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to keep yourself and your baby healthy.
Tips For Mom-to-be
Here are the tips to follow for a healthy pregnancy:
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Keep stress at bay.
- Eat home cooked food and include fish like salmon, pollock, anchovies, cod, shrimp, and catfish that are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Be sure to avoid tilefish, shark, swordfish and king mackerel that contain high levels of mercury.
- Do not skip prenatal care and take prenatal vitamins containing iron and folic acid in pregnancy.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol consumption as well as excess caffeine intake.
- Rest enough.
- Do moderate exercises like walking, pelvic floor strengthening, and stretching exercises, lower limb stretching exercises, and core muscle strengthening
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- Start with breathing exercises, abdominal breathing pattern, and diaphragmatic breathing to reduce shortness of breath.
- Aquanatal exercises will be comfortable.
- Maintain oral hygiene to prevent any oral problems.
- Wear loose, breathable clothes.
- Do not take any medication without the doctor’s permission.
- Avoid cleaning cat litters to avoid toxoplasmosisiAn infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, typically found in undercooked meat, animal feces, and contaminated soil. .
- Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals.
- It’s a good time to start preparing for parenthood by looking for childbirth classes and reading parenting books.
Also,
- Carry fruits and snacks to the office and eat them between breaks.
- Spend time with family and friends.
- Search for baby names and prepare a baby registry.
- Read books and participate in activities that make you happy.
- Beginning nursery preparation can be an engaging activity that may help alleviate stress and anxiety.
Your partner can be a great support to you during this period by taking on some of your burdens.
Quick tipTips For Dad-to-be
Here’s what your partner can do:
- Create a pleasant environment at your home.
- Help you with the daily household chores.
- Accompany you to your prenatal visits.
- Can help in massaging upper back and legs.
- Go for maternal shopping.
- Plan a day out for a change and relaxed time together.
- Give you a good neck and foot massage.
Quick tipFrequently Asked Questions
1. Can babies in the womb get scared?
It is not known if babies experience fear or feel scared inside the womb. Nevertheless, babies may get startled or feel discomfort due to loud noises by 26 weeks of pregnancy (13).
2. Is 25 weeks early pregnancy?
No, by 25 weeks, you are in the second trimester of your pregnancy, where your early pregnancy signs, such as morning sickness, may begin to reduce (14).
3. Can I travel at 25 weeks pregnant?
Yes, 14 to 28 weeks is considered the most appropriate time for travel during pregnancy, as you are better prepared to handle your symptoms. However, it is best to consult your doctor beforehand to understand the precautions you must take, especially if you fall under the high-risk pregnancy category (15).
4. How can I manage pregnancy-related constipation?
You can manage pregnancy-related constipation by increasing your daily intake of fiber-rich foods to about 25 to 30 grams, drinking twelve cups of water per day, and doing pregnancy-safe exercises such as brisk walking, swimming, and yoga (16).
5. Can a baby survive if born prematurely at 25 weeks pregnant?
Babies born at 25 weeks may have an 80% chance of survival with timely and appropriate medical care. However, they may require intensive care treatment and admission to the NICU to receive essential medical care to mitigate or prevent birth complications (17).
6. What is done during a prenatal massage?
During a prenatal massage, the therapists focus on providing comfort and relaxation to pregnant women, using oils and creams that are safe for use during pregnancy. The massage often includes gentle strokes to relieve muscle tightness, reduce stress, and alleviate common pregnancy-related discomforts.
Prenatal massage therapy includes methods such as Swedish massage tailored to address a variety of concerns. This helps relieve muscle tension and stimulate blood circulation. It is the preferred massage during pregnancy, effectively addressing common discomforts associated with skeletal and circulatory changes induced by changing hormones (18).
At 25 weeks pregnant, you may notice a little protrusion of the belly (baby bump), increased breast size, and thicker hair. Your baby’s brain, lungs, and digestive system develop while kidneys start producing urine. Gastrointestinal disturbances, swelling of hands and feet, mild contractions, and other issues may occur, and you may face problems with sleep, frequent urination, and constipation. Bodyweight, blood pressure, and glucose tolerance tests are usually in the prenatal check-up. Make sure to stay hydrated, follow a healthy lifestyle, and seek medical help if you encounter vaginal discharge, stomach cramps, or pelvic pressure.
By 25 weeks of pregnancy, you can feel your baby’s movement as it moves to various positions and even follows a sleeping pattern. While these changes and movements can be thrilling to experience, they will also cause discomfort and other symptoms. Read the following infographic to learn about other pregnancy symptoms during the 25th week of gestation.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- At 25 weeks of pregnancy, the baby starts to move, follows a sleep routine, and responds to touch and sound.
- Physical symptoms that pregnant women may experience include heartburn, swelling, back pain, leg cramps, and Braxton Hicks contractions.
- Stretch marks, fuller breasts, shinier hair, mood swings, and anxiety are a few additional symptoms seen in this week.
- At this stage, doctors will examine the woman’s weight and blood pressure and recommend a glucose tolerance test.
- To ensure a healthy pregnancy, mothers should eat a balanced diet, stay active, and avoid certain foods and activities that could harm the baby.
Illustration: 25 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms Baby Development And Growth
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Week 25 is an exciting time when the mom and baby begin to feel each other’s movements and touch. Learn more about what to expect during this beautiful phase.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
1. Pregnancy: 25 Weeks.https://justcallmesassy.blogspot.com/2018/04/pregnancy-25-weeks.html
References
- Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy.
https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/ - Fetal Development.
https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Fetal_Development - Your pregnancy: weeks 25 to 27.
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/maternity/second-trimester/weeks-25-27 - 25 weeks pregnant.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/pregnancy/week-by-week/second-trimester/25-weeks - Prenatal Summary.
https://www.ehd.org/prenatal-summary.php - PREGNANCY WEEK BY WEEK.
https://www.duedatecalculator.org/pregnancy-week-by-week/ - Pregnancy week-by-week.
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/ - Weight Gain During Pregnancy.
https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/ - Pelvic girdle pain and pregnancy.
https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/pelvic-girdle-pain-and-pregnancy/ - R. Gupta et. al (2015); Restless legs syndrome and pregnancy: prevalence, possible pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5562408/ - Premature Labor.
https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/labor-delivery/premature-labor - Glucose screening tests during pregnancy.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007562.htm - Bonding with your baby during pregnancy.
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/bonding-with-your-baby-during-pregnancy - Second trimester.
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/second-trimester - Travel During Pregnancy.
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/travel-during-pregnancy - Pregnancy Constipation.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21895-pregnancy-constipation - Parent Information: for babies born 25 weeks.
https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/6efd2f0042ac38a9a377b7ad100c470d/Too+small+too+soon+25+weeks-WCHN-PPG-09122013.pdf - Prenatal Massage Therapy.
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/prenatal-massage/#:~:text=Prenatal%20massage%20therapy%20addresses%20different,muscle%20groups%20of%20the%20body. - 25 weeks Pregnant: baby’s development, stomach pain and planning the birth.
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/pregnancy-week-by-week/25-weeks-pregnant
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