25 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Belly Size & Ultrasound

25 weeks pregnant is a milestone to celebrate and savor. Find out what to expect when you’re 25 weeks pregnant, find out whether you can feel baby yet and what your uterus looks like. What size is a 12-week-pregnant uterus? What are the 8th week symptoms? When does baby start to move?

Your baby at week 25 of pregnancy

The lungs of your unborn child are developing rapidly, but she may require some assistance breathing if she were born now. Though her lungs are fully formed and her nostrils are open, she won’t take her first breath of air until the day of delivery.

The development of her reproductive organs is complete by the 25th week of pregnancy (in boys, the testes have descended). Her skin is so thin and wrinkled that she can see right through you, and she can pick up on the gurgles in your stomach and the music in your voice. Your infant is starting to become more self-aware; she is moving her fingers and toes.

25 weeks pregnant is how many months?

When you are 25 weeks pregnant, you are officially in 6 months of your pregnancy, just another 4 months to go! Congratulations, you’ve already made great progress!

How big is your baby at 25 weeks pregnant?

At 25 weeks your baby, also known as a foetus, is currently about 785 g (27.6 oz) in weight and around 33.6cm (13.2 in) in length from head to bottom. That’s approximately the size full ear of corn. They are growing quickly and are about to have a growth spurt. They will roughly almost double in size over the next month.

25 weeks pregnant baby position

Head and feet are still facing downwards. However, it will take up this position very soon, sometimes as early as next week.

25 weeks pregnant: baby’s development

 21-25 weeks baby developments

As early as 23 weeks after conception, the fetus exhibits a blink-startle response to sudden sounds. Some experts have dubbed this a “squint-startle” response because the fetus’ eyes are still mostly closed. As shown in children and adults, this response continues to develop until 30 weeks after conception. Interestingly, girls are more likely than boys to master the startle reaction first.

Breathing is the most challenging aspect of life outside the womb. The lungs of an unborn child begin producing a chemical called surfactant about the 20th or 22nd week after conception. When a newborn exhales, the surfactant prevents the two ends of the airway from sticking together.

The developing fetus produces enough surfactant to ensure its own survival by the time it is 24 to 26 weeks old. In order to keep the alveoli open and increase the likelihood of survival in infants, doctors have created a synthetic surfactant. This has led to a dramatic increase in the age at which children can be saved. The use of steroids prior to delivery has also been shown to hasten lung development and the production of surfactant, both of which improve the baby’s chances of survival.

44 Breaths Per Minute

In another study, researchers found that while carbon dioxide levels in the mother’s blood were greater, the fetus’ breathing rate also increased, much as adult breathing rates would increase when exposed to high amounts of carbon dioxide. This demonstrates that the fetal processes required for a rise in breathing rate in response to changes in blood gas levels are already in place.

Eye development

There is a significant increase in the number of rods and cones, the light-sensitive receptors in the eyes, by week 25 of development. Small amounts of light, as well as light in the periphery, can be detected by the eyes thanks to rods. Cones, on the other hand, are responsible for acute, vivid vision and primarily detect light in the visual center. Each of an adult’s eyes contains 100 million rods and 7 million cones.

During pregnancy and the first year following birth, cones migrate into the fovea while rods leave it.

A fetus in the womb will respond to light at 26 weeks following conception, the same as a premature baby born at 25 weeks. Pupils change size after birth to let the right quantity of light into the eye. This development in pupil size is initially recognized in the fetus at 27 weeks after conception, and it is regularly present in preterm infants at 31 weeks following conception.

Your body at 25 weeks pregnant

Have faith in the Kegel exercises! The pelvic floor is strengthened and the vaginal and perineal areas are toned when you practice Kegels. Contract your vaginal and anus muscles and hold for eight to ten seconds to perform a Kegel. Confused? To improve your control over your bladder, try practicing urine-stream interruptions on the toilet. You can obtain the benefits of exercise without visiting a gym. At each stoplight, give Kegel exercises a try.

As your pregnancy advances, you may experience aches and pains in unexpected areas. For instance, you could have brief periods where you feel intense discomfort in your legs. Even while medical professionals have a good idea of what triggers leg cramps, the exact explanation is still up for debate.

The March of Dimes states that cramping can be caused by altered blood flow, strain on nerves and blood vessels, or even maintaining one position for too long. The growing baby might put extra strain on your pelvic floor, causing pain. It’s also likely that you’re still experiencing some of the common discomforts of pregnancy, such as the need to pee frequently, indigestion, and itchy skin.

Sleeping in Pregnancy: Why It’s Tough to Get Enough Zzz

Next to nausea, fatigue is one of the top complaints during pregnancy. While getting more rest seems to be the easy solution, sleeping will become more difficult as you get further along in your pregnancy.

Belly bump (Physical Reasons for Sleep Trouble)

Your baby bump can make it challenging to find a comfortable snoozing position. If you slept on your back or stomach pre-pregnancy, you’ll have to adjust to sleeping on your side. In fact, the American Pregnancy Association (APA) advises sleeping on your side, or SOS—as the healthiest position for you and your baby. The APA goes on to say that you should sleep on your left side to put your body’s internal organs in the best position for blood to circulate, replenishing your body—and your baby-to-be’s—with oxygen and nutrients while you sleep.

Breathing issues

Your expanding belly not only dictates your sleep position, but also how much air you’ll breathe as you snooze. As your uterus expands and pushes your internal organs aside, your lungs have less room to expand, meaning you’re taking shallower and more frequent breaths than in your pre-pregnancy days.

Potty breaks

Your growing baby-to-be puts added pressure on your bladder, which is working overtime along with the rest of your body to flush out any impurities in your blood supply, which jumps 50 percent during pregnancy. Don’t be surprised if you have to wake up at least a couple of times in the night to use the bathroom.

Indigestion

Along with your lungs and bladder, your stomach is getting squished as your belly bump grows. As your stomach is pushed up closer to your esophagus (the tube through which food travels from your mouth to your stomach), you’re more likely to experience heartburn. Pregnancy hormones, which tend to slow digestion, can also cause food to sit longer in your stomach.

Streass: Mental Reasons for Sleep Trouble

It may not be just your body keeping you up at night. You may lose sleep worrying about your baby’s arrival, stresses of work, or about becoming a mother.

Pregnant dreams

Researchers also note pregnant women have more vivid dreams compared with non-pregnant women. “We’re still not sure why this happens,” says Dr. William Camann, MD, director of obstetric anesthesia at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and coauthor of Easy Labor. Some theories are that pregnancy hormones play a part. “It may also be that you’re waking up more often so that you’re recalling more of what you were dreaming.”

Simple Solutions for Sleep Trouble
Try these helpful strategies to ensure you get some much-needed rest.

Pillows, pillows, and more pillows!

While there are plenty of pregnancy sleep pillows on the market, you can also fashion your own pillow system by placing several smaller pillows at your sorest points. Try adding one behind your lower back for support and placing one between your legs.

Relaxation strategies

If pillows aren’t enough, try to find some ways to relax before you go to bed. Make yourself a glass of tea, do breathing exercises, and/or let your partner give you’re a massage. Find what triggers your body to unwind and practice it before bed.

Drinking smart

You should never limit the amount of water you drink, but you can limit when you drink it. If you’ve had one too many midnight bathroom breaks, avoid drinking an hour or two before bed. Make sure, though, when you wake up in the morning and throughout the day you drink enough to keep your body hydrated.

Sit up

Propping yourself up at night can ease heartburn. You may also try avoiding acidic foods such as tomato sauce or citrus fruits.

Have your baby

After weeks of uncomfortable sleep positions and aching body parts, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll find yourself snoozing again once your baby arrives. You may still find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, but it won’t be because you need a bathroom break—instead it will be your little one who may need a snack or a changed diaper.

Remember to ask your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter sleep aids.

25 weeks pregnant tips and advice

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is important. Your body uses more water during your pregnancy to fuel your increased blood supply (necessary to get your baby-to-be plenty of nutrients) and other body functions. Taken to extremes, dehydration can lead to preterm labor pains. So bring a water bottle to work with you—and drink it.

Use the bathroom—often

Drinking more water means more trips to the bathroom. Add to that, your kidneys are working overtime to filter impurities from your increased blood supply. To avoid stares from coworkers, plan discrete potty breaks. Go when you first get to the office and take a break on the way from meetings or other times when you’re already up so your trips will be less noticeable. Putting off a trip to the bathroom is a bad idea—it makes you uncomfortable and puts stress on your bladder, which can lead to bladder infections.

Bring light snacks

Food may not be appealing, especially if you’re experiencing nausea. Skip a full-blown lunch and opt for lighter fare throughout the day. Keep in mind that some pregnancy comfort foods are dead giveaways, such as crackers. If you’re trying to keep your pregnancy a secret, try less notorious foods that still comfort nausea but that don’t shout, “I’m pregnant!” Opt for foods high in protein, such as string cheese, almonds, or milk.

Wear comfortable clothes

You’ve probably packed away your tight-fitting pants already. If you haven’t, now’s probably the time to say goodbye to your hip-hugging ensembles until after your baby’s arrival. Avoiding tight clothes isn’t just about hiding your baby bump. Your body may be retaining water to fuel your increased blood supply, and constricting clothes are not only tight on your skin, but the blood that’s trying to flow underneath.

Watch your posture

Take time to get off your feet and walk around. Staying in the same position for too long allows the blood to pool in the lower part of your body, potentially making you light-headed. Put your feet up whenever possible to keep your blood flowing properly.

Having Trouble Sleeping at 25 weeks Pregnant

Having difficulties sleeping is a common pregnant symptom, and it’s especially common in the second and third trimesters, when other pregnancy symptoms peak and a growing belly makes it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.

When you’re 25 weeks pregnant, it could hurt to sleep on your stomach, but studies indicates that lying on your back puts more strain on the vena cava, the main blood vessel that returns blood to the heart.

Your blood circulation will increase if you sleep on your left side, which will also be good for your uterus, kidneys, and fetus. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try placing a pillow between your knees and another under your stomach. If the problem persists, consult your doctor.

25 weeks Pregnant: Wellness and Nutrition

What should you avoid during pregnancy? Doctors agree that you should avoid the following:

  • Activities that may cause you to fall, or that place pressure or force on your belly
  • Intense, overly vigorous exercise – if you’re too out of breath to talk, you’re probably exercising too hard.
  • Drinking alcohol, smoking, and caffeine (ask your doctor how much caffeine you should consume each day)
  • Sweeteners such as saccharine and herbal sweeteners (ask your doctor if artificial sweeteners are appropriate)
  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications (check with your doctor about what’s safe during pregnancy)
  • Paint, cleaning products, and solvents can expose you to chemicals and fumes. Acrylic and latex paints are generally considered safe. However, you should consult your doctor before helping around the house or in the nursery.
  • Saunas and hot tubs
  • Chemical treatments for your hair, such as dye and perms

25 weeks pregnancy symptoms

Your body undergoes many changes to give your baby-to-be enough room to grow. Some of these changes are comforting—your rounded belly and your full breasts, for example—while other signs can be troubling. Keep in mind that many of these physical changes will last only until your baby arrives.

Upper abdominal pain

The uterus is growing rapidly, putting pressure on organs like the bladder, intestines, and stomach. This can cause mild pain in the upper abdomen that may extend to the lower abdomen or sides of your stomach. The pressure on your abdomen can also cause pain when you cough or sneeze.

Lower abdominal pain

The uterus is growing rapidly and putting pressure on your bladder, intestines, and stomach. This can cause lower abdominal pain that may feel like mild cramping or a dull ache in the pelvic region. Back pain. The growing weight of your uterus on your spine can cause back pain that typically becomes worse as pregnancy progresses.

Leg cramps

The weight of your uterus can put pressure on your veins and cause leg cramps or swelling. You may also experience varicose veins in your legs due to increased blood flow. Neck pain. As the baby grows, it puts more pressure on the spinal cord, which runs down through your neck and back. This can cause mild pain in the neck area that may extend into your shoulders and arms.

Back pain

Your growing uterus can put pressure on your spine and cause back pain. The weight of the baby can also cause sciatica, which is when pain shoots down the back of one leg due to compression in the spinal cord. Backache. Your growing uterus may cause you to experience mild to moderate lower back pain or stiffness in your lower abdomen around this time.

Sleeping difficulties

You may find it harder to get comfortable when you’re pregnant. Your growing abdomen can make it more difficult for you to find a position that feels good, and your joints may be sore from carrying extra weight. You might also experience restless leg syndrome, which is when you feel like your legs are moving even though they aren’t. This happens because the joints in the body release chemicals that cause itching or tingling sensations when they are irritated by things like pregnancy hormones.

Swollen Ankels

You may be experiencing swollen ankles, which is common during pregnancy. This happens because the increased levels of hormones in your body cause fluid to accumulate in your tissues, including those that line the walls of your veins and arteries. It’s usually not a cause for concern unless you have swelling in both legs or it lasts longer than two weeks.

Breast changes and tenderness

Tenderness and slight alterations in the shape of your breasts are common pregnancy symptoms around the 25th week. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are responsible for these alterations, which help your body get ready for breastfeeding after giving birth. You might find that your breasts are more sensitive to touch and feel fuller than usual.

Fatigue (constant tiredness or weakness)

One of the most typical symptoms of early pregnancy is fatigue, which frequently starts at this point. Although there are many causes of exhaustion during pregnancy (including changes in hormone levels), some research indicates that inadequate sleep brought on by nighttime awakenings from unpleasant sleeping positions may also be a role.

Heartburn or gas

There may be a rise in heartburn and flatulence during the 25th week of pregnancy. This is because progesterone produces a decrease in the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which typically prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and discomfort by allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Try spreading your meals out more, staying away from items that are known to cause heartburn (such spicy foods), and drinking lots of water.

Mood swings and crying spells

The 25th week of pregnancy is a vulnerable time for women, when they are more likely to experience mood swings and crying spells. Until your hormone levels settle, this will have an impact on your mental and emotional well-being. This is a common occurrence for pregnant women; one study indicated that 75% of women felt emotional shifts like irritability or depression in the first trimester.

Pregnant stretch marks

In the 25th week of pregnancy, stretch marks, sometimes called striae gravidarum, may occur on the belly. Stretch marks form when the skin is forced apart and then stretched beyond its natural elasticity, as happens during rapid growth or weight gain (like pregnancy)

Indigestion, or constipation

During the 25th week of pregnancy, you may suffer gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or constipation. Pregnancy hormones like progesterone and estrogen might increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues including indigestion. These hormones slow down digestion by relaxing the digestive tract, preventing food from being swallowed whole. You can reduce the frequency and severity of indigestion during pregnancy by cutting out on high-fat and sugary foods and eating more often, smaller meals (like sweets or fried foods).

Swelling (edema)

Your body retains water to provide the necessary fluids for your growing baby-to-be. You can prevent much of this swelling from drinking plenty of fluids and keeping your legs up. You may also want to purchase socks designed to improve the circulation in your feet.

Bleeding gums

Your blood volume has increased dramatically to provide nutrients to your baby-to-be. This increase, along with swelling caused by pregnancy hormones, might make your gums bleed.

Skin spots

The skin’s pigmentation may deepen around certain parts of your body during pregnancy, such as your nipples and freckles. You may also notice spots of color on your face, called the mask of pregnancy or chloasma. These pigmentation changes will fade after your baby’s born.

25 weeks pregnant belly size (baby bumb)

By the 25th week of pregnancy, your uterus has expanded to the size of a soccer ball. During your pregnancy, you will gain between 15 and 18 pounds (7-8 kg) and between 25 and 40 pounds (11-18 kg). Around this period, many women begin to develop extra water weight. Those swings are to be expected as long as your weight growth is healthy.

A baby’s movements will become more consistent and robust as time goes on. You should expect a lot of flips, hops, and kicks. Your infant may also begin to respond to sounds like your voice and other people talking.

Braxton Hicks at 25 weeks Pregnant

At 25 weeks pregnant, you may find that your Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming more frequent and intense. You may feel them in your back or lower abdomen, and they may last anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes. If you’re having regular contractions, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any pain or discomfort you experience during them.

Braxton Hicks are common during the third trimester. You may not even notice them because they feel like mild discomfort or a dull ache in your lower abdomen. They’re also called practice contractions because they prepare your body for real labor by getting it ready to push out a baby when the time comes.

25 weeks pregnant ultrasound

Unless you’re being closely monitored by your doctor, you won’t need an ultrasound at 25 weeks pregnant. To rule out gestational diabetes, a glucose challenge screening test should be performed between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy.

The importance of prenatal vitamins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need a greater amount of folic acid and iron. Why? Here are some reasons:

Folic acid prevents neural tube defects

These defects affect the fetal brain and spinal cord in a significant way. Preferably, you should begin taking extra folic acid three months before you become pregnant.

The placenta and baby require iron to develop

The body uses iron to make blood to supply oxygen to the baby. Additionally, iron helps prevent anemia, a condition in which the blood lacks healthy red blood cells

It’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to find out which are the best prenatal vitamins to take before pregnancy, and how to calculate your expected delivery date.

25 weeks pregnant hCG levels

At 25 weeks pregnant, your hCG levels can range from about 4,060 – 165,400+ mIU/m. 

Explore more in your pregnancy week-by-week

Follow your pregnancy week-by-week to find out how your baby is growing and what is happening to your body.

First Trimester Weeks:

Pregnancy Week 1

Pregnancy Week 1

Pregnancy Week 2

Pregnancy Week 3

Pregnancy Week 4

Pregnancy Week 5

Pregnancy Week 6

Pregnancy Week 7

Pregnancy week 8

Pregnancy week 9

Pregnancy week 10

Pregnancy week 11

Pregnancy week 12

​Second Trimester Weeks

Pregnancy week 13

Pregnancy week 14

Pregnancy week 15

Pregnancy week 16

Pregnancy week 17

Pregnancy week 18

Pregnancy week 19

Pregnancy week 20

Pregnancy week 21

Pregnancy week 22

Pregnancy week 23

Pregnancy week 24

Pregnancy Week 25

Pregnancy Week 26

Pregnancy Week 27

Third Trimester Weeks

Pregnancy Week 28

Pregnancy Week 29

Pregnancy Week 30

Pregnancy Week 31

Pregnancy Week 32

Pregnancy Week 33

Pregnancy Week 34

Pregnancy Week 35

Pregnancy Week 36

Pregnancy Week 37

Pregnancy Week 38

Pregnancy Week 39

Pregnancy Week 40

Pregnancy Week 41

Pregnancy Week 42

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