Week 25 of Pregnancy – As your baby grows bigger and you are noticeably pregnant, there are a lot of changes that you will want to be aware of! From your babies brand and nervous system developing to the occasional braxton hicks, let’s dive into it all in your twenty fifth week of pregnancy.
📝 Key Takeaways
- Your baby now weighs around 1.5 to 2 pounds and is about 13.5 inches long — roughly the size of a rutabaga.
- You may experience more pronounced Braxton Hicks contractions, swelling, and sleep difficulties.
- Baby’s nervous system and lungs are developing rapidly this week.
- Your uterus is now the size of a soccer ball.
- Consider a glucose screening test this week to check for gestational diabetes.
- Emotional changes may increase as hormonal shifts continue.
📏 How Big Is My Baby at 25 Weeks?
At 25 weeks pregnant, your baby is roughly 13.5 inches long (34–35 cm) and weighs about 1.5 to 2 pounds (680–900 g). That’s about the size of a rutabaga or cauliflower.
Your baby is gaining fat more quickly now and developing distinct facial features. Their skin, though still thin, is becoming more opaque as fat deposits increase.
👶 Baby Development at 25 Weeks
Baby is changing so much and the twenty fifth week of pregnancy is so important. Here are some incredible changes your little one will be doing this week!
🧠 Brain and Nervous System
Your baby’s brain is developing rapidly, particularly the optic nerve and auditory pathways. They can likely recognize your voice and may even respond to external sounds with movement.
🫁 Lungs Preparing for Life Outside
Although your baby cannot breathe air just yet, their lungs are forming alveoli — tiny air sacs essential for breathing. Blood vessels are also developing to support respiration after birth.
👀 Vision Development
Even though the eyelids remain mostly shut, baby’s eyes are beginning to form pigments and develop reflexes to light. You might even feel kicks when bright light shines through your belly.
🤰 Your Body at 25 Weeks Pregnant
Changes are happening to your body every day! Here are some things to look out for during your 25 week of pregnancy:
📈 Weight Gain and Uterine Growth
By now, your uterus is about the size of a soccer ball. You’ve likely gained between 15 to 18 pounds, although this varies depending on your pre-pregnancy weight and health.
😴 Trouble Sleeping
With your growing belly, sleep may be more uncomfortable. You might struggle to find a good position or wake up frequently. A pregnancy pillow and side-sleeping (preferably on your left side) can help.
💥 Braxton Hicks Contractions
These “practice” contractions may start to become more noticeable. They usually go away with rest or hydration but should not be regular or painful.
🦶 Swelling (Edema)
Mild swelling of feet and ankles is common due to increased fluid retention and pressure on veins. Elevating your legs, drinking water, and wearing compression socks can help manage it.
🩺 Recommended Prenatal Tests and Checkups
There are some recommended tests and check-ups at this time. Here are two of them that are very important:
🍩 Glucose Screening
Week 24 to 28 is the window for a glucose challenge test, which checks for gestational diabetes. You’ll drink a sugary drink and have your blood sugar tested an hour later.
If your results are abnormal, you may need a 3-hour glucose tolerance test to confirm.
💉 Blood Pressure Monitoring
Your provider will monitor your blood pressure regularly to check for signs of preeclampsia, a potentially serious condition that can arise in the second half of pregnancy.
🧠 Emotional Health and Well-being
Your emotional health and well-being is paramount. We want to make sure that you are feeling as good as possible through out your pregnancy. Here are some things to look out for and acknowledge during this time:
😢 Mood Fluctuations
You might feel more sensitive or emotional this week. Hormonal changes combined with physical discomfort can impact your mental state. Be gentle with yourself and lean on supportive people.
🧘♀️ Stress Management Tips
Make this pregnancy as comfortable as possible. Here are some stress management tips to help you regulate your calm.
- Gentle prenatal yoga or stretching
- Short daily walks
- Journaling or coloring
- Listening to calming music
- Talking to a trusted friend or professional
🛒 Week 25 Pregnancy Checklist
Make sure to do these things this week to stay organized!
- ✅ Schedule your glucose screening test
- ✅ Begin looking into birth classes or doula services
- ✅ Purchase or borrow a pregnancy pillow
- ✅ Review your maternity leave plan with your employer
- ✅ Keep up with hydration and fiber to prevent constipation
🥗 Nutrition Tips at 25 Weeks Pregnant
There are some easy nutrition tips to keep in mind this week. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about the following:
🧃 Stay Hydrated
Aim for 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Proper hydration helps manage swelling and keeps your amniotic fluid levels balanced.
🧀 Calcium and Magnesium
As your baby’s bones continue to develop, ensure you’re getting 1000 mg of calcium daily from dairy, leafy greens, or fortified foods. Magnesium helps reduce muscle cramps and aids calcium absorption.
🍓 Iron and Vitamin C
Your blood volume has increased dramatically, so iron is crucial. Pair iron-rich foods (like red meat, spinach, or lentils) with Vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges or bell peppers) for better absorption.
🧘 Movement and Exercise
Safe Exercises in the Second Trimester
- Walking (low-impact and great for circulation)
- Prenatal yoga or Pilates
- Swimming
- Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)
Avoid: contact sports, exercises requiring you to lie flat on your back, or anything that strains your abdominal wall excessively.
🧼 Common Symptoms This Week
You may be experiencing some major changes! Here are a few of them that can be a pain but are quite normal:
| Symptom | What’s Happening | Tips for Relief |
|---|---|---|
| Braxton Hicks | Uterus practicing for labor | Rest, stay hydrated, change positions |
| Swelling | Increased fluid and pressure on veins | Elevate feet, wear loose clothes, hydrate |
| Hemorrhoids | Pressure + constipation | Eat fiber, drink water, use witch hazel pads |
| Skin changes | Stretch marks, dark line (linea nigra) | Use moisturizers, embrace these natural changes |
| Backache | Changing posture and weight | Prenatal massage, warm compresses, proper footwear |
🏠 Preparing for Baby
There are many ways that you can prepare for baby to make it easier for yourself. Here are some easy ways:
🧺 Start Setting Up Baby’s Space
Even if baby won’t sleep in their nursery right away, start preparing a changing area, organizing clothes, and setting up your diapering station.
📚 Learn About Infant Care
This is a great time to begin learning more about:
- Feeding options (breastfeeding, formula)
- Sleep safety guidelines
- Newborn care basics (bathing, diapering, soothing)
👨👩👧 Partner Tip of the Week
Husbands or partners play a special role in getting ready for baby. There are many ways to help them connect with all of the changes going on with you and your baby during pregnancy:
Partners can help by:
- Attending prenatal appointments or listening in
- Preparing healthy snacks and meals
- Giving foot rubs or massages
- Offering emotional support when moods shift
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions by parents who are experiencing the twenty fifth week of pregnancy:
Can I still sleep on my back at 25 weeks?
It’s best to avoid sleeping flat on your back from this stage forward, as your growing uterus can compress major veins. Try sleeping on your side, especially the left.
Is swelling in the feet normal during week 25?
Yes, mild swelling is common due to increased fluid retention and circulatory demands. However, sudden or severe swelling should be evaluated by your healthcare provider.
How do I know if it’s Braxton Hicks or real contractions?
Braxton Hicks are irregular, mild, and go away with rest or hydration. Real labor contractions become regular, more intense, and don’t subside.
When do I take the gestational diabetes test?
Most providers recommend taking it between 24–28 weeks, so Week 25 is right in that window.
Is it too early to buy baby gear?
Not at all! Many families start preparing now so they’re not overwhelmed later in the third trimester.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Week 25 is a turning point — your baby is growing stronger, and your bond is deepening. You’re preparing your body and heart for parenthood, and it’s okay to feel both excited and a little anxious. Embrace the changes, ask for help when needed, and keep caring for yourself inside and out.
📚 References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Your pregnancy and childbirth: Month to month (7th ed.). https://www.acog.org
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Pregnancy week by week. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week
- March of Dimes. (2024). 25 weeks pregnant. Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org
- NHS. (2023). You and your baby at 25 weeks pregnant. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/25-to-26/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Gestational diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html
