Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider.
At 25 weeks, your baby is about the size of a cauliflower—roughly 13.5 inches long and weighing about 1.5 pounds. Your baby responds actively to your voice and external sounds, and their brain is developing at an extraordinary rate. You’re approaching the third trimester, and preparations for your baby’s arrival are becoming more concrete.
Baby Development at 25 Weeks
Your baby measures about 13.5 inches and weighs approximately 1.5 pounds. The brain is developing rapidly with more complex neural structures forming. Your baby can now respond to familiar voices and may startle at loud sounds.
Fat deposits continue building under the skin, making your baby less wrinkled. The nostrils are beginning to open, and your baby practices breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. Hair may be growing on the head, and the body is becoming more proportional.
Your Body This Week
Your uterus is now about the size of a soccer ball. The fundal height (distance from pubic bone to top of uterus) should be approximately 25 centimeters. You may notice more pronounced Braxton Hicks contractions, increased back pain, and shortness of breath as your uterus pushes up toward your diaphragm.
Hemorrhoids may develop due to increased blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus. These are uncomfortable but common and usually resolve after delivery.
Common Symptoms at 25 Weeks
Shortness of breath: Your growing uterus pushes up on your diaphragm, reducing lung capacity. This is normal but can be uncomfortable.
Hemorrhoids: Increased blood flow and pressure from your uterus can cause swollen veins in the rectal area. Fiber, hydration, and avoiding straining help.
Tingling hands: Carpal tunnel syndrome from fluid retention can cause numbness and tingling in your hands, especially at night.
Continued back pain: Your expanding belly shifts your center of gravity. Exercise and good posture help.
What to Do This Week
Register for childbirth classes if you haven’t already. Most are attended during the third trimester.
Start researching pediatricians. Interview potential providers and check insurance coverage.
Create or update your baby registry. Start gathering essentials like a car seat, crib, and basic baby clothing.
Practice relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, meditation, and prenatal yoga prepare you mentally for labor and delivery.
Nutrition Spotlight: Vitamin A
Vitamin A supports your baby’s eye development, immune system, and cell growth. The recommended daily intake during pregnancy is 770 mcg RAE. Get it from sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, mangoes, eggs, and fortified dairy. Avoid supplements with preformed vitamin A (retinol) in excess, as high doses can be harmful. Beta-carotene from plant sources is safe. Visit our pregnancy nutrition guide.
When to Call Your Doctor
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking
- Regular painful contractions
- Severe headaches or vision changes
- Sudden severe swelling
- Decreased fetal movement
- Signs of preterm labor
See our when to call your doctor guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I short of breath?
Your growing uterus pushes up on your diaphragm, reducing lung capacity. This is normal and worsens in the third trimester before improving when the baby drops near delivery.
How can I prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
Eat high-fiber foods, drink plenty of water, avoid straining during bowel movements, and don’t sit for long periods. Kegel exercises also help improve blood flow to the area.
When should I start packing my hospital bag?
Start making a list now and begin packing around weeks 34-36. See our hospital bag checklist for what to include.
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