Congratulations! If you’re 25 weeks pregnant, you’ve officially entered the sixth month of your pregnancy journey. This is a special stage of pregnancy where your baby bump becomes more noticeable and engaging. As your body continues to adapt to the growing life inside, it’s essential to understand what changes to expect, what symptoms are normal, and what you should be doing to prepare for the future. Read the blog to learn and understand more about what to expect at this time of your pregnancy.
Pregnancy Developments and symptoms at 25 Weeks Pregnant
At this stage, your “bump” will be around the size of a football. You are now well into the second trimester of your pregnancy. Many women feel more comfortable during this time than in the first or third trimester, as the morning sickness has usually stopped and the tiredness and discomfort of the final trimester have not yet started.
However, you may also experience:
- hemorrhoids
- constipation
- heartburn and indigestion
- varicose veins
- snoring
- restless leg syndrome
- pelvic pain
- rapid hair and nail growth
- swelling in the hands and feet, due to water retention
- weight gain
You may also experience some of the below symptoms:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
You might have noticed some changes in your wrists or fingers during this time of pregnancy. Maybe some tingling or stiffness? It could be a case of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is often associated with action requiring repeated movements like typing.
It’s caused by the swelling that’s common in pregnancy, leading to the extra fluid putting pressure on the nerve that runs through your wrist, causing numbness, tingling, or pain in your fingers, hands, or wrist.
If you are having these symptoms, it is important you have a chat with your pediatrician.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs):
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common during the 25th week of pregnancy, and they may be caused or aggravated by not urinating promptly or completely.
One sign of a UTI is a need to urinate frequently during pregnancy. Another is a feeling of urgency—like you really need to go—but nothing happens. You may feel burning or pain when you urinate, or your urine may have an unpleasant odour.
If you have these symptoms, call your doctor/pediatrician right away. UTIs are easily cured but can cause very serious complications if left untreated during pregnancy.
Hormones
Pregnancy-related emotional changes and perhaps mood swings can result from hormonal changes. These are most common in the first and third trimesters, as major hormonal changes occur, but they tend to be more stable in the second trimester.
The following tips may help:
- eat a regular, healthful diet, and avoid overeating
- take some moderate exercise every day, such as walking
- join a yoga class or do relaxation
- make sure you get enough sleep
Baby development
Your growing baby now measures 35 cm from crown to heel and weighs approximately 680 g. Around this week, the baby’s eyelids open for the first time. The brain, lungs, and digestive system are formed but not fully developed.
Head and neck: The auditory and visual systems are activated by fetal brain waves; the lips and mouth are increasingly sensitive; vision is improving with responses to light; and the eyelids can move. Permanent teeth buds are high in the gums. The nostrils are open.
Lungs: These are developing quickly, but they are not mature at this point. They produce a surfactant that will help them expand after delivery.
Blood: Small blood vessels are forming under the skin, called capillaries.
Heart rate is now around 140 beats per minute. During gestation, the heartbeat is much faster than it will be after delivery.
The baby continues to gain weight rapidly.
25 Weeks Pregnant: What you should be preparing for
- To check for symptoms of gestational diabetes, do a glucose screening test.
- Get week-by-week expert tips on pregnancy to keep track of your baby’s development & to ensure the well-being of both you & your baby during the entire nine-month journey!
- Plan your maternity leave if you are working
- Begin gathering some of the things you’ll want for your time in the hospital: comfortable clothes, toiletries, anything your baby will require.
- Maintain regular prenatal appointments and discuss any concerns or symptoms with your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Always consult with healthcare professionals for guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Enroll in our free lactation webinar to understand more about pain suffered during breastfeeding, possible causes, and solutions for the same.