Congratulations! You are 25 weeks pregnant and just a few weeks from entering your third trimester. So, you are officially in your sixth week of pregnancy, and you may notice major changes in your body at this time as your baby grows rapidly.
This detailed guide below will take you through what happens exactly at this stage: your baby’s development, the changes in your body and what symptoms to expect.
What’s Happening in Your Body at 25 Weeks
Some major changes occur in your body around this time. You may feel:
1. Swelling & Puffiness
Some swelling in your hands, face or feet is normal during this stage. 1 The main reason for this swelling is water retention. However, it is important to let your doctor or midwife know if you face any of these problems:
- You suddenly develop a swelling, or the swelling becomes severe
- Have blurry vision or other vision issues
- You experience pain below your ribs
- There are moderate to severe headaches
All these could be signs of pre-clampsia, a medical condition that may seem fatal if not attended to immediately.
2. Whooping Cough Vaccination
Many doctors suggest a whooping cough vaccine, but if you have missed it, now is the right time to discuss it with your doctor. Usually, it is offered between 16 to 32 weeks.This vaccine helps protect your baby from whooping cough during the early months after birth.
3. Feeling Gassy or Full After Eating
Indigestion and heartburn are pretty common around week 25 of pregnancy. As your uterus grows, it starts to take up more space and can press against your stomach. This pressure might cause you to experience:
– A burning sensation in your chest
– Bloating
– Nausea
– Burping
To ease these uncomfortable feelings, try eating lighter meals, steering clear of spicy or fatty foods, and cutting back on caffeine.
4. If You’re Pregnant and Coping with Pregnancy Alone
If you’re going through pregnancy alone, it’s completely normal to feel anxious about money or finding emotional support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or midwife; they’re there to help and can connect you with local support groups.
Common Pregnancy Symptoms when you are 25 weeks Pregnant
At this stage, you may experience:
- Tiredness & trouble sleeping
- Stretch marks
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Round ligament pain (sharp belly-side pain due to stretching uterus)
- Piles (haemorrhoids)
- Indigestion & heartburn
- Headaches
- Backache
- Nosebleeds
- Bloating & constipation
- Oilier, spot-prone skin
- Leg cramps
- Dizziness
- Feeling unusually hot
- Darkened patches on your face (chloasma)
- Vaginal or urinary infections
- Thicker, shinier hair
You may also still notice early-pregnancy symptoms such as:
- Mood swings
- Cravings or aversions
- Morning sickness
- Heightened smell
- Breast tenderness or leakage
Speak to your healthcare provider if anything feels persistent, severe, or unusual.
Your Baby’s Development at 25 Weeks
At this stage, your baby measures about 34.6 cm (head to bottom) – roughly the size of a courgette – and is becoming more active every day.
This is an energetic time for your baby. Loud sounds may make your baby jump, kick, or squirm. You might even feel light hiccups. Your baby is now peeing regularly, and most of the amniotic fluid around them is baby urine. This fluid cushions your baby and helps regulate temperature.
Tips for Week 25 of Pregnancy
Here are a few habits that actually make a difference right now:
- Drink water throughout the day, and try to eat meals packed with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and protein.
- Indulge in light physical activity – maybe go for a walk, or try some prenatal yoga. It helps with those aches and keeps your blood flowing.
- Wear loose, airy clothes. As your body temperature goes up, you’ll want to stay cool and comfortable.
- Avoid Alcohol & Smoking as both can negatively affect your baby’s development.
- Seek Support – If you’re feeling overwhelmed emotionally, physically, or financially, speak to your doctor or midwife for guidance.
Wrapping Up
At 25 weeks pregnant, you’re moving closer to your third trimester – a perfect time to plan key decisions for your baby’s future. One of the most important choices you can make is preserving your baby’s stem cells at birth.
Stem cell banking provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to store your baby’s umbilical cord stem cells, which may support treatment for 90+ serious illnesses for your baby and 80+ for your family in case a need arises. To explore how stem cell preservation works and why thousands of parents trust LifeCell.
