25 Weeks Pregnant

As yet another week goes by, and you enter the week 25 of your pregnancy, you have crossed a whopping six months and are left with only three more months before you can hold your little one in your arms. You can still recollect the day when your pregnancy test came positive and you embarked on this beautiful journey. Your baby has grown well and now is as big as a cauliflower weighing approximately 680 grams. At 25 weeks pregnant, your baby from head to toe is around 13 inches tall. That is as much as a foot ruler you keep in your stationary box.

How Your Baby is Growing This Week?

The external appearance of the fetus this week resembles that of a newborn. Fat is gradually beginning to pile up beneath those skin layers and the skin which was earlier thin and transparent is now getting a pinkish appearance. This is mainly due to the blood capillaries which are forming and the layers of fat due to which you can no longer see through the skin. Hair is growing each day and pigmentation is set to begin.

As the sensory organs are developing each day, your baby is getting more and more responsive. A bright light will make him move his head in the other direction. You will also feel a reaction or kick in response to a loud sound or the whistle of a train. The nervous system connections are getting stronger by the day and the brain cortex and medulla are developing.

The most important development happening around this time is the maturing of the lungs and respiratory system. The lungs are producing surfactant and the blood vessels are forming in the lungs. As part of the breathing cycle, the nostrils of the baby which were clogged up until now are slowly opening up. Of course there is only amniotic fluid and that’s what the baby is breathing at this stage but once born, air will enter the nostrils and lungs. The lungs are however not developed completely till you are 28 weeks pregnant and if the baby was to arrive at this stage, then he/she would need assisted ventilation.

Changes in Your Body at 25 Weeks Pregnant

Your uterus is growing and is now the size of a soccer ball. The upper edge of the uterus is now between the sternum and belly button. The abdominal organs are pushed upwards and you are already feeling some discomfort. You may also have a very itchy pregnant belly. Calamine lotions will come of immense use at this stage.

Most of the pregnant women at some stage of their pregnancy, experience the irritating symptoms of hemorrhoids. They are basically engorged veins in the rectal area which occur due to constipation and the pressure of the growing uterus. They are harmless but can lead to pain and bleeding from the rectum. Any blood loss during pregnancy needs to be checked immediately as it can lower your hemoglobin counts.

Early pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, are no longer troubling you but swollen feet definitely are. Fluid retention and increased blood pressure can cause swelling of the feet. Make sure you keep your legs elevated and well supported while sitting.

Week 25 Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms

Of the three trimesters of pregnancy, the second trimester symptoms are the mildest ones. The signs of pregnancy at 25 weeks pregnant are similar to those of last week however you may notice a change in the intensity of the symptoms of pregnancy week by week. This will vary from person to person depending on their overall health and fitness levels.

Pelvic girdle pain
Breathlessness on exertion
Back pain
Itchiness of skin over abdomen, breasts and back
Acidity and indigestion
Braxton Hicks contractions
Round ligament pains
Stretch marks
Breast engorgement
Muscle cramps
Chloasma pigmentation
Linea Nigra
Sleep disturbances
Itching of skin without eruptions
Frequent urination
Mood changes
Pain in the pelvic region
Engorgement of breasts
Vivid dreams
Feeling baby’s movements
Steady weight gain
Visible baby bump
Darkening of certain areas of skin like armpits
Varicose veins
Hemorrhoids

It is common to have hemorrhoids during pregnancy as the uterus puts lot of pressure on the rectal veins and the constipation adds to the trouble. The only solution is taking a fiber rich diet and keeping constipation away. Also if you have bleeding, warm sitz bath is really effective.

Diagnostic Tests and Ultrasound Results in Week 25 of Pregnancy

This week the ultrasound will show your baby as an active little acrobat moving within the amniotic fluid. You are likely to be tested for blood sugar to screen for gestational diabetes. The glucose tolerance test is done now or upto 28 weeks pregnant. The doctor will monitor your blood pressure at every visit to ensure that you are not at a risk for preeclampsia.

The cervix, quantity of amniotic fluid, heart rate and position of the baby are checked at every visit. A due date calculator is also used to note your expected due date, which depends on your pregnancy week, baby’s weight and also your health.

Pregnancy Health Tips

Practice yoga and relaxation techniques to help you cope with the stress you are having.
Drink lots of water to keep away constipation.
In case you have a low hemoglobin count at 25 weeks pregnant, you may be advised to take an iron supplement. Anemia during pregnancy can be harmful for the mother and the baby.
If you have piles, warm sitz bath will help to relieve the pain and discomfort.
Avoid standing for long hours and keep your feet well supported to keep a check on those swollen feet.
You may be dizzy at times, always keep emergency contact numbers handy as you may need help.
Follow a diet rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. A well balanced diet will ensure that your baby gets all the necessary nutrients.
Consult your doctor for influenza vaccination in the second trimester.
Do pelvic floor (Kegels exercises) daily as they help to strengthen the pelvic muscles and ensure quick recovery post delivery.
Keep salt intake to the minimum if your blood pressure is on the higher side. Your doctor may prescribe some medication if the pressure is consistently high.
Bleeding during pregnancy along with cramps and a feeling of pressure in the pelvic area may be signs of preterm labor which you need to watch out for.

<<< 24 Weeks Pregnant | 26 Weeks Pregnant >>>