INFOGRAPHICPREGNANCY

25 Weeks Pregnant: Baby’s Size, Common Symptoms, Tips & To-Dos

By Stacey Feintuch
Reviewed by Alyssa Quimby, M.D.
March 02, 2023
baby size at 25 weeks pregnant diagram

You’re 25 weeks pregnant! That means you’re in your sixth month of pregnancy and nearing the end of your second trimester. And there are about 15 more weeks until you meet your little one.

It’s often an exciting time, full of change. Gratefully, any nausea you may have had is likely going away. Your body is continuing to transform, too, with changes to your breasts and maybe even your belly button. And so much is continuing to happen with your developing baby.

Here’s what to expect at 25 weeks pregnant.

Baby Size, Development, and Milestones at 25 Weeks Pregnant

At 25 weeks, your future baby is the size of a papaya. Head to toe, they’re about 13.27 inches, and weigh in at about 1.73 pounds, according to averages. At week 25, your provider may measure your fundal height (that’s the measurement of the belly from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus) at around 23 to 27 centimeters (cm), too.

Your developing fetus is storing fat now, which means they’ll start filling out more quickly. The nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) is developing rapidly. That system will help your future baby think, feel, and move.

Their nostrils are starting to open, too. And when your baby is sleeping, most of it is spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. That’s when the eyes move quickly even as the eyelids are closed.

Your baby might respond to your voice and other familiar sounds with movement beginning around this week. Try talking to them and feeling for movement or kicks!

Common Symptoms at 25 Weeks Pregnant

Here’s what you may be feeling this week.

Shortness of Breath

Your lungs and diaphragm are somewhat crowded, courtesy of your growing uterus pressing on your abdomen. Generally, feeling a bit winded isn’t cause for alarm, and you can try these tips to help ease shortness of breath. If your shortness of breath is sudden or severe, check in with your doctor for their guidance.

Less Fatigue and Nausea

The second trimester is often the best part of pregnancy for many people because they aren’t as tired and morning sickness has subsided. Fatigue and queasiness may be much less common now than in the first trimester.

Still, about 1 in 5 pregnancies may have full-term morning sickness, so you’re not alone if you’re still not feeling your best. For some relief, turn to morning sickness remedies. And remember that your provider is here to help you with any concerns.

Round Ligament Pain

The round ligament supports your uterus, and as it stretches, you may feel some pain. The pain can be sharp and/or shooting in your hip, groin, or abdomen. You may feel it on one or both sides of your body. This often happens with movement (like turning over in bed) and tends to be short-lived. If the pain doesn’t ease right away, or is happening frequently, talk to your provider.

Other Aches and Pains

Your body grows as your fetus does. You may feel more aches and pains in your back or hips thanks to your belly’s growth. You may also have stretch marks and swelling, as well as foot cramps, leg cramps, or restless legs.

Your Body and Mind at Week 25

There’s likely more happening with your body, too. Here’s what you may notice.

Varicose Veins

Your growing fetus can slow blood flow as your uterus presses on your blood vessels. As a result, the veins in your legs may swell or enlarge. Varicose veins, as they’re called, may be more obvious as your pregnancy goes on.

They tend to disappear after you give birth. But if you find them bothersome, learn what you can do about varicose veins.

Breast Changes

Your breasts may get bigger, but that’s likely not the only difference. They’re preparing for milk production, so they may also feel sore or tender. They may also get some blue veins as your blood supply rises. Nipples may darken and may leak colostrum, a yellowish fluid that’s the first milk given after you deliver.

Belly Button Changes

If you had an innie belly button, it may now be an outie. That’s because your uterus is starting to push out your abdomen, maybe enough to cause your belly button to pop outward. This change is harmless and expected. The skin around your belly button may become more sensitive with these changes as well. Typically, your belly button will return to how it looked before within a few months of you giving birth.

Desire to Nest

Nesting is when you find yourself organizing, buying baby gear, and readying your nursery space for your baby’s arrival. It’s common to want to prepare as much as possible for your baby, but it’s also important to find ways to manage stress and not overdo it.

Preparation and Tips at 25 Weeks Pregnant

Continue to live healthfully—that means keep eating right, exercising, taking your prenatal vitamins, and attending all your prenatal visits. Additionally, the following tips are good to consider this week.

Get Glucose Testing

At this point in pregnancy, you’re seeing your doctor once a month. And around this time, they’ll want to do a standard screening called the glucose challenge test.

If your provider finds that your blood sugar levels are high, they may also request a three-hour test called the glucose tolerance test. This test helps them diagnose (or rule out) gestational diabetes.

Getting the glucose tolerance test? Typically, you’ll be asked not to eat or drink anything except water on the day of the test. Your blood will be drawn to get a fasting sample. Then, you’ll drink a special glucose (sugar) solution. A healthcare professional will take a blood sample every hour for three hours to check your body’s glucose levels over time.

This test is important. If you discover you have gestational diabetes during this screening, you and your provider can take steps to manage it and help ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Shop for a New Bra, If Needed

You’ll likely increase a cup size or two throughout your pregnancy. Now may be a good time to shop for a new bra that’s comfortable and supportive. Look for one that’s cotton or made with natural fibers; these tend to be soft and nonrestrictive. Choose one with wide straps that won’t dig into your skin. Maternity bras or nursing bras are good options you can wear in the future, too. And because they usually don’t have underwires, they’ll be comfortable.

If the exercise you do requires a sports bra, consider finding one that fits you comfortably at this point, as well.

Start Babyproofing Your Home

As you near your third trimester, start babyproofing your home. Parenting classes can help you learn how to babyproof your space so it’s safer for your little one’s arrival and beyond.

Pamper Yourself

If you’ve let self-care rituals fall by the wayside, it’s time to address that. Schedule a nail appointment or give yourself a mani-pedi, carve out time for reading a good book, get some feel-good movement in, or do some other self-care you enjoy. Take care of you!

Talk to Your Baby

Try speaking to your baby in a loving and calm tone—they may move around in response. Call your baby by their name (if you have one picked out), have a conversation, or read a book aloud to them. This can be a soothing (or exciting!) activity for both of you as you bond.

Create a Plan to Avoid Overthinking

This week offers you a good opportunity to hit reset. Head to the week 25 activity to create a plan for the next time you may start overthinking. This activity will help you focus on the present and stop dwelling on the hard stuff while you connect with your baby.

What Others Are Talking About at 25 Weeks Pregnant

The glucose test and positive or negative news about gestational diabetes may be on your mind this week—it’s on other members’ minds, too. Here are conversations you might find interesting this week:

Want to know more about your pregnancy week by week?

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