25th week – Pregnancy week by week
Are You in Your 25th Week of Pregnancy? Here’s What You Need to Know
Pregnancy brings both joy and concerns, especially as you enter the seventh month. Many women feel excited about the upcoming baby while also experiencing a bit of anxiety about the approaching delivery. If you’re in your 25th week, you’re likely feeling a mixture of emotions—joyful anticipation balanced with the realities of the physical and emotional changes happening to your body.
We understand these concerns well, and in this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into what you might expect in this phase, how your baby is developing, and the best ways to take care of yourself during these critical weeks.
Let’s start by addressing the physical changes you and your baby are going through during the 25th week of pregnancy.
How Is Your Body Changing This Week?
By the 25th week, your body has already been through some significant changes, but new ones are still coming. You may notice discomforts such as backaches, difficulty sitting and standing, and tingling in your hands and feet.
These symptoms can be attributed to the increased pressure on your body as your baby grows. The growing uterus now stretches midway between your belly button and your chest bone (sternum), and this can sometimes feel overwhelming.
You may also feel more fatigued than usual, and that’s perfectly normal. The extra weight your body is carrying and the hormonal shifts are making it harder for you to move around comfortably.
What Is Your Baby Doing in Week 25?
At 25 weeks, your baby is going through rapid development. One of the most significant changes happening this week is the increase in your baby’s weight and size. At this stage, the baby measures around 13 inches and weighs between 700 and 750 grams.
The skin that used to look wrinkled due to lack of fat is now starting to smooth out as fat begins to accumulate under the skin. This fat is essential for temperature regulation after birth.
Interestingly, while the baby’s eyelids remain closed, the eyes can already sense light. This is because the rods and cones in the baby’s eyes—the cells responsible for detecting light—are maturing.
Even though the baby is still in your womb, their brain and lungs are developing rapidly, preparing them for life outside the womb.
Why Do You Feel Tired and Stressed?
As your pregnancy progresses, it’s natural to feel more fatigued and even slightly weak. There are several factors at play here. First, the physical changes in your body, like the expanding uterus, add strain to your back and other muscles, leading to discomfort. Second, hormonal fluctuations can disrupt your sleep patterns, leaving you feeling exhausted even after a night’s rest.
Emotionally, the closer you get to your delivery date, the more thoughts you may have about the process itself. Questions like “Will everything go smoothly?” and “How will I handle the pain of labor?” are common concerns. Anxiety about childbirth and becoming a new parent can affect your mental health.
However, maintaining a positive attitude is critical. Stress can have real consequences on your health and the baby’s development, so it’s vital to find ways to stay calm, happy, and well-supported.
What Should You Focus on in Terms of Nutrition and Health?
The importance of a balanced diet and proper hydration cannot be overstated at this stage of pregnancy. Your body is working hard to nourish both you and your baby, which means it’s crucial to consume enough proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids is also important.
One interesting point to note is the concept of fetal origins of adult diseases, a theory brought forward by British epidemiologist Dr. David Barker.
This hypothesis suggests that certain adult diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can have their roots in conditions that were present during fetal development. Babies with low birth weight are more susceptible to these conditions later in life.
How Does Low Blood Flow to the Baby Affect Their Health?
Sometimes, the blood flow to your baby can become restricted due to various factors. This might be because of poor eating habits, excessive stress, or issues with the placenta. When blood flow is reduced, the baby adapts by redirecting blood primarily to the brain, which is the most crucial organ for survival. This means that other parts of the baby’s body may not receive as much blood as they need, which could lead to lower birth weight.
After birth, these low-birth-weight babies are often given extra nutrition to catch up on their growth. However, it’s important to be cautious. Rapid weight gain after birth, known as “catch-up growth,” can lead to metabolic disturbances. This includes a higher risk of conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease as the baby grows older.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Stress Levels Low?
Managing stress during pregnancy is incredibly important for both your mental and physical health. Make sure you engage in activities that keep you relaxed and happy.
What Advice Do We Have for the Dad-to-Be?
Expecting fathers play a huge role during this time. Your partner is going through a lot, both physically and emotionally, so your support can make a significant difference. Make sure she is well taken care of—help her with daily tasks, ensure she’s eating well, and make sure she stays hydrated.
This is also a fun time to start thinking about your baby’s name. While some families choose to wait until the baby is born and use astrological signs to determine a name, it doesn’t hurt to start brainstorming now.
Wrapping up
The 25th week of pregnancy is a significant milestone in your journey to parenthood. It’s essential to stay focused on your health, maintain a balanced diet, and keep your stress levels as low as possible. Your baby is growing rapidly, and every decision you make right now can impact their development.
At 25 weeks into your pregnancy, prioritizing your health is crucial for both you and your baby. Make informed choices about your diet and wellness to ensure a smooth journey to parenthood.
For expert guidance and personalized care, consult Supriya Puranik, the leading pregnancy specialist in Pune. Take the next step in your pregnancy journey—schedule your appointment today!
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About Author
Dr. Supriya Puranik
Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist
Dr. Supriya Puranik, a renowned gynaecologist and infertility expert, leads the IVF & Gynaecology department at Sahyadri Hospitals Momstory in Shivaji Nagar, Pune. She is committed to helping couples overcome infertility challenges.
