How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 25 Weeks?
At 25 weeks, you are about five months and two weeks pregnant. You are in the second trimester of your pregnancy. By now, your baby starts to move frequently and may respond to touch or sound. Here, we tell you more about the baby’s development in this week and how your body changes accordingly.
How Big Is Your Baby At 25 Weeks?
At 25 weeks, the baby is as big as a rutabaga (1). Your baby measures 13.6in (34.6cm) in length and weighs 1.46lb (660g) (2).
Baby Development At 25 Weeks
Here is how the organs are developing in this week: The baby moves vigorously at this time and follows a sleep pattern, which indicates that the baby is healthy and doing fine inside the womb. The fetus is small and has plenty of space inside the uterus to move around, and can attain different birthing positions before coming into the optimal position. The changes in this week may make you a little more uncomfortable than before. Read more about it next.
What Symptoms Of Pregnancy Do You Experience In The 25th Week?
The common symptoms in this week include: In addition to these, you might experience certain emotional and physical changes in this week.
Changes In The Body At 25 Weeks Of Pregnancy
Here are some changes you might experience during this week of pregnancy:
Physical changes:
The belly grows and seems a little protruded by this week.
The breasts grow in size, and the areola gets darker.
The skin stretches due to the growing uterus, leaving stretch marks.
The linea nigra gets darker.
The increase in hormonal levels makes the hair look fuller, shinier, and thicker.
Emotional changes:
Mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations are common during this week.
Anxiety about the upcoming labor and parenthood is also not uncommon in this phase. Image: Shutterstock
When To Call The Doctor
In the case of any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away (11):
You experience contractions once in every 10 minutes or more, often within one hour (five or more contractions in an hour)
Fluid leak from your vagina (rupture of the amniotic sac)
Menstrual-like cramps
Low, dull backache
Pelvic pressure
Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea
An unusual or sudden increase of vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding
Even if the symptoms are normal, make sure you meet the doctor during the regular OB/GYN visit.
Your OB/GYN Visit
Here is what you can expect during your OB/GYN visit:
Weight check
Blood pressure
Glucose tolerance test: If the glucose challenge test results are abnormal, the doctor would suggest the glucose tolerance test to measure the sugar level in the mother’s bloodstream. Image: Shutterstock
For the glucose challenge test, blood is drawn an hour after you drink glucose water, and is checked for increased blood sugar levels. In case of a positive test result, a glucose tolerance test will be done. This requires overnight fasting and blood will be drawn before you break the fast and is tested for sugar levels. This is followed by an hourly blood test for the next three hours. An abnormal test result is an indication of gestational diabetes (12). The doctor would recommend a healthy, low-sugar diet to keep gestational diabetes, if you have it, in control. Otherwise, you can follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to keep yourself and your baby healthy.
Tips For Mom-to-be
Here are the tips to follow for a healthy pregnancy:
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Keep stress at bay.
Eat home cooked food and include fish like salmon, pollock, anchovies, cod, shrimp, and catfish that are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Be sure to avoid tilefish, shark, swordfish and king mackerel that contain high levels of mercury.
Take prenatal vitamin supplements like iron and folic acid.
Avoid smoking, alcohol consumption as well as excess caffeine intake.
Rest enough.
Do moderate exercises like walking, pelvic floor strengthening, and stretching exercises, lower limb stretching exercises, and core muscle strengthening Image: Shutterstock Start with breathing exercises, abdominal breathing pattern, and diaphragmatic breathing to reduce shortness of breath. Aquanatal exercises will be comfortable.
Maintain oral hygiene to prevent any oral problems.
Wear loose, breathable clothes.
Do not take any medication without the doctor’s permission.
Avoid cleaning cat litters to avoid toxoplasmosis.
Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals.
Also,
Carry fruits and snacks to the office and eat them between breaks.
Spend time with family and friends.
Search for baby names.
Read books and participate in activities that make you happy.
Your partner can be a great support to you during this period by taking on some of your burdens.
Tips For Dad-to-be
Here’s what your partner can do:
Create a pleasant environment at your home.
Help you with the daily household chores.
Accompany you to your prenatal visits.
Can help in massaging upper back and legs.
Go for maternal shopping.
Plan a day out for a change and relaxed time together.
Give you a good neck and foot massage.
