Pregnancy week twenty-five is an exciting one! Your baby can now respond to noises outside of the womb and will be moving more and more! While you might battle heartburn and indigestion, your baby has another growth spurt and is gearing up for life outside the womb.
But what else is happening at twenty-five weeks pregnant? That is what we are here to tell you! Keep reading for our in-depth and complete guide to the twenty-fifth week of pregnancy, including your common symptoms, what an ultrasound will show, and if a pregnancy is viable.
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 25 Weeks Pregnant?
- Will You Have A Positive Pregnancy Test At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
- Is Pregnancy Viable At 25 Weeks?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 25 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 25 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is about the size of a cauliflower
- Your baby is having a growth spurt this week
- Your baby now has formed lungs, but they aren’t ready to breathe outside the womb yet
- Your pregnancy is viable at twenty-five weeks, but your baby would need round-the-clock care
- Your common symptoms include headaches, tiredness, and stretch marks
- Your digestive tract is restricted by your growing baby, causing heartburn and indigestion for some women
- Your midwife might ask you to think about your birth plan
- Your baby’s movements will become more frequent as they respond to noise outside the womb
What Does It Mean To Be 25 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-five weeks pregnant, your baby is developing quickly! Your baby’s nose is developing and starting to function! Their lungs are also fully formed, but they are not yet able to function outside of your womb. As your baby grows this week, you will notice that your belly continues to grow. Your growing breasts might feel full or start to ache as your milk starts to come in.
You might also notice changes to your hair this week. Hormonal changes can make all the hair on your head seem thicker and fuller! Some pregnant people see more hair than usual, but this does fall out after pregnancy.
You are another week closer to your baby being born, and you might start thinking towards the arrival of your baby. Whether it is your first baby or not, you might consider your birth plan this week, what support you want in place, and whether you think you might be at risk for postpartum depression. Your midwife will be on hand to help you through this.
Will You Have A Positive Pregnancy Test Result At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
You might get a false negative pregnancy test result at twenty-five weeks pregnant. Pregnancy tests, particularly home pregnancy tests, measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine. hCG is a pregnancy hormone that your body produces high levels of during the first few months of pregnancy before levelling off and reducing.
At twenty-five weeks, your hVG levels might be too low for a pregnancy test to detect, giving you a false negative. You might have a pregnant belly and all the symptoms, but the test will read negative! Your doctor can offer an accurate pregnancy test at this stage, or an ultrasound can be used to confirm your pregnancy and check your baby’s development.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
You can have an ultrasound at twenty-five weeks pregnant if you wish. You will unlikely be asked for an ultrasound by your doctor unless they are monitoring your baby, but you can pay for a private scan if you want. An ultrasound at this stage will show your baby’s size, development and, depending on their position, reveal your baby’s sex!
Speak to your sonographer before the ultrasound if you do not want to know the baby’s sex. Don’t panic if your doctor asks for an ultrasound at twenty-five weeks. There might be something they want to double-check revealed in any previous testing or complications related to a health condition you have. There is no point panicking until your doctor gives you more information, so try not to focus on it.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-five weeks pregnant, you should have a glucose challenge screening test to check for gestational diabetes if you have not already had the test. The screening test is offered during your second trimester of pregnancy, especially if you are deemed at risk for developing gestational diabetes, a condition caused by high blood sugar levels.
Pregnant women might also be offered other screening tests to check for their baby’s genetic conditions. These include cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs syndrome, and more. Genetic screening tests are optional, but your doctor might recommend them if your baby is at risk of developing a genetic condition. They can offer you more guidance about this based on your situation.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
A heartbeat can be detected at twenty-five weeks pregnant. An ultrasound will detect your baby’s heartbeat and will have been able to for several weeks. The heartbeat will sound fast, averaging between 110 and 160 beats per minute.
You can also hear your baby’s heartbeat with a Doppler machine. This looks like a small microphone that midwives use to monitor your baby’s heartbeat between ultrasound appointments. You can also purchase Doppler machines to use at home, but they can be tricky to use, especially if your baby is moving a lot. Don’t panic if finding the correct position to hear their heartbeat takes a few minutes!
Is Pregnancy Viable At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Pregnancy can be viable at twenty-five weeks, but your baby will be very small! A viable pregnancy is when a baby can be born and survive outside of the womb. At twenty-five weeks, your baby will be very premature, but it could survive. Most of your baby’s organs are developed, but their lungs are still developing. They will likely need help breathing while their lungs grow and develop, meaning they will spend time possibly in an incubator at a neonatal intensive care unit.
Your baby’s chance of survival depends on any complications or health conditions and whether they receive care in an intensive unit or not. Babies that receive care have around an eighty per cent survival rate, according to the University Hospital Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
Your baby will be very small at twenty-five weeks, and it might be some time before you can hold them. They will likely need constant care for a few weeks until they are stronger and their organs more developed. Your hospital will provide you with the support you need at this point.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-five weeks pregnant, the common pregnancy symptoms include trouble sleeping and tiredness, stretch marks, headaches, and backache. All of these are attributed to growing another human! It is completely normal, and you might notice that the symptoms change daily. Again, this is normal; some days, your backache will feel worse than others.
Resting and ensuring that you are taking care of your body will help to provide some relief. You might also notice weight gain this week, which is also normal. Your growing belly is sure to add some pounds to the scale! There is no need to consume any extra calories, though; just enjoy a healthy and balanced diet.
You might also experience Braxton Hicks contractions this week. These are false contractions that can happen later in your pregnancy. These will feel uncomfortable and can last for a minute or so before passing. These false contractions can seem scary, but breathe through them, and they will pass. You can also speak to your midwife or doctor for any concerns.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels will drop this week, averaging between 1,400 and 53,00 u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping is common this week. You might notice cramping or pains in your stomach, known as round ligament pains. You might also experience leg cramps this week.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness is more common during the first trimester of pregnancy but can happen at week twenty-five, too.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts might feel tender or sore this week. They might also ache, feel full, or leak as your milk comes in. Wearing breast pads in your bras can help keep you dry and your bras stain-free!
Will I Have Food Cravings At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout your pregnancy, including week twenty-five. You might notice that you crave unusual combinations or foods you usually don’t enjoy.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at twenty-five weeks pregnant. This tends to be more common later in pregnancy, when your baby moves downwards, adding pressure to your bladder.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common at twenty-five weeks pregnant, with many women struggling to get comfortable or sleep throughout the night. Adding a pillow between your legs or using a pregnancy pillow can improve your comfort, helping you sleep better.
Will I Feel Bloated At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
You can feel bloated at twenty-five weeks pregnant. Eating smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding eating late at night can help alleviate the symptoms of bloating.
Will I Get A Headache At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common throughout pregnancy, including week twenty-five of pregnancy. Women who suffer from headaches before pregnancy tend to experience more headaches during pregnancy.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth usually happens in the first few months of pregnancy, but you can still experience it at twenty-five weeks pregnant.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell is common during the first trimester of pregnancy but can happen at twenty-five weeks pregnant.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath or feeling breathless can happen at twenty-five weeks pregnant. As your baby grows, it takes up more space in your body, reducing the space for your lungs and leaving you feeling short of breath. Avoid lying on your back to alleviate this, and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal throughout pregnancy, including twenty-five weeks pregnant. It is not always caused by pregnancy and could be a stomach bug, food poisoning, or an allergy. Speak to your doctor if the diarrhea lasts more than forty-eight hours.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge is normal at twenty-five weeks pregnant. This should look milky or white with minimal odour. Report any changes to your midwife or doctor so they can check for infections.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at twenty-five weeks pregnant. Backache is common as your ligaments stretch and loosen to accommodate your growing baby.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings usually happen during the first trimester of pregnancy but can occur at twenty-five weeks pregnant. Fluctuations in your hormone levels can cause mood swings.
Is Spotting Normal At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting can happen at twenty-five weeks, but you need to monitor it. Speak to your doctor immediately if the spotting gets heavier, lasts more than twenty-four hours, or is accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain or cramps.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 25 Weeks Pregnant?
The following symptoms are also common at twenty-five weeks pregnant.
- Piles
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Nosebleeds
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Swollen feet and hands
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Urine infections
- Thicker and shinier hair
- Spotty and oily skin
- Vaginal infections
How Big Is A Baby At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby has had a growth spurt and is now 34.6cm long from head to heel! Your baby is about the size of a courgette and is becoming more active!
Loud noises can make your baby kick or jump as their hearing improves. This should not hurt you, but it can take you by surprise. Hiccups can also be felt this week.
Your baby is also urinating into the amniotic fluid, with most of the liquid around your baby being urine. While this sounds gross, it does a fine job of cushioning your baby! It also helps to maintain the correct temperature to keep your baby stable and snug.
Your baby’s lungs are fully formed but not ready for life outside your womb! Your baby’s eyelids can also open and close now! There will also be some changes to your baby’s body this week. Baby fat forms on your baby, filling them out and smoothing their skin so they appear less wrinkled than before. All this is your baby getting ready for life outside of the womb!
Can You Feel The Baby At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
You can feel your baby at twenty-five weeks! Your baby’s movements will still feel light, like flutters, but they should be more frequent now. Your baby will now respond to noises outside of the womb. Don’t be startled if a loud bang makes your baby jump or kick; this is a good sign! You might notice that your baby is moving more or that their movements are more noticeable. These are all good signs of your baby’s development.
Any changes to your baby’s movements that concern you should be reported to your midwife or doctor immediately, especially if you notice a decrease in movements or other symptoms like abdominal pain or bleeding.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-five weeks, a miscarriage is considered a stillbirth in Australia. The most common symptoms include heavy bleeding, abdominal pain or cramping, decreased baby movements, and disappearing pregnancy symptoms.
The symptoms can start suddenly and worsen quickly, with bleeding becoming heavy and the cramping feeling like contractions. You might go into labour quickly and deliver the baby. At twenty-five weeks, you will have to deliver a stillborn baby. This is usually done in the hospital with medication to speed up the process. Some women will have the option to wait for things to develop naturally, but this depends on your situation and any complications.
The doctors and nurses at the hospital will offer you support through this and your next steps, ensuring that you have access to any support you need. Your healthcare provider will guide you through this difficult time.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of a stillbirth at twenty-five weeks are very low for an uncomplicated pregnancy. Research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 1% of babies born were stillborn in 2020. This gives you an incredibly low chance of a stillbirth happening.
Of course, this does not consider any health conditions or complications during pregnancy that could increase your chances of a stillbirth. Your doctor or healthcare provider can provide you with more information about your chances of a stillbirth.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
The following actions will help maintain your health at twenty-five weeks pregnant.
Enjoy A Balanced Diet
Weight gain is a part of pregnancy and is common at twenty-five weeks. But you don’t need to eat any additional calories here, as this can cause excessive weight gain, which could impact your and your baby’s health.
Instead, you should stick to your recommended calorie consumption, usually 2,000 a day, and enjoy a healthy and balanced diet. Fibre-rich foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and fruits and vegetables should be consumed. Aim for plenty of variety, providing you and your baby with all the necessary nutrients.
Stay Hydrated
You should also drink plenty of water to maintain your health. Studies by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that drinking water during pregnancy helps to develop the amniotic fluid, circulate nutrients around your body, and aid digestion.
They recommend drinking eight to twelve cups of water daily to remain hydrated.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
You should continue taking your prenatal vitamins this week and throughout your pregnancy. These will help to provide you and your baby with the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy (alongside a balanced diet).
Look for pregnancy-recommended multivitamins, especially those with high levels of iron. Women who are pregnant during the winter should also consume vitamin D as the sun won’t provide them with the levels they need. Your doctor can provide further guidance on which specific vitamins you should consider.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking as soon as you discover you are pregnant. Smoking during pregnancy doubles your risk of abnormal bleeding, which is incredibly harmful to you and your baby. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that pregnancy-related smoking also impacts fetal development and can cause several birth defects, like cleft lip. It also increases their chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Speak to your doctor if you need help quitting smoking during pregnancy.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-five weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Spicy foods can also be avoided if you are struggling with heartburn, as they can worsen your heartburn.
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks while pregnant. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can impact your baby’s development, causing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FAD). This term covers a variety of physical and mental disabilities, including trouble concentrating, small head size, speech and language delays, and more.
Research by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists discovered that drinking alcohol while pregnant can increase your chances of miscarrying. They recommend there is no safe level of alcohol to consume during pregnancy.
You should also monitor your caffeine intake. The Royal College of Midwives found that consuming too much caffeine during pregnancy can increase your risk of stillbirth, preterm labour, or low birth weight. They recommend consuming no more than 200mg a day during pregnancy.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid high doses of vitamins A, C, and E as these can harm your baby during pregnancy, according to the National Library of Medicine. You should also avoid any supplements labelled unsuitable for pregnant women to consume. You can find this information on the label of any supplements before purchasing them.
Your doctor can also advise you on which supplements you should take and which should be avoided during pregnancy.
Can I Exercise While 25 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at twenty-five weeks pregnant, but there are some precautions you must take. You should avoid contact sports, where you could fall, and exercises 2,500m above sea level. You should also swap high-impact exercises for low-impact ones, like walking, swimming, and yoga.
Some aerobic exercises will feel harder now as your pregnant belly grows and you feel more aches and pains. Instead of powering through, switch to these lower-impact exercises that will still help you move your body at a pace that suits you better.
Is It Safe To Travel When 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Travelling at twenty-five weeks pregnant is considered safe if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy. You should speak to your doctor before flying if you have any complications, deep vein thrombosis, or high blood pressure. Before travelling to another country, you should also check if there are any vaccinations you need or advisories for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at twenty-five weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 25 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at twenty-five weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
You might find sleeping harder or staying asleep at twenty-five weeks pregnant. Adding extra pillows or using a pregnancy pillow can help with this. You can also try some meditation before bed too. Napping during the day can also help ensure your body gets the rest it needs.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 25 Weeks Pregnant?
The safest position to sleep in at twenty-five weeks pregnant is on your side. This won’t add any pressure to your pregnant belly and can be comfortable for most women.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 25 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is the LMP method and is the most common way to determine a due date. Take the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days to have your estimated due date. This method uses the average forty-week length of pregnancy to estimate when you will go into labour.
Your doctor or midwife will also give you a due date. This is usually done in the first ultrasound scan, known as the dating scan. They will measure your baby and use their development to assess how far into your pregnancy you are, offering you an estimated due date. It’s worth noting that these due dates are estimates. It is common for a pregnancy to run longer than forty weeks, so don’t panic if your baby’s born after your due date!
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 25 Weeks Pregnant?
A common body change at twenty-five weeks is swollen or puffy feet, face, and hands. This can be caused by water retention and is usually harmless, but it is best to report it to your midwife or doctor. Your blood pressure will be checked to ensure it is not a sign of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a dangerous condition that can develop during the second and third trimester of pregnancy and after birth.
Look for other symptoms like pain below your ribs, vision changes, or severe headaches. Report any of these to your doctor immediately.
Another body change is feeling gassy after eating and suffering from nausea, bloating, or burning in your chest. Heartburn and indigestion are the likely culprits and can be alleviated by avoiding spicy foods, rich or fatty foods, eating smaller meals, and sitting up straight when you eat. Your doctor might also recommend antacids to help with the heartburn.
Aches and pains are reported here, too, with pains across your stomach, ribs, and back is common. Your baby is growing, and your organs, ligaments, and muscles need to make way for them, which can cause discomfort.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your pregnancy hormones are boosting hair growth and could also cause some mood swings. This will pass as your pregnancy progresses. Your body is working hard, increasing blood volume through your body. This slows your blood flow, sometimes making you feel dizzy, especially if you stand up too quickly. Take your time, especially if you feel uneasy on your feet as your belly grows.
Your body also makes room for your growing uterus, leaving less space for your organs and digestive tract. This can cause breathlessness, heartburn and indigestion after eating. You can incorporate smaller meals to help with this and take your time when moving to reduce feeling breathless.
Your body is also stretching, with ligaments becoming looser. This can add pressure to your joints, causing aches and pains. These won’t last forever; just allow yourself time to rest when you experience any discomfort.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips will help you prepare for the rest of your pregnancy or an upcoming pregnancy.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might need to make some lifestyle changes if you have not already. These include stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs. These not only impact your health, but your baby’s too. Your doctor can help you to make these changes if needed.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
You should also try to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. Weight gain is inevitable, but you don’t want to gain too much, as this can cause complications too. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should aim to consume 2,000 calories a day.
These calories should be consumed as part of a healthy and balanced diet, ensuring you and your baby get the necessary nutrients. You should also maintain a healthy weight and follow a healthy diet if you are trying to conceive, as issues with your weight can impact fertility and cause complications during pregnancy.
Create Your Birth Plan
Your midwife might ask you to think about your birth plan now. While it might change before you give birth, it is worth thinking about what you might like to happen. Remember, this is only a plan; things might change, especially if there are complications down the line.
Your midwife will likely give you a birth plan form to fill in, but here are some questions you can start thinking about with your family and friends.
- Do you want a natural birth?
- Do you want a water birth?
- Do you want any pain relief? What pain relief would you like?
- Do you want medical intervention?
- Do you want a birthing partner? Who do you want?
- Do you want visitors after the birth?
- Do you want your birthing partner to cut the umbilical cord?
Think About Your Mental Health
Your mental health can suffer during pregnancy and after birth as your hormone levels fluctuate dramatically. Postpartum depression is common, especially if you struggled with your mental health before or during pregnancy. Consider your mental health and if you need any support. Should you be at a greater risk of postpartum depression, speak to your doctor or midwife, who can offer you any help you need.
Look to your family, friends, and partner for support. Talking about mental health can be scary, but you don’t need to go through this alone. Reach out for support to make the following months smoother.
Final Thoughts
Week twenty-five of pregnancy is exciting, with many women feeling their baby move more and more! As your second trimester nears its end, your third trimester will soon start, bringing you closer to meeting your baby! Your baby’s development continues progressing, with your baby’s body getting bigger each week!
Now is a good time to think about the future; try some practice breaths and get ready for any practice contractions your body might throw at you! Don’t forget to come back next week to see what happens in week twenty-six.