How does my baby grow at 25 weeks?

Your baby is around 34.6cm long (that’s about the size of a cucumber) and weighs 660g (the weight of 4 jacket potatoes).

Your baby will be a lot more active during this time, with frequent kicking and plenty of random movements. While it might take you by surprise, it shouldn’t hurt.

By now, your baby is peeing into the amniotic fluid. While this thought may be a little gross, the urine actually helps keep the temperature stable for your baby and provides cushioning.

As they grow, their wrinkly skin smooths out, while their hair may start growing on their heads. This hair will probably fall out shortly after they’re born.

What are the pregnancy symptoms at 25 weeks?

You may experience what is known as ‘dry-eye syndrome,’ which is when your eyes start to feel dry and gritty. Pregnancy hormones are the cause of this, changing the number of tears your body produces to keep your eyes moist.

If you spend a lot of time looking at a screen, take plenty of breaks to massage your eyelids, drink fluids, and perhaps use a humidifier. If you have severe redness, pain, or blurry vision, contact your doctor. They will check to see if there’s any scarring or infection and recommend pregnancy-suitable eye drops.

What else do I need to know about being 25 weeks pregnant?

You may notice some swelling in your hands and feet. This can be entirely normal! The cause of this may be water retention, so resting and lifting up your feet can ease the symptoms. Make sure you stay well hydrated, and be sure to mention this to your doctor so they can measure your blood pressure and rule out anything serious.

How can I reduce and ease swelling?

Try not to stand for too long.

Wherever possible, rest with your feet up.

Make sure to get hold of some comfy shoes and socks, free of straps or tight elastic.

Drink lots and lots of water. Funnily enough, drinking more liquid helps your body get rid of excess water.

If you’re able, get a little exercise each day. A walk will do you a world of good!

You can also do some regular foot exercises, bending each foot up and down 30 times each or moving them in circles, 8 times in one direction and then 8 times in the other.

When should I be concerned?

Sudden swelling could indicate pre-eclampsia, a condition in pregnancy that is associated with high blood pressure and should be monitored as soon as possible. If you notice any of the signs listed below, call your doctor or midwife immediately.

Increased swelling in your face, hands, or feet happens very suddenly.

A very painful headache.

Severe pain just below the ribs, or abdominal pain.

Blurry vision.

Vomiting, if it comes with any of the other symptoms.

In the UK, this is the time to tell your employer about your pregnancy, if you haven’t already. Similarly, your partner should tell their employer if they intend to take paternity leave.

What Does My Pregnancy Look Like at Twenty-Five Weeks?

Your pregnancy at 25 weeks, including symptoms and how your baby is growing.