25weeks
pregnant

Highlights this week

Are your eyes feeling dry and gritty? Find out why.

Discover what pain relief options you have available to you during labour.

Learn how Pilates can help strengthen your back and pelvic floor.

Baby development at 25 weeks

Your baby's beginning to make some breathing movements, though there's no air in their lungs. Their senses are developing fast. Around this stage, fetal brain scans show that babies respond to touch and light.

If you shine a light on your belly, your baby will turn their head, which shows that their optic nerve is working.

Read more about your baby's development this week.
See for yourself how your baby is growing in our 3D video.

baby with hair starting to take on colour and texture

Your baby's hair is starting to take on colour and texture
As your baby plumps up, their skin becomes less wrinkled
The intestines are making wavelike movements needed for digestion

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Your baby weighs as much as a swede

length

34.6

head to toe

weight

660

Pregnancy symptoms at 25 weeks

You may feel the need to put your feet up a bit more often now. Even though tiredness may be making a comeback, try to stay active. Swimming is great exercise as your bump gets bigger. The water supports your weight and your stretching ligaments, and swimming gently and safely exercises your whole body.

Check out your local pool for special classes for women during pregnancy. Joining a class is a great motivator and you'll meet other mums-to-be as well.

Try not to do any exercise too close to bedtime, though. Being active in the evening can make it harder for you to wind down. Gentle stretches are fine, but getting on the exercise bike is more likely to wake you up!

Speaking of getting to sleep, your growing bump may be making it hard for you to get into a comfortable position. It's recommended that you sleep on your side rather than your back from the second trimester. You could use pillows as wedges to support your bump in bed. Read more about sleep in your second trimester.

See other BabyCenter mums' baby bumps at 25 to 27 weeks of pregnancy.

Is that a foot kicking your ribs? It probably is!

What you need to know

To help strengthen your back and pelvic floor, why not join a pilates class? Try to find a class that's run by an experienced instructor for pregnant women.
If you're planning an holiday while you've still got the chance, find out whether it's safe to fly throughout your pregnancy.
Try to keep to a healthy eating plan. Your baby's nutritional demands are highest in the last three months of your pregnancy.
Have you considered a birth centre?
Is your belly growing beautifully? Find out what a healthy weight gain is during pregnancy.