Everything you need to know about week 25 of pregnancy

25th Week of Pregnancy (Week 25)

Welcome to the 25th week of pregnancy! You are now in the sixth month of your pregnancy – and you may feel more clearly than ever: your baby is getting stronger, not just in terms of head and body growth, but also in its movements. Little kicks, turns, or even hiccups are now a part of everyday life for many expectant mothers.

Week 25 is an exciting stage on the journey to life – with every movement, your child is preparing for its time outside the womb. You are now consciously part of this little world, where early contractions such as practice contractions may already occur – a completely normal test run for your body.

You may now find you need to take breaks more often – something that is entirely understandable. The growing bump puts pressure on the stomach, which can cause tiredness, heartburn, or a feeling of fullness. The number of new sensations, physical signs, and thoughts is also increasing – a good example of how intensely your body and emotions are preparing for birth.

The 25th Week of Pregnancy at a Glance

Your Baby in Week 25:

• Size: approx. 33–34 cm, Weight: about 700–800 g
• The lungs are developing more air sacs, surfactant production is increasing
• The nervous system is becoming more complex; your baby can distinguish light and sounds more clearly
• It is practising breathing, the grasp reflex and muscle tension – first coordination develops
• The skin is becoming smoother and less transparent thanks to increasing fat deposits
  
  

Your Body in Week 25:

• Your uterus now reaches to about two finger widths above your belly button
• You continue to gain weight – usually about 6–8 kg since the start of pregnancy
• Leg cramps, shortness of breath, back pain or hot flushes are typical companions
• Your breasts may produce more colostrum – a sign that your body is preparing for breastfeeding
  
  

Baby’s Development in Week 25

In the 25th week of pregnancy, your baby is developing in leaps and bounds. At around 34 cm long (crown to heel) and about 750 g in weight, it now resembles a small pumpkin – and is getting stronger with each passing day.

Especially exciting: the lungs are now forming more and more alveoli. The production of surfactant, a substance vital for breathing after birth, is gathering pace. Although your baby is not yet breathing air, it is diligently practising breathing movements to be ready for later.

The nervous system is also becoming more interconnected. Stimuli such as light, loud noises or movement are being perceived more clearly – and hearing is now developed enough for your baby to recognise familiar voices and react to them.

Its skin is gradually becoming smoother and less transparent due to growing fat reserves – the typical “wrinkly phase” is slowly passing. At the same time, hair, eyelashes and eyebrows continue to grow.

Your baby is now regularly practising muscle tension, the grasp reflex and coordination: it stretches, reaches for the umbilical cord or even puts its thumb in its mouth. Hiccups, which you may feel as rhythmic tapping, are also part of this training programme.

Your Body in the 25th Week of Pregnancy

With the start of week 25, you will feel the physical changes more strongly than ever. Your uterus has grown further and now reaches about halfway between your belly button and breastbone. Your bump is rounder and more prominent – you are now carrying your little miracle clearly in front of you.

Typical pregnancy complaints such as leg cramps, heartburn, shortness of breath or hot flushes may now occur more often. Your circulation is under a lot of strain – after all, your heart is pumping significantly more blood around your body than before pregnancy.

Many women also report restless sleep, frequent urination or a slight pulling sensation in the lower abdomen. Your breasts are still changing: the milk glands are active, and some expectant mums are already producing colostrum (first milk).

Your skin – especially on your belly, breasts and hips – is now under a lot of strain. Using rich oils can help relieve tightness and prevent stretch marks. Also, make sure to wear comfortable clothing and take plenty of breaks to support your wellbeing.

By the way: your baby’s increasing weight and your changing posture can lead to back pain. Regular exercise, gentle pregnancy yoga, or a support belt can be very helpful here.