25 weeks pregnant

How your body changes at 25 weeks pregnant

Pregnancy can create some digestive issues. This is due to two main factors. One is that the hormone progesterone, which you have more of when pregnant, slows down the emptying of your stomach. This is so that your body can absorb more nutrients for your baby. Added to this is that by week 25 of pregnancy, your growing uterus is pushing on your intestines. This, for mum, means indigestion and heartburn. Foods that you’ve previously loved, and even some pregnancy favourites, may now be a nightmare. To try and resolve this without medicating, try:

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid spicy, fatty and citrus foods
• Some food are said to help relive indigestion, including yoghurt, fruit, porridge, vegetables
• Try a cup of ginger tea
• Sleeping elevated on several pillows can also help

If your heartburn or indigestion persists, your midwife and doctor will be able to advise which heartburn remedies are safe to take during pregnancy.

At 25 weeks pregnant, symptoms may include:

Dry or sensitive eyes: You may find that you are suffering from dry eye or light sensitivity, which is normal during pregnancy. Use unmedicated eye drops to soothe this. If you normally wear contact lenses and are having discomfort, see your optometrist, you may need to change your prescription or wear glasses for the remainder of your pregnancy.

Frequent urination: Your baby wants to play trampoline on your bladder, so you’re peeing. A lot.

Constipation and haemorrhoids: Haemorrhoids are common in pregnancy, as is constipation. This is because your baby is taking up room inside you and putting extra pressure on your digestive tract. Get any constipation under control by eating a fibre rich diet and ensuring you’re drinking enough water. If you have piles/ haemorrhoids- swollen veins around your anus- they can be itchy and sore.

Braxton Hicks contractions: Usually these start from around 28 weeks, but you may notice them earlier. They feel like cramps, your uterus/ stomach gets hard and tight, and then goes back to normal. If you switch positions, they’ll stop. Real contractions will happen repeatedly, get stronger, and become more frequent. Call your doctor if you’re concerned or don’t know if they are real or Braxton-Hicks.

Carpal tunnel syndrome/ tingling hands: Your blood volume increases during pregnancy, and this can cause extra swelling and pressure on your nerves in your wrists. Talk to your midwife, and they may recommend a wrist brace.

Insomnia: Whether it’s bad dreams, restless legs syndrome, nervousness and anxiety, or that you struggle to get comfortable, sleep can be a struggle. Use pillows to prop up legs or your stomach, and try to drink more water in the first half of the day to minimise bathroom trips at night.

Snoring: A stuffy nose is a common pregnancy side effect, and the congestion can cause snoring.

Prenatal depression: Post natal depression is well known, but prenatal depression is common too, and often undiagnosed. Seek help if you feel like there’s no joy in your life, you’re struggling to enjoy any aspect of the pregnancy, or you’re having worrying thoughts about your health or the baby’s health.

Back pain: At 25 weeks, a pregnant belly is placing extra strain on your back, and you’ll be moving differently in order to adjust to your new shape. Hormonal changes also soften ligaments, and this can contribute to back pain too. If you are suffering:

• Avoid lifting heavy weights if possible
• A firm mattress or strategic pillow placement may help to support your back
• Pregnancy yoga can assist
• Exercising in water, or a pregnancy massage may help.

Your 25 week pregnancy diet

At 25 weeks pregnant, in NZ the average weight gain is between 6.5kg and 8kg. There are huge variations between women depending on your genetics, your pre-pregnancy weight, and water weight, which can fluctuate hugely from day to day. Don’t panic if you’re under or over weight unless your healthcare provider expresses concerns.

It’s not good for baby if the Mum puts on a lot of weight, as it puts the Mum at risk for gestational diabetes and may make for a large baby (which you have to push out). Instead of focusing on weight though, it’s far better to think about food in terms of health and nutrients. Your baby needs lots of nutrients, and so do you. Add to that the risk of digestive issues, and you have very good reasons to focus your diet on fruit and vegetables. High fibre foods help to minimise unpleasant gastro-intestinal problems, and the added minerals and vitamins help keep you and your baby healthy.

If you’re hungry all the time, plan your snacks. Having a quinoa salad in the fridge, or carrot and bran muffins in the freezer means you can still eat but it’s easier to make healthy choices. Pick foods you find delicious and that help you feel good.

Drink plenty of water, although you may want to time your intake to avoid multiple bathroom trips at night. If you find water difficult to drink, adding mint, lime, or even icecubes can make it easier.

I’m 25 weeks pregnant, how big is baby?

Your baby at 25 weeks of pregnancy now weighs 550-700 grams and is around 34cm long. Your baby's fully developed hands, complete with tiny fingernails, are now feeling his or her surroundings, including his or her own skin and even the umbilical cord. Your baby's dexterity is developing, too - fingers can now curl into a fist.

At 25 weeks pregnant, baby development is rocketing along. Your baby's brain is rapidly developing, as are his or her tastebuds - he or she may even be acquiring specific tastes already.

You’ll have noticed that now at 25 weeks pregnant, baby movement is becoming more obvious and far more frequent. Your baby has resting and alert periods that are the same each day. Foetal activity is easier to feel when you are doing sedentary activities.

Maybe the most important function that happens to your baby at 25 weeks is that he or she is learning to breathe. Their lungs are breathing, albeit amniotic fluid. This helps them learn how to breath and gives them practice for when they encounter air.

I’m 25 weeks pregnant, is an ultrasound needed?

Generally, an ultrasound isn’t needed at 25 weeks pregnant in NZ. The 18-20 week anatomy scan will have told your doctor or midwife all they needed, and unless you experience troubling symptoms, you may not need another scan until closer to the due date or not at all.

Is 25 weeks the 3rd trimester?

Not quite yet. You’re officially in the third trimester from week 27. Just a couple more weeks to go.

What position is baby in at 25 weeks?

At 25 weeks pregnant, baby position changes a lot, as you can feel. He or she is small enough to still have some wiggle room and as a result could be in a range of different positions. They could be breech, transverse, sideways or oblique. Basically at 25 weeks pregnant, baby position could be anything. You might get an idea of how he or she is lying by the kick placement. The baby can change their position very easily at this point, so if you feel uncomfortable, it hopefully won’t be for long.

What does a 25 week foetus look like?

Basically, at 25 weeks, your baby looks like a baby. They have all their fingers, toes and are starting to look a bit pink as blood vessels in the skin develop. Your baby might have hair, and if you could see it, you’d be able to see texture and colour. At 25 weeks, your baby will start to put on some weight and look less wrinkled.

Is it normal to be really tired at 25 weeks pregnant?

Yes. Some women struggle with exhaustion during their pregnancy, and as you approach your third trimester, your body is doing a lot of extra work feeding your growing baby. Add to that, problems sleeping and carrying around extra weight you’re not used to is a recipe for tiredness. If you’re concerned, get your iron/ ferritin levels checked. It’s common that pregnant women have low iron levels and you may need supplements.

How many months are you if you’re 25 weeks pregnant?

At 25 weeks pregnant, you’re in your sixth month of pregnancy. Almost in your third trimester.