Week 25 of Pregnancy

Pregnancy Week 25 continues to bring important growth, as your baby's body becomes more proportionate and responsive. Healthcare providers calculate pregnancy from the first day of your last menstrual period, and by week 25 your baby is often compared to the size of a cauliflower or a rutabaga.

Understanding week 25 of pregnancy can help you know what is happening in your body as your bump continues to grow steadily during this stage.

What Happens During Week 25 of Pregnancy?

During week 25, your baby's body continues filling out with more fat beneath the skin, capillaries continue forming, and your baby may begin responding to touch, sound and light with more noticeable movement.

Your baby's hair also continues to grow and may begin showing early colour and texture this week.

What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy in Week 25?

Pregnancy symptoms in week 25 often reflect a growing bump and continued changes in circulation and digestion.

• Backache

As your bump continues to grow, mild back discomfort can persist.

• Swollen Feet or Ankles

Increased blood volume and fluid retention can lead to mild swelling in the feet or ankles.

• Braxton Hicks Contractions

Mild, irregular tightening of the uterus can continue to occur occasionally during this stage.

• Trouble Sleeping

A growing bump and increased baby movement can sometimes make finding a comfortable sleeping position more difficult.

• Hemorrhoids

Increased pressure on pelvic veins can sometimes lead to mild hemorrhoids during this stage.

Baby Development in Week 25

• Body Fat Continues Increasing

Your baby continues developing fat beneath the skin, helping fill out the body's proportions.

• Capillaries Continue Forming

Tiny blood vessels called capillaries continue developing beneath your baby's skin.

• Responds to Stimuli

Your baby may begin responding more noticeably to touch, sound and light with movement.

How Does Your Body Change During Week 25?

Week 25 is mainly characterised by continued uterine growth and ongoing changes in circulation.

• Uterus Continues Rising

Your uterus continues growing steadily above the level of your belly button.

• Weight Gain Continues

Steady, healthy weight gain often continues as your baby grows.

• Increased Pelvic Pressure

As the uterus grows, some people notice increased pressure in the pelvic area.

What Should You Eat During Week 25 of Pregnancy?

A nutrient-dense diet remains important in week 25, especially as your baby's body fat and blood vessels continue developing.

• Choose Iron-Rich Foods

Iron supports your rising blood volume and helps prevent fatigue. Good sources include lean meat, beans, chickpeas, lentils and spinach.

• Include Protein in Your Diet

Protein supports your baby's rapidly developing organs and tissues. Eggs, fish, chicken, paneer, tofu, beans and lentils are useful sources.

• Choose Fibre-Rich Foods

Fibre from fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help support digestion and reduce the likelihood of hemorrhoids.

• Choose Healthy Fats

Foods such as avocados, nuts and olive oil support your baby's developing fat stores and brain.

• Stay Hydrated

Adequate water intake can help ease swelling and support digestion.

What Foods and Substances Should You Avoid?

As your baby's body continues developing, avoiding certain substances and foods remains an important part of a healthy pregnancy.

• Alcohol and Tobacco

Avoid alcohol and smoking completely, as they can affect your baby's developing brain and organs.

• Excessive Caffeine

Keep caffeine intake within the limits recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Raw or Undercooked Foods

Choose properly cooked foods and follow good food-safety practices, avoiding raw or undercooked meat, eggs, unpasteurised dairy and high-mercury fish.

• Highly Processed Foods

Limit foods high in added sugars, excess salt and unhealthy fats, and focus instead on a varied, nutrient-rich diet.

Exercise During Week 25 of Pregnancy

Gentle movement can help ease backaches and support circulation, though it is important to listen to your body and rest when needed.

Choose activities that are comfortable for your fitness level, and avoid suddenly starting strenuous exercise without appropriate guidance.

• Walking and Gentle Exercise

Walking is a simple, low-impact way to stay active and can help support circulation and reduce swelling.

• Stretching and Yoga

Gentle stretching and suitable prenatal yoga practices can support flexibility, relaxation and help improve sleep comfort.

How Can You Prepare for a Healthy Pregnancy?

Week 25 is a good time to continue building healthy habits and finding comfortable sleep positions.

• Try Side-Sleeping With Support - Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees may help improve comfort as your bump grows.

• Continue Prenatal Vitamins - Keep taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid as recommended by your doctor.

• Prepare for Your Glucose Screening - If not already done, confirm and prepare for your upcoming glucose screening test.

• Get Adequate Rest - Continue prioritising sleep and rest as your body adjusts to a growing bump.

• Manage Stress - Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, gentle yoga or deep breathing.

What Tests and Checkups Are Useful During Week 25?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of tests around this stage to confirm your baby's development and monitor your health.

• Glucose Screening Test

This test, typically performed between weeks 24 and 28, screens for gestational diabetes.

• Routine Prenatal Check-Up

Regular check-ups continue to monitor your health and your baby's growth.

• Fundal Height Measurement

Your provider continues measuring the height of your uterus to track your baby's growth.

Week 25 Pregnancy Care Tips

A few simple habits can help you manage symptoms and support your baby's development this week:

• Continue taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid.

• Eat balanced, nutritious meals to support your growing baby.

• Stay well hydrated throughout the day.

• Get plenty of rest and try side-sleeping for comfort.

• Avoid alcohol, smoking and unapproved medications.

• Complete your glucose screening if not already done.

• Manage stress with relaxation techniques.

• Avoid self-medicating without consulting your doctor.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

Some symptoms should not be dismissed without medical evaluation. Speak with a healthcare provider if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, high fever, severe dizziness or fainting, severe vomiting, or unusual vaginal discharge.

If you have an existing health condition or take regular medication, discussing your health with a healthcare provider early in pregnancy is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Week 25

• How big is my baby at week 25?

Your baby is typically about the size of a cauliflower or rutabaga at week 25, with continuing fat development beneath the skin.

• Why am I having trouble sleeping at week 25?

A growing bump and increased baby movement can sometimes make finding a comfortable sleeping position more difficult during this stage.

• Are hemorrhoids common during pregnancy?

Mild hemorrhoids can occur due to increased pressure on pelvic veins and are a fairly common experience during pregnancy.

• What should I eat during Week 25?

Focus on iron, protein, fibre and healthy fats to support your baby's developing body fat and blood vessels.

• Can I exercise during Week 25?

If you are healthy and have no medical restrictions, gentle activities such as walking and prenatal yoga can support overall fitness during this stage.

• When should I see a doctor during Week 25?

Seek medical advice for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, high fever, severe dizziness or fainting, severe vomiting, or other unusual or concerning symptoms.