Week by week pregnancy guide: 25 weeks pregnant

You're now 25 weeks pregnant but what should you expect? Read week 25 of our week by week pregnancy guide to find out everything you need to know... 

Being pregnant means there's a lot to think about, which is why a pregnancy week by week can be so useful. Here's everything you need to know about being 25 weeks pregnant. With 2,200+ babies born in the UK every day you're in good company when it comes to your pregnancy journey, and at 25 weeks you'll be feeling your baby growing every day.

Symptoms at 25 weeks pregnant

Your increasing size is taking its toll. Backache, swollen feet and ankles are common complaints at this stage in pregnancy. So is sciatica, which happens when the growing uterus places pressure on your back and pelvis, causing periodic shooting pains in your lower back and legs. Rest, take a warm bath or apply ice to the sore area.

Another irritating complaint of pregnancy is thrush. Unfortunately this can be a recurring irritation as changes in the levels of female hormones, such as oestrogen, not only increase your chances of developing it, but also make it more likely to keep coming back. Talk to your pharmacist or visit your GP who is likely to prescribe a cream and pessary treatment. Oral remedies for thrush should not be taken during pregnancy.

It's not uncommon to experience nose bleeds during your pregnancy too as your hormones fluctuate, your body's tissues relax - including those in your nose! A dry nose can also contribute to nosebleeds so it's important to keep hydrated and you may find dabbing some petroleum jelly in each nostril eases the nose bleeds.

Fetal development at 25 weeks pregnant

Your baby measures 34.6cm and weighs around 660 grams. Their spine structure is continuing to develop, nostrils are open and ears are working perfectly. They are also swallowing tiny amounts of amniotic fluid which can give them hiccups. You'll know when they have them because you'll feel them jerking around. They'll be growing at a rate of around 1cm a week and over the next five weeks they'll put on around 300g in weight.

The changes you should make at 25 weeks pregnant

If this is your first baby then you will have a routine check-up scheduled for Week 25. Your midwife will carry out her usual checks on your blood pressure and test for signs of protein in your urine. She will also use a tape measure to measure and plot your symphysis-fundal height.

Most antenatal classes take place around 8-10 weeks before your baby is due. However, if you're expecting twins you may want to start your antenatal classes now. Term for twins is considered to be 38 weeks, not 40, and many do have a habit of putting in an early appearance.

Make sure you include fish as part of your weekly diet. It has considerable health benefits in pregnancy and has been proven to benefit the development of your baby's heart, eyes and brain. In fact one study found that children of mothers who had eaten a reasonable amount of oily fish during pregnancy had, on average, better communication and social skills at age 7.