25 weeks pregnant
At 25 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a cauliflower: around 34.6 cm head to heel and 660 g. Baby responds to touch and to loud sounds.
Your baby at 25 weeks
Baby responds to touch and to loud sounds.
| Size | About the size of a cauliflower |
|---|---|
| Length | 34.6 cm head to heel |
| Weight | 660 g |
Your baby responds to touch and loud sounds, and may jump if a door slams. The hands are fully developed, and your baby is exploring by touching its face, feet and the umbilical cord. The nostrils, which were blocked, are starting to open. Your baby is filling out as fat builds up under the skin.
How far along are you at 25 weeks?
At 25 weeks pregnant you are in the sixth month of your pregnancy and the second trimester. You have about 15 weeks to go until your due date. Doctors count pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from conception, so at 25 weeks your baby has been growing for about 23 weeks. Not sure of your dates? Use our due date calculator.
Your body at 25 weeks
Leg cramps and heartburn are common. A glucose test for gestational diabetes is usually done between 24 and 28 weeks.
Common symptoms at 25 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and you may have some, all or none of these.
- Restless legs. An urge to move your legs, often in the evening.
- Piles. Avoid straining and keep things moving with fibre and water.
- Trouble sleeping. Your bump, trips to the toilet and heartburn all get in the way.
- Thicker hair. Hair falls out less in pregnancy, so it may look fuller.
- Heartburn. Smaller meals and an upright position after eating help.
- Tingling hands. Carpal tunnel can continue into the third trimester.
Your checklist for week 25
- Have your glucose test if it is due.
- From now, your doctor may measure your bump from the pubic bone to the top of the womb at each check-up.
- Ask for an iron level check if you have restless legs or feel very tired.
- Plan your maternity leave dates with your employer.
- Start looking at prams, car seats and a cot.
Tip of the week: Restless legs
Restless legs syndrome is more common in pregnancy and is often linked with low iron. Ask your doctor to check your iron levels. Gentle stretching, a warm bath, massage and cutting down on caffeine in the evening can help. It usually disappears soon after the birth.
For your partner
Leg cramps and heartburn can ruin sleep.
- Rub her calves when cramps hit
- Keep antacids her doctor approved at home
- Look into paternity leave
When to call your doctor at 25 weeks
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day if you have:
- Your baby is moving less than usual.
- Bleeding, fluid leaking, regular tightenings, or a severe headache.
Call your doctor or hospital straight away for bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, severe headache or vision changes, or fewer baby movements.
Questions about 25 weeks pregnant
What is fundal height?
It is the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your womb, measured with a tape measure. From around 24 weeks, it usually matches the number of weeks you are pregnant, give or take 2 cm. It helps your doctor check your baby is growing well.
Is it normal to have trouble sleeping at 25 weeks?
Yes. Many women sleep less well as the bump grows. Try a regular bedtime routine, side sleeping with pillows, avoiding screens late at night and a light snack if hunger wakes you. Talk to your doctor before taking any sleep aid.
Can I dye my hair while pregnant?
Most research suggests hair dye is unlikely to be harmful, because very little is absorbed through the skin. Many women wait until after the first trimester. Use a well-ventilated room and do a patch test. Henna (mehndi) is fine, but avoid black henna, which contains a chemical that can cause severe skin reactions.