Week 25
Your baby is the size of a cauliflower
What's happening this week
Your baby is now about 13.5 inches from head to toe and weighs roughly 1.5 pounds — growing steadily every day. The most noticeable change this week is happening under the skin: your baby is adding body fat at an increasing rate, and those wrinkled, translucent features are starting to smooth out and fill in.
The nervous system is maturing rapidly. Your baby now responds to familiar sounds — especially your voice — with movement. If a loud noise startles them, they may pull their arms and legs in close, a protective startle reflex that shows the nervous system is coordinating complex responses. Your baby can also grasp the umbilical cord, a sign that the grasping reflex is strong.
The nostrils, which have been plugged until now, are beginning to open. Your baby is practicing breathing by inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, strengthening the muscles that will be needed for that first breath at birth. The lungs are continuing to develop, though they're not yet mature enough to function independently.
Your baby's skin is still reddish and somewhat wrinkled, but the increasing fat deposits are giving it a smoother, more filled-out appearance. Hair may be developing color and texture, though both can change significantly before and even after birth.
The brain is developing rapidly, with more and more surface folds (sulci and gyri) appearing. These folds dramatically increase the brain's surface area, allowing for more neural connections. Your baby's brain activity is becoming increasingly complex, with patterns that researchers can detect on specialized monitoring.
Your body this week
At 25 weeks, you're firmly in the second trimester's final stretch. Your baby is growing quickly, and your body is adjusting to accommodate — which means some new symptoms may be making themselves known.
Heartburn may become a more regular visitor. The growing uterus pushes your stomach upward, and progesterone continues to relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, allowing acid to creep up. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy or fatty foods before bed, and staying upright after eating can help. Your provider can recommend pregnancy-safe antacids if needed.
You may notice Braxton Hicks contractions — irregular tightening of your uterus that comes and goes without a pattern. These 'practice contractions' are your body warming up for labor. They're usually painless (more uncomfortable than painful) and stop when you change position or drink water. If contractions become regular, painful, or are accompanied by any fluid leaking, contact your provider.
Your hands and feet may feel tingly or numb at times, especially after sleeping. This is often caused by fluid retention putting pressure on nerves — carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy is surprisingly common. Wearing wrist splints at night and shaking out your hands can provide relief.
If you haven't had your glucose screening test yet, it's likely coming up between now and week 28. This test checks for gestational diabetes and typically involves drinking a sweet glucose solution and having your blood drawn an hour later. It's quick and important — gestational diabetes affects about 6-9% of pregnancies and is manageable when caught early.
For dads
Your baby can hear your voice clearly now and will startle at loud noises. This is a good time to establish a routine of talking to or reading to the bump. It might feel awkward at first — you're talking to a belly — but research consistently shows that newborns recognize voices they heard frequently in the womb. Some dads read a specific book repeatedly during the third trimester and find that their newborn is visibly soothed by hearing that same book after birth. Pick something you enjoy reading aloud; your baby doesn't care about the content, just the sound of your voice.
The logistics of preparing for a baby are starting to feel more urgent. If you haven't started the baby registry, this is the week. If you haven't taken a tour of the hospital or birth center, schedule one. If you haven't discussed a birth plan with your partner, start the conversation. None of these tasks are emergencies yet, but the third trimester arrives in a few weeks, and it brings fatigue, discomfort, and a ticking clock. Getting organized now — while your partner still has energy and mobility — is a gift to both of you.
Common concerns
Is it normal to get carpal tunnel during pregnancy?+
Yes — pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome is quite common, affecting up to 60% of pregnant people to some degree. It's caused by fluid retention that puts pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hands, especially at night. Wrist splints, elevating your hands, and gentle stretching can help. It typically resolves after delivery when fluid levels return to normal. If symptoms are severe, mention them to your provider.
What is the glucose screening test?+
The glucose screening test (also called the glucose challenge test) checks for gestational diabetes, which affects about 6-9% of pregnancies. It's typically done between weeks 24 and 28. You'll drink a sweet glucose solution and have your blood drawn one hour later. If the initial screen is elevated, you'll be asked to take a longer three-hour glucose tolerance test to confirm. Gestational diabetes is very manageable with diet, exercise, and sometimes medication — the key is catching it early.
Are Braxton Hicks contractions something to worry about?+
Braxton Hicks contractions are normal practice contractions that help your uterus prepare for labor. They're typically irregular, painless or mildly uncomfortable, and stop when you change positions or drink water. They're more common after exercise or at the end of the day. However, contact your provider if contractions become regular (every 10 minutes or less), progressively painful, are accompanied by fluid leaking or bleeding, or don't stop with rest and hydration. These could be signs of preterm labor.
When should I start counting kicks?+
Most providers recommend beginning formal kick counting around week 28 (the start of the third trimester). The general guideline is to count 10 movements within 2 hours, ideally during a time when your baby is typically active. Before week 28, movement patterns aren't regular enough for formal counting, but you should still be aware of general activity. If you notice a significant decrease in movement at any point, contact your provider for guidance.
Product picks for week 25
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Pregnancy-safe antacid chews
Heartburn intensifies as your baby grows — calcium-based antacid chews provide safe relief to keep on your nightstand.
Wrist splints for carpal tunnel
Pregnancy carpal tunnel causes tingling and numbness in your hands — supportive wrist splints worn at night bring real relief.
Hospital bag checklist printable
The third trimester is approaching — start thinking about what to pack for delivery so you're ready when the time comes.
A quick note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns. Learn how we create our content.
Content based on guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Mayo Clinic, and peer-reviewed medical literature. Learn more about how we create our content.