25 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Size, Symptoms & What to Expect
Your baby is about 13.5 inches long and the size of a cauliflower — gaining fat, responding to your voice, and growing stronger every day. The glucose test is coming up soon.
👶 Your Baby's Development at 25 Weeks
At 25 weeks, your baby is about 13.5 inches long from head to heel and weighs approximately 1.5 pounds — comparable in size to a cauliflower. Your baby is growing more proportional and starting to look like the newborn you'll meet in about 15 weeks.
- Fat deposits: Your baby is beginning to accumulate body fat, filling out the previously wrinkled skin. This fat is crucial for temperature regulation after birth
- Hair color: Hair is growing on the head, and its color and texture are now determined. However, this may change after birth
- Responding to voice: Your baby's hearing is refined enough to react to your voice, your partner's voice, and sudden loud noises. Startle reflexes are well established
- Lung development: The lungs are producing surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs from collapsing. This is critical for breathing outside the womb but won't be fully mature until about 36 weeks
- Capillary formation: Tiny blood vessels (capillaries) are forming under the skin, giving it a pinkish tone regardless of eventual skin color
- Hand coordination: Your baby can now grasp with a firm grip and may play with the umbilical cord
- Sleep-wake cycles: Your baby has distinct periods of sleep and wakefulness. You may notice activity patterns — often most active when you're trying to rest
🤰 Your Body at 25 Weeks
At 25 weeks, your uterus is about the size of a soccer ball. You're at the end of the second trimester, and your body is working hard to support your rapidly growing baby. Total weight gain is typically 15–18 pounds by now.
- Braxton Hicks contractions: You may start feeling occasional tightenings of the uterus. These "practice contractions" are irregular, usually painless, and last 30 seconds to 2 minutes. They're normal and not a sign of labor
- Heartburn and acid reflux: The hormone progesterone relaxes the valve between your stomach and esophagus, and your growing uterus pushes your stomach upward. Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down after eating, and skip spicy or acidic foods
- Swollen feet and ankles: Edema is common as your body retains more fluid and your uterus compresses veins in the pelvis. Elevate your feet, wear compression socks, and stay hydrated
- Hemorrhoids: Increased pelvic pressure and constipation can cause hemorrhoids. Eat high-fiber foods (25–30g daily), drink plenty of water, and avoid straining
- Shortness of breath: Your expanding uterus is pressing up against your diaphragm. This improves slightly when the baby "drops" later in pregnancy
- Snoring: Nasal congestion from pregnancy rhinitis combined with weight gain can cause new snoring. Nasal strips may help
🏠 Nursery Prep and Baby Gear
At 25 weeks, you have about 15 weeks until your due date — a great time to start setting up the nursery and acquiring essential baby gear. Break it into manageable steps so it doesn't feel overwhelming.
- The essentials: A safe crib (meets CPSC standards), a firm mattress with a fitted sheet, a car seat (installed and inspected), and a place for diaper changes
- Safe sleep setup: Follow the ABCs of safe sleep — Alone, on their Back, in a Crib with nothing else (no blankets, pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals)
- Car seat: An infant car seat is required to leave the hospital. Many fire stations and hospitals offer free installation checks
- Stroller: Consider your lifestyle — a full-travel system, lightweight umbrella stroller, or all-terrain model. Many car seats snap into compatible stroller frames
- Skip for now: You don't need a wipe warmer, baby shoes (newborns need socks), or most "nursery gadgets." Focus on the basics
🎉 Baby Shower Planning
Baby showers are traditionally held between weeks 28 and 36, but planning starts now. Whether it's a traditional shower, a co-ed celebration, or a virtual event, here are some things to consider.
- Timing: Weeks 28–32 are ideal — you're visibly pregnant but still comfortable enough to enjoy the event
- Registry: Create your baby registry now at 1–2 stores. Include a range of prices and prioritize necessities (diapers, onesies, swaddles) alongside bigger items
- Practical gifts: Don't forget to register for the unglamorous essentials — diaper cream, burp cloths, nail clippers, a nasal aspirator, and thermometer
- Meal train: Instead of (or in addition to) a traditional shower, consider setting up a meal train for after the baby arrives. Prepared meals are one of the most helpful gifts for new parents
🔮 Looking Ahead to Week 26
Next week marks the beginning of the third trimester for many counting systems (though some place it at week 28). Your baby's eyes will begin to open, and the lungs continue maturing. You're in the home stretch.
- Your baby will start opening and closing their eyes and can distinguish between light and dark
- Start doing daily kick counts at week 28 — aim to feel at least 10 movements in 2 hours
- Look into childbirth education, infant CPR, and breastfeeding classes — book soon as popular classes fill up
- Begin thinking about your birth preferences — pain management options, who you want in the delivery room, and cord blood banking decisions