👶Your baby this week
Your baby is now about the length of a pack of baby wipes – roughly 34.6 cm from head to heel – and continuing a steady climb in weight as baby fat starts to build.
The **startle reflex** is developing. Loud noises may make baby jump, kick, or change position, you might even feel rhythmic **hiccups**.
The **lungs** are progressing: tiny blood vessels (capillaries) are forming and surfactant production is increasing in preparation for breathing after birth.
Baby’s **nose and nostrils are functioning** for ‘practice’ breaths of amniotic fluid; the sense of smell may begin developing in this period.
Skin appears pinker as capillaries fill beneath the surface; over the coming weeks, fat will reduce the wrinkled look.
Hair may begin to show its **texture** (if present), while eyebrows and eyelashes continue developing.
Baby is **peeing** into the amniotic fluid now; this fluid keeps temperature stable and cushions baby’s movements.
🌸Your body this week
It’s common for you to notice **mild puffiness or swelling** in the face, hands, and feet due to water retention, usually harmless but worth mentioning at check-ups.
Because baby is taking up more abdominal space, **indigestion, heartburn, burping, and early fullness** are common after meals.
The uterus is now close to the size of a **soccer ball**, so you may feel heavier and more ‘front-loaded’.
Hormones that relax ligaments can lead to **backache, pelvic discomfort, and symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)** sensations.
Increased blood flow to the rectal area and constipation can contribute to **piles (haemorrhoids)**, itchy or sore swollen veins around the bottom.
Your gums may feel more sensitive and bleed more easily; **nosebleeds** and **snoring** can also crop up due to nasal congestion.
💛Symptoms you might notice
Every pregnancy is different. These are common around week 25 — speak to your midwife if anything worries you.
Swelling & Pre-eclampsia Watch
Mild swelling can be normal, but **seek urgent advice** if swelling is sudden or severe, or if you develops splitting headaches, vision changes, pain below the ribs, or high blood pressure symptoms.
Indigestion, Heartburn & Bloating
Eat smaller, more frequent meals, sit upright when eating, and avoid rich, spicy, or fatty foods and caffeine. Steer clear of smoking and alcohol.
Gas & Burping
Hormones slow digestion and baby compresses the stomach, causing burping and gassiness. Slow down, chew well, and avoid trigger foods.
Backache & Pelvic Discomfort (SPD)
Practice posture support, pelvic tilts, and Kegels; consider a maternity support belt. Ask about physiotherapy if pain is significant.
Piles (Haemorrhoids)
Prevent constipation with fibre, fluids, and gentle exercise. Soothe with cool compresses, witch hazel pads, or sitz baths.
Restless Legs & Leg Cramps
Stretch calves before bed, stay hydrated, and ask about iron levels if symptoms are persistent.
Carpal Tunnel (Tingling Hands)
Fluid shifts can compress wrist nerves. Try wrist splints at night, take stretch breaks, and adjust desk ergonomics.
Tiredness, Poor Sleep & Snoring
Use extra pillows for bump and pelvis support; consider a humidifier or nasal strips for congestion.
Headaches
Hydrate, rest in a dark room, and track triggers. Seek help for severe or prolonged headaches, especially with visual changes.
Constipation
Add wholegrains, fruit, veg, beans and lentils; drink plenty of water; keep moving most days.
✨Tips for week 25
Tell Your Employer (Maternity Rights)
By week 25, it’s time to inform your employer so you can access **maternity pay and benefits** and attend antenatal appointments in paid work time.
Paternity Leave
If your partner plans to take paternity leave, they should notify their employer now. **Female partners are also entitled to paternity leave** in the UK.
Whooping Cough Vaccine
If not yet done, the **pertussis (whooping cough)** vaccine is recommended between **weeks 16–32** to pass antibodies to baby before birth.
Tame Heartburn
Smaller meals, slow eating, staying upright after meals, and avoiding trigger foods can help. Ask your midwife which remedies are safe for you.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Daily squeezes support the bladder and pelvis, may reduce leakage, and aid recovery post-birth.
Antenatal Classes
Ask your midwife about NHS or charity-run classes (e.g., Tommy’s, NCT). They’re useful even if this isn’t your first baby.
Birth Plan Starter
Begin noting preferences for place of birth, pain relief, monitoring, and immediate post-birth care. Use the **NHS birth plan template** and discuss with your midwife.
Single-Parent Support
If you is parenting solo, ask about local groups and practical support. **Gingerbread** offers guidance on benefits, housing, and childcare.
Healthy Eating (No Extra Calories Yet)
You don’t need extra calories until week 28. Focus on balanced meals with fruit, veg, wholegrains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Wellbeing Check-In
If you feels anxious or low, reach out to your midwife/GP for support. Talk openly with trusted family or friends, you don’t have to cope alone.
When to Get Help Urgently
Call your maternity unit immediately for severe headache, visual disturbances, sudden swelling, severe abdominal pain, reduced movements, heavy bleeding, or any worrying new symptom.