Second Trimester
Week 25: Baby is startling in response to loud noises outside the womb.
Here's everything happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is the size of a
Rutabaga
Length
13.6 in
Weight
660 g
Week
25 / 40
💡 Expert tip
Prepare your birth plan if you
🌱 Baby's development this week
- Nostrils unplugging — baby practicing breathing movements
- Hair color visible on ultrasound
- Fat accumulating rapidly under skin
- Hands fully functional with strong grip reflex
Science fact
By 25 weeks, baby
🤰 Your symptoms this week
Hemorrhoids
caused by increased pelvic pressure; fiber, hydration, and sitz baths help
Heartburn at its most intense
a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water can help
Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down after eating, skip spicy/fatty foods. Antacids (Tums) are safe.
Pelvic pressure increasing as baby grows and descends slightly
💛 Changes in your body
- Hemorrhoids possible from increased pressure
- Heartburn typically at its worst now
- Belly feeling tight and itchy as skin stretches
- Back pain may intensify
💙 Mental health this week
Birth anxiety commonly peaks in the third trimester. Hypnobirthing techniques, childbirth education, and talking openly about fears with your provider all reduce anxiety significantly.
🥗 Nutrition focus
- Fiber 25–30g/day is essential now — prevents hemorrhoids, which affect 85% of pregnant women
- Stay well hydrated — constipation worsens hemorrhoids significantly
- Vitamin E-rich foods (sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach) support skin elasticity
📅 Appointment / test
Discuss birth plan preferences with your midwife or OB at your next appointment.
✅ This week's checklist
Draft your birth plan — even bullet points of preferences are helpful
Research hemorrhoid relief options with your provider if needed
Attend a childbirth education or hypnobirthing class
Track your pregnancy week by week
Interactive guide · 40 weeks · Fruit size visualizations · Personalized tips
Open Week 25 in Interactive Guide → →