25 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect, Baby Development & Late Second Trimester
25 weeks pregnant: what to know right now
Baby: Size of a rutabaga (~13.6 inches, ~1.5 lbs) · Capillaries forming under skin, responding to sounds, nostrils opening · Body: Round ligament pain, Braxton Hicks, backache, swelling · Key milestone: Viability improving rapidly — survival rate ~80% · Coming up: Glucose tolerance test if not yet done (by week 28)
Here's everything happening with your baby and your body this week.
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
By 25 weeks, baby
🤰 Your symptoms this week
💛 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
Birth anxiety commonly peaks in the third trimester. Hypnobirthing techniques, childbirth education, and talking openly about fears with your provider all reduce anxiety significantly.
Fundal Height at 25 Weeks: What Your Provider Is Measuring
From approximately 20 weeks, your provider measures fundal height at each appointment — the distance in centimeters from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. This simple measurement tracks fetal growth between ultrasounds.
What's normal: Fundal height in centimeters roughly equals gestational age in weeks (±2 cm). At 25 weeks, a measurement of 23–27 cm is within the normal range. Measurements consistently above or below this range prompt an ultrasound growth scan rather than immediate concern.
Late second trimester priorities at 25 weeks:
- Glucose test deadline approaching: If not yet done, the gestational diabetes screen must be completed by week 28. Schedule it now if you haven't.
- Kick counting begins soon: Formal kick counting (10 movements in 2 hours) is typically recommended from week 26–28. At 25 weeks, begin familiarizing yourself with your baby's normal movement pattern.
- Iron levels: Many providers do a blood count at the 25–28 week appointment. Low ferritin at this stage causes fatigue that compounds third-trimester exhaustion.
- Pelvic girdle pain: Increasing pelvic pain at 25 weeks is common. Early physiotherapy referral is more effective than managing it alone — ask at your next appointment.
See week 26 for the viability milestone and what it means.
🥗 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
Discuss birth plan preferences with your midwife or OB at your next appointment.
✅ This week's checklist
Frequently Asked Questions: 25 Weeks Pregnant
How big is baby at 25 weeks?+
At 25 weeks, your baby is approximately 13.6 inches (34.6 cm) long and weighs about 1.5 lbs (680 g) — roughly the size of a rutabaga. Capillaries are forming under the skin, giving baby a more pink tone. The nostrils are beginning to open.
What are common symptoms at 25 weeks pregnant?+
Common symptoms at 25 weeks: round ligament pain (sharp lower abdominal twinges), Braxton Hicks practice contractions, back and pelvic pain, swollen ankles by evening, heartburn, vivid dreams, and gestational weight gain accelerating.
What trimester is 25 weeks pregnant?+
25 weeks is in the second trimester (weeks 14–27). The third trimester begins at week 28. You have approximately 15 weeks until your due date.
What is fundal height and what should it be at 25 weeks?+
Fundal height is the measurement from your pubic bone to the top of the uterus in centimeters. At 25 weeks, a measurement of 23–27 cm is within normal range (roughly equal to gestational age in weeks ±2 cm). Consistently small or large measurements trigger an ultrasound growth scan.
When should I start the glucose tolerance test?+
The glucose tolerance test (GTT) for gestational diabetes is scheduled between weeks 24–28. At 25 weeks, if you haven't scheduled it, do so immediately — it must be completed before week 28. The 1-hour glucose challenge test doesn't require fasting and takes about 1 hour total.
Track your pregnancy week by week
Interactive guide · 40 weeks · Fruit size visualizations · Personalized tips
Explore Week 25 in the Interactive Guide →