Your Pregnancy at Week 25

Although you are still feeling reasonably energetic, your bump may be starting to make you feel a little more breathless. This is caused by your baby taking up more room now it's doubling in size but could also be down to anaemia.

You will have a blood test at 28-weeks to check that your iron levels are okay, but if you find that you are really struggling, it may be worth speaking to your GP.

Haemorrhoids are a horrible side effect of pregnancy. Again, caused by the added pressure of your baby on your digestive system. Couple this with some constipation and you may find yourself suffering. Make sure you keep hydrated and have lots of fibre. This should hopefully keep your stools soft, so you won’t need to strain.

It is difficult not to stress about weight gain especially in the second trimester when the baby is piling on the ounces but try to eat in moderation and partake in some regular, light exercise.

Throughout pregnancy, it is important that you are vigilant about your dental hygiene. The demands of pregnancy can take its toll on your teeth and gums, which can lead to long-term conditions such as 'gingivitis' (receding gums) and 'inflammatory gum disease'. As well as being entitled to free prescriptions, you are also entitled to free dental healthcare, on the NHS throughout pregnancy, so it may be time to take advantage.

Below is a list of pregnancy symptoms commonly experienced during week 25.

Swelling in your ankles and/or feet: It's common to experience swelling, known as edema, particularly in your ankles and feet during week 25 of pregnancy. This occurs due to increased fluid retention and pressure on blood vessels as your body adjusts to the demands of pregnancy. Elevating your legs and staying hydrated can help alleviate discomfort. Here’s how to reduce ankle swelling.

Unwanted hair growth: Some women may experience unwanted hair growth in areas such as the face, abdomen, or back. These changes are normal and often return to normal after childbirth.

Sweating: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to increased sweating during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester. This is the body's way of regulating its temperature. Wearing breathable clothing and staying hydrated before bed can help manage sweating. Here’s how to keep cool during pregnancy.

Stronger nails: Pregnancy hormones can sometimes lead to stronger nails! Enjoy this perk of pregnancy, but keep in mind that these changes may not be permanent.

Thicker hair: Many pregnant women experience thicker, fuller hair during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. This is often attributed to increased levels of oestrogen, which prolongs the growth phase of hair.

Tingling, numbness, or pain in your hands and wrists: Carpal tunnel syndrome, characterised by tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and wrists, is common during this stage of pregnancy due to fluid retention and swelling. Wearing a wrist splint and practicing gentle exercises may provide relief.

Braxton Hicks: Around week 25, you might be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as "practice contractions." These irregular and painless contractions are your body's way of preparing for labor. They may feel like a tightening sensation in your abdomen and typically occur infrequently. If they become frequent or painful, contact your healthcare provider. Here’s more on what to expect from contractions.</a.

Tender and/or bleeding gums: Pregnancy hormones can affect your oral health, causing gum sensitivity, swelling, and tenderness. This can increase the risk of gum inflammation (gingivitis) and occasional bleeding during brushing or flossing. Here’s more on what pregnancy can do to your teeth.

Interrupted sleep: As your pregnancy progresses, discomfort from physical changes such as backaches, frequent urination, night sweats, and foetal movements can disrupt your sleep patterns. Finding a comfortable sleeping position and considering a pregnancy pillow can help with this!

Foetal hiccups: You may start to feel your baby experiencing hiccups, which are a normal part and exciting of foetal development. These rhythmic movements, typically felt as a repetitive, rhythmic tapping sensation, occur as your baby practices breathing and swallowing amniotic fluid. It's a lovely reminder of your little one's presence…unless it’s at 3am!

Remember, every pregnancy is different, and not everyone will experience the same symptoms. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your midwife or GP. 

By week 25, you should feel your baby moving around inside of you regularly. If you haven't felt anything in a little while and you're worried, turn on some music, drink a glass of ice, cold water, and see if it wakes your little one! You can also lightly massage your stomach to nudge your baby awake. Just be sure you're gentle about pressing into your stomach.

Now is a good time to learn what the signs of preterm or premature labour look like. Talk to your midwife or doctor about these signs and ask what you should do if these signs occur before week 37 of pregnancy. Preterm or premature labour often looks like:

1. Swelling in the hands or face
2. Constant or severe vomiting
3. Increase or change in vaginal discharge
4. Low, dull backache
5. Pain while urinating
6. More than five contractions or sharp cramps within a one-hour period

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your midwife or doctor immediately.

Choosing a Pushchair

Travel systems, joggers, reversible seats, easy folds, cup holders, and everything in between, from affordably priced to astronomically priced, make purchasing a pushchair more complicated than ever before, almost like choosing a new car.  

Except... you'll probably use the pushchair as often or more than you use your car! Before you make the decision, check out our guide to buying a pushchair. Or, our best lightweight pushchairs.

Don't forget to write in your pregnancy journal this week!