General information, not medical advice. Every baby is different — if anything worries you, speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP rather than waiting.
At 25 weeks pregnant, your bump is impossible to hide and your baby’s kicks are getting stronger by the day. You’re deep in the second trimester, edging closer to the third.
This week brings real physical changes, from heartburn and back pain to a baby who now responds to sound and touch. Knowing what’s normal helps you feel less caught off guard.
Table of Contents
25 Weeks Pregnant
At 25 weeks pregnant, your baby weighs about 1.5 to 1.7 pounds (660–750 grams) and measures around 13 to 14 inches, roughly the size of a rutabaga. You’re in month six, firmly in the second trimester.
How Many Months Is 25 Weeks Pregnant?
Twenty-five weeks pregnant falls in month six of pregnancy. Pregnancy is typically tracked in weeks by doctors, since months don’t divide evenly into 40 weeks.
You’re in the late second trimester, with the third trimester starting around week 28. This stretch is often called the “home stretch” of comfortable movement before things get tighter later on.
Baby’s Size and Development at 25 Weeks
Your baby is growing fast this week, adding both length and fat. Here’s what’s happening inside the womb.
- Weighs approximately 1.5 to 1.7 pounds (660 to 750 grams).
- Measures around 13 to 14 inches from head to heel.
- About the size of a rutabaga or a large turnip.
- Developing a visible startle reflex in response to loud noises.
- Beginning to open eyes and respond to light and touch.
Baby’s Developing Senses and Movements
Your baby’s nervous system is maturing quickly this week. Hearing and touch responses become noticeably stronger and more consistent.
Loud sounds may cause a “startle” reflex, where your baby jumps or kicks in response. You may also feel rhythmic, hiccup-like movements in your belly.
Skin capillaries are forming under the surface, giving your baby’s skin a temporary reddish tone. This fades as the skin thickens over the coming weeks.
Lung Development at 25 Weeks
Your baby’s lungs are producing surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs expand after birth. This is a major step toward being ready to breathe outside the womb.
The lungs are still immature at this stage and cannot yet deliver oxygen efficiently on their own. Blood vessels around the lungs continue developing to support that future function.
Common Symptoms at 25 Weeks Pregnant
Many women notice their symptoms becoming more physical and harder to ignore around this week.
| Symptom | Why It Happens |
|---|---|
| Heartburn | Growing uterus pushes on the stomach |
| Back pain | Extra weight shifts your center of gravity |
| Trouble sleeping | Bump size makes finding a position difficult |
| Leg cramps | Circulation changes and pressure on nerves |
| Braxton Hicks contractions | Uterus practicing for labor |
| Frequent urination | Uterus pressing on the bladder |
| Swollen or itchy veins | Increased blood volume and pelvic pressure |
Your Belly and Body Changes
Your bump is now noticeably larger and harder to hide under loose clothing. Many women have gained roughly 15 or more pounds by this point.
Skin across your abdomen and breasts may feel tight, itchy, or stretched. A gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer can help with comfort, though it won’t fully prevent stretch marks.
Increased blood volume can also cause visible veins, occasional dizziness, or a feeling of being warmer than usual.
Tips for Feeling Better at 25 Weeks
- Sip water earlier in the day and taper off before bed to reduce nighttime bathroom trips.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals to ease heartburn and digestive pressure.
- Use a pregnancy pillow to support your belly and back while sleeping.
- Keep taking gentle walks, since light movement can ease aches and improve circulation.
- Add fiber-rich foods to your diet to help with constipation and regularity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid This Week
- Ignoring persistent swelling, sudden headaches, or vision changes instead of mentioning them to your provider.
- Skipping prenatal appointments, even when you feel fine physically.
- Assuming all back pain is normal without checking in if it becomes severe or one-sided.
- Overdoing physical activity instead of listening to your body’s signals to slow down.
- Waiting too long to start researching childbirth classes or a hospital bag checklist.
Expert Tip
Track your baby’s movement patterns starting around this week. A noticeable, sudden drop in normal movement is worth calling your provider about, even if everything else feels fine.
When to Call Your Doctor
Most symptoms at 25 weeks are uncomfortable but expected. Some signs, however, deserve a call to your provider the same day.
- Regular, painful contractions before 37 weeks.
- Vaginal bleeding or a sudden gush of fluid.
- Severe or one-sided abdominal pain.
- Sudden swelling in the face or hands paired with a headache or vision changes.
- A significant, sustained drop in your baby’s movement.
Real-World Preparation for Week 25
- Prenatal appointments: routine checkups track growth and catch concerns like high blood pressure early.
- Glucose screening: many providers schedule the gestational diabetes test around weeks 24 to 28.
- Baby registry planning: week 25 is a common time to start building a baby essentials list.
- Birth education: researching childbirth classes now leaves time to enroll before the third trimester gets busier.
- Comfort adjustments: swapping in supportive shoes and a pregnancy pillow can ease daily discomfort.
Also Read:
- Pregnancy Guide Month by Month
- 17 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Size & What to Expect
- Pregnancy Week by Week 7: Symptoms & Baby Size
- FBS Test for Pregnant: Normal Range, Purpose & Next Steps
- Baby Sleep Guide, Honestly
- Baby Sleep Guide for New Moms: Safe Sleep & Schedules
- Baby Essentials Checklist 0–3 Months
- Baby Essentials Checklist: What New Parents Actually Need
- Baby Essentials Checklist 0–3 Months (Complete Guide)
- How Many Newborn Outfits Do You Need?
- Baby Shopping List for First-Time Moms
- Newborn Coming Home Outfit: What to Pick, What to Skip
- Baby Food Guide, 6–12 Months
- Baby Food Chart 6 to 12 Months
- First Foods for Baby at 6 Months
- First Food for Baby 6 Months: Best Options & Safety Tips
- Fruit Purees for 6 Month Old Babies
- Best Vegetable Purees for Baby
- Sweet Potato Puree for Baby
- Apple Puree for Baby: Easy Recipe & Safety Guide
- Blueberry Puree for Baby: Recipe & Choking Safety Guide
- Spinach Puree for Baby: Recipe, Nitrate Facts & Age Guide
- Homemade Pumpkin Puree for Baby
- Zucchini Puree for Baby: Easy Recipe & Age Guide
- Baby Won’t Eat? Common Reasons, Fixes & When to Worry
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How big is a baby at 25 weeks pregnant?
Your baby weighs about 1.5 to 1.7 pounds and measures around 13 to 14 inches long. This is roughly the size of a rutabaga.
How many months pregnant is 25 weeks?
Twenty-five weeks pregnant is generally counted as month six of pregnancy. You’re in the late second trimester.
Is 25 weeks pregnant considered third trimester?
No. The third trimester typically begins around week 28, so at 25 weeks you’re still in the second trimester.
What symptoms are normal at 25 weeks pregnant?
Common symptoms include heartburn, back pain, trouble sleeping, leg cramps, and Braxton Hicks contractions. Most of these are uncomfortable but expected at this stage.
Can my baby hear me at 25 weeks pregnant?
Yes. Your baby’s hearing is developing well by 25 weeks and can respond to sounds and voices from outside the womb.
Why does my baby jump or kick at loud noises?
This is called the startle reflex, a normal response as your baby’s nervous system matures. It’s a sign of healthy neurological development.
Is it normal to feel Braxton Hicks contractions at 25 weeks?
Yes. These practice contractions are common in the second trimester and usually feel like mild tightening rather than pain.
How much weight should I have gained by 25 weeks pregnant?
Many women have gained around 15 or more pounds by this point, though healthy ranges vary by starting weight. Your provider can confirm what’s appropriate for you.
What does the baby look like at 25 weeks?
Your baby looks more filled out, with fat developing under the skin and less wrinkled features. Skin may still appear reddish due to visible capillaries.
Why is my belly itchy at 25 weeks pregnant?
Stretching skin across a growing belly commonly causes dryness and itchiness. A fragrance-free moisturizer can help ease discomfort.
Is heartburn common at 25 weeks pregnant?
Yes. As the uterus expands, it pushes against the stomach and can push acid upward, causing heartburn. Smaller, more frequent meals often help.
When is the glucose screening test usually done?
Most providers schedule the gestational diabetes screening between weeks 24 and 28. This falls right around the 25-week mark.
Why can’t I sleep well at 25 weeks pregnant?
A growing bump makes finding a comfortable position harder, and hormonal changes can also disrupt sleep. A pregnancy pillow often helps support your belly and back.
Is back pain normal at 25 weeks pregnant?
Mild back pain is common as your center of gravity shifts with the growing belly. Severe or one-sided pain should be discussed with your provider.
What should I be doing to prepare at 25 weeks pregnant?
This is a good time to start researching childbirth classes, building a baby registry, and keeping up with prenatal appointments. Many parents also begin planning their hospital bag around this stage.
How much fluid does my baby practice breathing at 25 weeks?
Your baby is practicing breathing movements using amniotic fluid, not air. This helps develop the muscles and lungs needed for real breathing after birth.
Can I feel my baby hiccup at 25 weeks?
Yes. Rhythmic, repetitive movements in your belly are often hiccups, which are completely normal and harmless.
Is swelling normal at 25 weeks pregnant?
Mild swelling in the feet and ankles is common due to increased blood volume and pressure. Sudden swelling in the face or hands paired with a headache needs prompt medical attention.
What foods help with heartburn at 25 weeks pregnant?
Smaller meals, avoiding spicy or fried foods, and not lying down right after eating can all help reduce heartburn. Your provider can also suggest pregnancy-safe antacids if needed.
How often should I feel my baby move at 25 weeks?
Movement patterns vary, but you should notice a fairly consistent pattern by this stage. A sudden, significant drop in movement is worth reporting to your provider.
Is leg cramping normal at 25 weeks pregnant?
Yes, leg cramps are common due to circulation changes and pressure on nerves. Staying hydrated and stretching before bed may help reduce them.
What trimester am I in at 25 weeks pregnant?
You’re in the second trimester at 25 weeks, with the third trimester starting around week 28. This makes week 25 one of the final weeks of the second trimester stretch.
Conclusion
At 25 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing rapidly, developing stronger senses, and preparing key systems like the lungs for life outside the womb. Your body is working hard too, and symptoms like heartburn, back pain, and poor sleep are common this week.
Staying on top of prenatal appointments, tracking your baby’s movement, and making small comfort adjustments can make this stretch of pregnancy easier. If anything feels seriously off, don’t hesitate to contact your midwife or doctor rather than waiting it out.
Dilawar Mughal
Founder and editor, First Time Mommy Guide
I research every guide against what the NHS, the AAP and the WHO publish, then write it in plain English — because most new parents are reading with one hand free, not comparing clinical guidelines. I'm not a doctor or a midwife. Every health claim on this site is sourced and linked so you can check it yourself, and anything urgent belongs with your health visitor or GP, not a blog.
