You’ve arrived at week 25 of your pregnancy, 23 weeks from conception. Let’s learn all about how your baby is developing!
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Table of contents
Week 25 Pregnancy: How big is your baby?
At week 25, your baby is measuring in at around 13.5 inches from head to heel and weighs about 1 1/2 pounds. That puts your little one at about the same size as a rutabaga! What’s that — you’ve never seen a rutabaga? Well, in honor of your baby-to-be, let this be the week that you finally pick up a rutabaga at the grocery store!
Your belly bump is growing too! Your uterus is now at the height of 2 inches above your belly button. The fundal measurement is about 10 1/2 inches from the pubic symphysis to your naval.
Baby’s Development
Your little rutabaga is making some fun developmental changes this week!
- Baby can make a fist and can grab his feet or the umbilical cord
- Hair is developing a distinct color and texture
- Respiratory system is stronger and nostrils are opening
- Baby now has regular waking and sleeping patterns
Week 25 Pregnancy: Tiredness & Symptoms
Tiredness
Many women find that they are more tired in the 3rd trimester than they have been for the last few months. Tiredness and fatigue are very normal at this point in your pregnancy. Your body is supporting the rapid growth and development of your baby. Additionally, the bigger your belly grows, the more difficult it is to sleep.
Many women wake up at night having to pee. If this is your problem, do as toddlers do! Avoid drinking in those last few hours before you go to bed. (But don’t decrease your overall hydration throughout the day!) If comfort is the issue, try using multiple pillows or a long body pillow to help support a side-lying sleeping position. When you can, nap during the day to make up for lost sleep at night (2).
Itching
Itchy skin is a common symptom, effecting nearly 20% of pregnant women. There are typically no bumps or rashes — just plain old itchy skin. While itching can occur at any time in your pregnancy, it’s most common toward the end due to the stretching of your skin as the uterus grows. Usually, no treatment is needed. However, if your itching symptoms are severe, talk to your doctor or midwife about the use of lotions or antihistamines (1).
If you have significant itching, and are itchy in places other than your growing belly, mention it to your healthcare provider. While uncommon, there is a liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy that causes itchy skin.
Week 25 Pregnancy: Glucose Tolerance Test
The oral glucose tolerance test can detect pre-diabetes and diabetes during pregnancy. Your provider will administer the screening test between 24 and 28 weeks of the pregnancy.
When you arrive at your appointment, you’ll be given a flavored glucose drink that tastes very similar to soda. An hour after finishing the drink, a blood sample will be drawn to measure your blood sugar level. While most women will have normal blood glucose levels, you may be asked to perform an additional 3-hour glucose test to verify the results.
Good luck this week! We’ll catch you next week at week 26 of your pregnancy!!
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References:
- Glade, B.C., Schuler, J. (2011). Your Pregnancy Week by Week, 7th edition. First Da Capo Press.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2010). Your Pregnancy and Childbirth Month to Month, 5th edition.
- Ladewig, P.A., London, M.L., Davidson, M.R. (2006). Contemporary Maternal-Newborn Nursing Care, 6th edition. Pearson Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle River, NJ.
- Retrieved at http://parentingpatch.com/how-big-is-your-baby-week-week-food-comparisons/
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- How Often to Feed a Newborn (& How to Know If Baby Is Getting Enough)
- Anatomy of Breastfeeding
- Benefits of Skin to Skin Contact After Birth
- Second Trimester Pregnancy & Symptoms: The Ultimate Guide
- Second Trimester Appointments: What to Expect
- Week 22 Pregnancy: Baby Movement & More
- Week 17 Pregnancy: Belly, Symptoms & Sleeping
- Stretch Marks in Pregnancy: Causes and Prevention