Week 25 · 2nd trimester

Pregnancy Week 25: What to Expect

Baby's development, your body's changes, common symptoms, what to eat, and what to do this week.

Baby's size this week: Acorn squash or large cauliflower (~34 cm crown-to-heel)

Baby's development at week 25

Baby's nostrils open. Baby's spine is fully formed (33 vertebrae, 150 joints, 1000 ligaments). Baby can taste the flavors of foods you eat — this is real and well-documented. Baby has functional taste buds. Baby's hands can grip with surprising strength. Baby's skin is starting to fill out as baby gains fat. Baby's hair grows.

What's happening in your body

Your uterus is about halfway between belly button and bottom of the breastbone. Bump is large. Possible mild back pain or pelvic pressure. Frequent urination as baby presses on the bladder. Heartburn. Sleeping comfortably is hard. Skin on the belly is taut.

Common symptoms at week 25

Pelvic pressure. Frequent urination. Trouble sleeping. Heartburn. Stronger kicks; baby has clear awake/asleep cycles. Possible Braxton Hicks. Possible swollen feet, ankles. Possible carpal tunnel.

When to call your provider

Bleeding, persistent severe abdominal pain, painful regular contractions, watery discharge, severe headache/vision changes — call provider.

How to feel better this week

Start choosing a pediatrician for baby. Most providers want to meet with you before delivery; many practices offer free pediatrician interview visits. Check insurance. Continue Kegels. Side sleeping with pillow support. Walk daily. Hydrate. Apply belly lotion.

Nutrition focus for week 25

Continue all nutrients. Eat diverse flavors — baby tastes them. Aim for variety; multiple studies suggest babies whose moms ate diverse foods accept solids more readily later. Stay hydrated.

For your partner

Help research pediatricians. Schedule the interview visit together if you can.

This week's to-do

Choose a pediatrician. Schedule interview visit.

Is this normal?

Baby tastes everything you eat through the amniotic fluid. Eating diverse, varied foods now may make baby more open to solid foods later. So that "tasting" you do at restaurants? Baby gets a taste too.

Use the Pregnancy Due Date Calculator

Confirm exactly which week you're in or recalculate based on a known conception or ultrasound date.

Open the calculator →

Medical disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about your specific pregnancy. If you have concerning symptoms, do not wait — call your provider or go to the emergency department.

Other pregnancy safety lookups

Food safety Is this food OK? 200+ lookups Medication safety Is this med OK? 110 lookups Activity safety Is this activity OK? 150 lookups

Or visit the Pregnancy Safety Guide to search across all 460+ lookups.