Week by Week Pregnancy: 25 Week Pregnant

At 25 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 34.6 cm long from head to toe and approximately the size of a courgette. During this stage of the second trimester, your baby continues to grow rapidly, and their movements may feel stronger and easier to recognise.

Your baby is becoming increasingly active. You may notice kicks, turns and wriggles throughout the day. A sudden loud noise may make your baby jump or move, and you may occasionally notice small, rhythmic movements caused by your baby hiccupping.

By this stage, becoming familiar with your baby's movements is increasingly important. Every baby has their own pattern, and there is no set number of movements you should feel each day. If your baby is moving less than usual, you can no longer feel movement or their usual pattern clearly changes, contact your maternity unit immediately.

Key development at 25 weeks:
Your baby is around 34.6 cm long. Movements may be easier to recognise, your baby can respond to loud sounds with movement, and you may occasionally feel rhythmic movements caused by hiccups.

Contents

• What Does Being 25 Weeks Pregnant Mean?
• How Is Your Baby Developing at 25 Weeks?
• How Big Is Your Baby at 25 Weeks?
• What Does Your Baby Look Like at 25 Weeks?
• Can Your Baby Hear at 25 Weeks?
• Can Your Baby Hiccup at 25 Weeks?
• What Are Baby Movements Like at 25 Weeks?
• What Should You Do If Your Baby's Movements Change?
• What Happens to Your Body at 25 Weeks Pregnant?
• Is Swelling Normal at 25 Weeks?
• What Are the Symptoms of Being 25 Weeks Pregnant?

25 Weeks Pregnant at a Glance

Topic	At 25 Weeks
Pregnancy stage	25 weeks
Trimester	Second trimester
Baby's length	Around 34.6 cm from head to toe
Approximate size	About the size of a courgette
Movements	Kicks, turns and wriggles may become more noticeable
Response to sound	Baby may move in response to loud noises
Hiccups	May sometimes be felt as small rhythmic movements
Your body	Backache, heartburn, swelling and sleep difficulties may occur

What Does Being 25 Weeks Pregnant Mean?

At 25 weeks pregnant, you are in the later part of the second trimester. Your baby is now around 34.6 cm long from head to toe and continues to grow and develop.

You may notice periods when your baby is particularly active and other times when they are quieter. Babies have their own periods of activity and rest, which will not necessarily correspond with your own sleeping and waking routine.

There is no single number of movements that every baby should make each day. Instead of aiming for a particular kick count, become familiar with your baby's own usual pattern of movement.

Question	At 25 Weeks
Are you in the second trimester?	Yes
How long is the baby?	Around 34.6 cm
Are movements becoming more noticeable?	Often, yes
Can your baby respond to sounds?	Yes, particularly to sudden loud noises
Can you feel baby hiccups?	Sometimes
Is recognising your baby's movement pattern important?	Yes

How Is Your Baby Developing at 25 Weeks?

At 25 weeks, your baby continues to grow and develop in preparation for life outside the womb. Their body is becoming increasingly proportionate while the nervous system, lungs and other organs continue to mature.

Your baby may be very active inside the womb. They can move their arms and legs, kick, turn and change position, and you may now find it easier to distinguish some of these movements.

Your baby continues to swallow small amounts of amniotic fluid and passes urine back into the amniotic fluid. This fluid surrounds and protects your baby while allowing room for movement and development.

You can explore how your baby changes throughout pregnancy in our Baby Development in the Womb guide.

Development	What Is Happening at 25 Weeks?
Length	Around 34.6 cm from head to toe
Body	Proportions continue to become more balanced
Movements	Kicks, turns and wriggles may become easier to recognise
Hearing	Baby may respond to loud noises with movement
Hiccups	May sometimes be felt as rhythmic movements
Amniotic fluid	Baby continues to swallow fluid and pass urine

How Big Is Your Baby at 25 Weeks?

At 25 weeks, your baby is around 34.6 cm long from head to toe and approximately the size of a courgette.

These figures are averages rather than targets. Babies grow at slightly different rates, so measurements taken during an ultrasound scan do not necessarily correspond exactly with figures given in week-by-week pregnancy guides.

Baby size at 25 weeks:
Around 34.6 cm from head to toe. Your baby's individual growth can be assessed during your antenatal care when clinically necessary.

What Does Your Baby Look Like at 25 Weeks?

At 25 weeks, your baby's body is becoming increasingly proportionate and gradually more newborn-like in appearance. However, your baby is still developing and has considerable growing and maturing to do before birth.

Over the coming weeks, your baby will continue to grow and gain weight. As more fat is deposited beneath the skin, their body will gradually begin to look fuller.

Can Your Baby Hear at 25 Weeks?

At 25 weeks, your baby can respond to some sounds from outside the womb. A sudden loud noise may cause your baby to jump, kick or move.

You may occasionally notice this as an unexpected movement shortly after a loud sound. Your baby's hearing and the brain pathways involved in processing sound will continue to develop throughout pregnancy.

A sudden kick after a loud noise can be surprising.
At 25 weeks, your baby may respond to sounds in their environment with movement.

Can Your Baby Hiccup at 25 Weeks?

Yes. You may occasionally feel your baby hiccupping at 25 weeks. Baby hiccups can feel like small, regular, rhythmic movements that repeatedly occur in the same area of your abdomen.

They can feel different from kicks because the movements tend to repeat at similar intervals. Some people notice baby hiccups clearly, while others may not recognise them at all.

What Are Baby Movements Like at 25 Weeks?

At 25 weeks, your baby's movements may feel stronger and become easier to distinguish from other sensations in your abdomen. You may notice kicks, turns, wriggles and sudden small movements.

How strongly you feel these movements can depend on your baby's position and the location of your placenta. If you have an anterior placenta, some movements may feel more cushioned.

There is no set number of movements that every baby should make each day. The important thing is to become familiar with your baby's own usual pattern as your pregnancy progresses.

If your baby is moving less than usual, you can no longer feel movement or their usual pattern clearly changes, contact your maternity unit immediately.
Do not wait until the next day or your next routine antenatal appointment.

What Should You Do If Your Baby's Movements Change?

A noticeable reduction, stopping or change in your baby's usual pattern of movement should be assessed. Contact your maternity unit if you are concerned about your baby's movements.

Do not wait for a particular number of kicks before seeking advice. Your baby's own usual movement pattern is more important than reaching a universal daily target.

Do not rely on a home Doppler to check your baby's wellbeing. Even if you can hear a heartbeat, this does not reliably show that your baby is well.

What Happens to Your Body at 25 Weeks Pregnant?

As your uterus and baby grow, the increasing weight of your bump and changes to your posture may place more strain on your back and pelvis. Your centre of gravity also continues to change.

Backache, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, leg cramps, piles and difficulty sleeping can all occur during this stage of pregnancy.

You may also notice some swelling of your feet or ankles. Mild swelling that develops gradually can occur during pregnancy, but sudden or rapidly increasing swelling needs to be considered differently.

Change	What You May Notice at 25 Weeks
Pregnancy bump	Continues to grow
Back	Backache may occur
Pelvis	Pelvic discomfort may occur
Digestion	Heartburn, indigestion and constipation may continue
Legs	Leg cramps may occur
Sleep	Finding a comfortable position may become more difficult
Feet and ankles	Mild, gradual swelling may occur
Baby movements	May become stronger and easier to recognise

Is Swelling Normal at 25 Weeks Pregnant?

Mild swelling of the feet and ankles that develops gradually, particularly later in the day, can occur during pregnancy. This is different from sudden or rapidly increasing swelling.

Seek medical advice promptly if you develop a sudden increase in swelling of your face, hands or feet, particularly if you also experience a severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, severe pain just below your ribs, vomiting or feel very unwell. These can be symptoms of pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia can develop during the second half of pregnancy.
Routine blood pressure and urine checks during antenatal care are important because some people may initially have no obvious symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Being 25 Weeks Pregnant?

At 25 weeks, many familiar second-trimester symptoms may continue. The type and intensity of symptoms vary considerably from person to person and from one pregnancy to another.

Symptom or Change	Can It Occur at 25 Weeks?
More noticeable baby movements	✔ Yes
Tiredness	✔ Yes
Difficulty sleeping	✔ Yes
Backache	✔ Yes
Stretching discomfort around the abdomen	✔ Can occur
Heartburn and indigestion	✔ Yes
Bloating and constipation	✔ Yes
Leg cramps	✔ Can occur
Piles	✔ Can occur
Headaches	✔ Can occur
Nosebleeds	✔ Can occur
Bleeding or sensitive gums	✔ Can occur
Mild, gradual swelling	✔ Can occur
Increased vaginal discharge	✔ Can occur

In Part 2:
We'll cover what you may see on an ultrasound scan at 25 weeks, baby movements, abdominal and pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, swelling, possible signs of preterm labour, nutrition, exercise, sleep, antenatal appointments and gestational diabetes testing.

What Can You See on an Ultrasound Scan at 25 Weeks?

At 25 weeks, an ultrasound scan can show your baby's head, face, spine, heart, arms and legs in considerable detail. Depending on your baby's position, you may also see movements such as kicking, turning or bringing their hands towards their face.

If an ultrasound scan is carried out for a clinical reason, measurements of your baby's head, abdomen and long bones may be taken to assess growth. The position of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid may also be assessed when appropriate.

If your 20-week screening scan has already been completed, you would not usually have another detailed screening scan simply because you have reached 25 weeks. Additional scans may be recommended if all the required views could not be obtained previously or if your maternity team needs to monitor a particular aspect of your pregnancy.

During the Scan	What May Be Seen or Assessed?
Head and brain	Physical structures may be assessed
Face	The profile and some facial structures may be visible
Heart	Heart structures and activity may be assessed
Spine	The structure of the spine may be examined
Arms and legs	Limbs and movements may be visible
Growth	Measurements may be taken when clinically indicated
Placenta	Its position may be assessed
Amniotic fluid	May be assessed when clinically appropriate

How Big Is Your Baby at 25 Weeks?

At 25 weeks, your baby is around 34.6 cm long from head to toe and approximately the size of a courgette. Your baby will continue to grow and gain weight throughout the weeks ahead.

These measurements are averages rather than targets. Babies grow at slightly different rates, so measurements taken during an ultrasound scan may not correspond exactly with figures given in week-by-week pregnancy guides.

What Are Baby Movements Like at 25 Weeks?

At 25 weeks, kicks, turns, wriggles and other movements may be becoming easier to recognise. Your baby will have periods of activity as well as quieter periods when they are resting.

The strength of movements can vary depending on your baby's position and where your placenta is located. An anterior placenta may cushion some movements and make them feel less pronounced.

There is no set number of movements that every baby should make each day. The important thing is to become familiar with your baby's own usual pattern.

If your baby is moving less than usual, you can no longer feel movement or their usual pattern clearly changes, contact your maternity unit immediately.
Do not wait until the next day or your next routine antenatal appointment.

Is Abdominal Pain Normal at 25 Weeks Pregnant?

Mild, short-lived abdominal discomfort or stretching sensations can occur at 25 weeks. Common causes include stretching of the ligaments supporting your growing uterus, constipation and trapped wind.

You may notice brief sharp discomfort around the lower abdomen or sides when standing up, coughing, changing position or turning over in bed.

Seek medical advice if the pain is severe, persistent or getting worse. Pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding, regular contractions, unusual backache, leaking fluid, a high temperature or pain when passing urine should also be assessed.

What Do Regular Contractions Mean at 25 Weeks Pregnant?

Regular, painful or increasingly frequent contractions at 25 weeks should be assessed because they can be a sign of preterm labour. Although the uterus can sometimes tighten during pregnancy, contractions that develop a regular pattern or are accompanied by other symptoms should not simply be assumed to be harmless.

Contact your maternity unit if contractions occur with period-type pains, unusual backache, pressure low down in your pelvis, vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking from your vagina.

Do not wait at home if you think you may be going into labour at 25 weeks.
Regular contractions, suspected waters breaking or vaginal bleeding require prompt maternity assessment.

Can You Have Pelvic Pain at 25 Weeks Pregnant?

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain can occur at 25 weeks. Pain may be felt around your pelvis, groin, hips, thighs or lower back.

Walking, climbing stairs, standing on one leg, turning over in bed or getting in and out of a car can make the discomfort worse.

If pelvic pain is making it difficult to move around or carry out everyday activities, speak to your midwife or GP. Assessment and physiotherapy, when appropriate, can help you manage the symptoms.

Is Vaginal Discharge Normal at 25 Weeks?

It is normal to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Healthy pregnancy discharge is usually thin, clear or milky white and should not have an unpleasant smell.

Contact your midwife or GP if the discharge smells unpleasant, is green or yellow, causes itching or soreness, or is accompanied by pain when you pass urine. These changes can indicate an infection.

White discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese and is accompanied by itching or irritation may be caused by thrush. Speak to a healthcare professional about treatment that is suitable during pregnancy.

A persistent watery trickle or sudden gush of fluid should be assessed.
It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish amniotic fluid from normal discharge or urine. If you think your waters may have broken, contact your maternity unit promptly.

Is Swelling Normal at 25 Weeks Pregnant?

Mild swelling of your feet and ankles that develops gradually, particularly later in the day, can occur during pregnancy. Sudden or rapidly increasing swelling should be treated differently.

Seek medical advice promptly if you develop a sudden increase in swelling of your face, hands or feet, particularly with a severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, severe pain just below your ribs, vomiting or feeling very unwell. These can be symptoms of pre-eclampsia.

Can You Get Piles at 25 Weeks Pregnant?

Yes. Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, can develop during pregnancy or become more noticeable if you already have them. Constipation and increased pressure on the blood vessels around the pelvis can contribute.

Eating fibre-rich foods, drinking enough fluids, remaining physically active and trying to avoid constipation may help. Speak to your midwife, GP or pharmacist before using medicines or treatments during pregnancy.

What Should You Eat at 25 Weeks Pregnant?

Continue eating a balanced and varied diet at 25 weeks. Include fruit and vegetables, fibre-rich carbohydrate sources, pregnancy-safe sources of protein, and dairy products or suitable alternatives.

You do not need to “eat for two”. Even if your appetite has increased, concentrate on balanced meals and nutritional variety rather than doubling your portions.

Continue following pregnancy food-safety guidance. Vitamin D is important during pregnancy, while supplements containing vitamin A in the form of retinol should be avoided. Check that any vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements you take are suitable for pregnancy.

Nutrition	Practical Approach
Fruit and vegetables	Include a variety regularly
Protein	Choose pregnancy-safe sources
Fibre	Can help reduce constipation
Fluids	Drink regularly throughout the day
Vitamin D	Follow pregnancy supplementation guidance
Vitamin A	Avoid supplements containing retinol
Portions	You do not need to eat for two

Can You Exercise at 25 Weeks Pregnant?

If your pregnancy is progressing normally and you have not been advised otherwise, staying physically active is generally encouraged. Walking, swimming and other pregnancy-appropriate activities can be suitable options.

Do not exhaust yourself. As a practical guide, you should generally still be able to hold a conversation while exercising. If you become too breathless to talk comfortably, reduce the intensity.

Your centre of gravity changes as your bump grows, so take extra care with activities requiring balance. Avoid activities with a significant risk of falling or being hit in the abdomen.

How Should You Sleep at 25 Weeks Pregnant?

Your growing bump, baby movements, heartburn, backache or leg cramps may make it more difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. Sleeping on your side and using pillows between your knees or underneath your bump may help.

The NHS recommends going to sleep on your side from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Either the left or right side is suitable.

If you wake up on your back during the night, there is no need to panic. Simply turn back onto your side before going back to sleep.

What Happens at a 25-Week Antenatal Appointment?

If this is your first pregnancy, you may be offered an antenatal appointment at around 25 weeks in England. The exact schedule can vary according to your circumstances and where you receive maternity care.

At this appointment, your midwife may check your blood pressure and urine and discuss your baby's movements. Your uterus may also be measured to assess growth.

If you have been pregnant before, you may not routinely have a 25-week appointment unless additional monitoring has been recommended.

Antenatal appointments are not only about measuring your baby's growth.
Blood pressure, urine checks and discussion of symptoms can help identify pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia.

Is Gestational Diabetes Testing Done at 25 Weeks?

If you have certain risk factors for gestational diabetes, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is usually offered between 24 and 28 weeks in the UK. This means 25 weeks falls within the usual testing period for people who have been advised to have the test.

Gestational diabetes often causes no noticeable symptoms, so testing may be recommended even when you feel well.

If you had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, you may be offered testing earlier in pregnancy or monitoring of your blood glucose, followed by another OGTT at 24 to 28 weeks if the earlier result is normal.

Gestational Diabetes	What to Know
Usual OGTT period for those with risk factors	24–28 weeks
25 weeks	Falls within this testing period
Symptoms	There are often no noticeable symptoms
Previous gestational diabetes	Earlier testing or glucose monitoring may also be offered

In Part 3:
We'll cover what is considered normal at 25 weeks, when to contact your maternity team, signs of preterm labour and pre-eclampsia, bleeding, reduced baby movements, leaking fluid, common myths, your 25-week checklist and frequently asked questions.

What Is Considered Normal at 25 Weeks Pregnant?

At 25 weeks, a growing bump, increasingly noticeable baby movements, mild stretching sensations and backache can all be normal parts of pregnancy. Heartburn, indigestion, constipation, leg cramps, piles, difficulty sleeping and increased vaginal discharge may also occur.

Mild swelling of the feet and ankles that develops gradually, particularly later in the day, can also happen during pregnancy. However, sudden swelling, severe or persistent pain, regular contractions or other unusual symptoms should be assessed.

Symptom or Change	Can It Be Normal at 25 Weeks?
Growing pregnancy bump	✔ Yes
More noticeable baby movements	✔ Yes
Mild, short-lived abdominal stretching	✔ Yes
Backache	✔ Yes
Heartburn and indigestion	✔ Yes
Constipation	✔ Yes
Leg cramps	✔ Can occur
Piles	✔ Can occur
Increased vaginal discharge	✔ Can occur
Mild, gradual swelling of the feet or ankles	✔ Can occur

How Can You Support a Healthy Pregnancy at 25 Weeks?

Continue focusing on a balanced diet, regular fluids, pregnancy-appropriate physical activity and attending your antenatal appointments throughout the second trimester.

• Eat a balanced and varied diet.
• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
• Follow pregnancy food-safety guidance.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Do not stop prescribed medicines without speaking to a healthcare professional.
• Check that medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal products are suitable for pregnancy.
• Remain physically active if appropriate for your pregnancy.
• Continue pelvic floor exercises.
• Look after your teeth and gums.
• Attend your antenatal appointments and recommended tests.
• Become familiar with your baby's usual pattern of movement.

When Should You Contact Your Midwife or Maternity Unit?

Many changes at 25 weeks are expected, but some symptoms need medical assessment. Contact your midwife, maternity unit or another appropriate healthcare service if symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening or concerning.

Seek advice if you experience:

• vaginal bleeding or spotting;
• severe, persistent or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain;
• regular or increasingly frequent contractions or tightenings;
• period-type pains or unusual backache;
• fluid leaking from your vagina;
• unpleasant-smelling, green or yellow vaginal discharge;
• pain or burning when passing urine;
• a high temperature;
• severe or repeated dizziness or fainting;
• vomiting that prevents you from keeping food or fluids down;
• significant pain, swelling, tenderness or warmth in one leg;
• sudden or rapidly increasing swelling of your face, hands or feet;
• a reduction, stopping or clear change in your baby's usual movements.

Some symptoms require urgent medical assessment.
Seek urgent medical help if you have heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, loss of consciousness or feel seriously unwell.

What Are the Signs of Preterm Labour at 25 Weeks?

Regular contractions, period-type pains, unusual backache or leaking fluid at 25 weeks can be signs of preterm labour and should be assessed. Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean that labour has started, but you should not wait at home to see whether they disappear.

Contact your maternity unit if you experience:

• regular contractions or tightenings;
• period-type pains;
• unusual or persistent backache;
• pressure low down in your pelvis;
• a gush or persistent trickle of fluid from your vagina;
• vaginal bleeding.

Do not wait if you think you may be in labour at 25 weeks.
Contact your maternity unit promptly so that you and your baby can be assessed.

Is Bleeding Normal at 25 Weeks Pregnant?

Bleeding during pregnancy does not always mean there is a serious problem, but vaginal bleeding at 25 weeks should be assessed. The amount, colour and duration of bleeding, together with symptoms such as pain, contractions, dizziness or leaking fluid, can help your maternity team investigate the cause.

Contact your maternity service if you have vaginal bleeding or spotting. Seek urgent medical help if the bleeding is heavy or accompanied by severe pain, fainting, significant dizziness or feeling very unwell.

What Are the Signs of Pre-eclampsia at 25 Weeks?

Pre-eclampsia usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and requires medical assessment. Some people initially have no obvious symptoms, which is why blood pressure and urine checks are an important part of routine antenatal care.

Seek medical advice promptly if you develop:

• a sudden increase in swelling of your face, hands or feet;
• a severe headache;
• blurred vision or flashing lights;
• severe pain just below your ribs;
• vomiting;
• feeling very unwell.

Gradual and sudden swelling are not the same.
Mild swelling of the feet and ankles that develops gradually can occur during pregnancy. Sudden or rapidly increasing swelling, particularly with other symptoms of pre-eclampsia, requires assessment.

What Should You Do If Your Baby Is Moving Less Than Usual?

If your baby is moving less than usual, you can no longer feel movement or their usual pattern has clearly changed, contact your maternity unit immediately.

There is no single number of movements that applies to every baby. What matters is recognising your baby's own usual pattern and seeking advice when that pattern changes.

Do not use a home Doppler to reassure yourself that your baby is well. Hearing a heartbeat at home does not reliably assess your baby's wellbeing.

Do not wait until the next day if you are concerned about your baby's movements.
Contact your maternity unit even if the change happens at night.

What Does Leaking Fluid at 25 Weeks Pregnant Mean?

Increased vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy, but a persistent watery trickle or sudden gush of fluid should be assessed. It may not always be easy to distinguish amniotic fluid from normal vaginal discharge or urine.

If you think your waters may have broken at 25 weeks, contact your maternity unit promptly. Do not wait for contractions to begin before seeking advice.

Assessment is particularly important if leaking fluid is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, regular contractions, a high temperature or feeling unwell.

Common Myths About Being 25 Weeks Pregnant

Myth	What You Need to Know
“Your baby should kick a particular number of times every day.”	No. There is no single number that applies to every baby. Become familiar with your baby's usual pattern.
“You can wait until tomorrow if your baby's movements decrease.”	No. Contact your maternity unit immediately if movements reduce, stop or clearly change.
“A home Doppler can confirm that your baby is fine.”	No. Hearing a heartbeat at home does not reliably show that your baby is well.
“Everyone needs another detailed ultrasound scan at 25 weeks.”	No. Additional scans depend on your individual pregnancy and clinical circumstances.
“You need to eat for two during the second trimester.”	No. You do not need to double your portions.
“All swelling during pregnancy is normal.”	No. Sudden or rapidly increasing swelling, particularly with headache or visual changes, needs assessment.

Your 25-Week Pregnancy Checklist

• Check the dates of your upcoming antenatal appointments.
• Continue eating a balanced and varied diet.
• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
• Follow pregnancy food-safety guidance.
• Make sure medicines and supplements are suitable for pregnancy.
• Remain physically active if appropriate for your pregnancy.
• Continue your pelvic floor exercises.
• Become familiar with your baby's usual pattern of movement.
• Contact your maternity unit immediately if movements reduce, stop or clearly change.
• Do not ignore regular contractions, vaginal bleeding or suspected waters breaking.
• Seek assessment for sudden swelling, a severe headache or changes to your vision.
• If this is your first pregnancy, check whether you have a 25-week antenatal appointment scheduled.
• If you have risk factors for gestational diabetes, check the timing of your OGTT.

Key Takeaway

At 25 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 34.6 cm long from head to toe and their movements may be becoming stronger and easier to recognise. Your baby may respond to loud sounds and you may occasionally feel rhythmic movements caused by hiccups. Becoming familiar with your baby's usual movement pattern is important; if movements reduce, stop or clearly change, contact your maternity unit immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is a baby at 25 weeks?

At 25 weeks, your baby is around 34.6 cm long from head to toe. Individual measurements can vary.

How many months is 25 weeks pregnant?

25 weeks pregnant is often described as being around 6 months pregnant. However, calendar months vary in length, so pregnancy is measured more accurately in weeks.

What trimester is 25 weeks pregnant?

At 25 weeks pregnant, you are in the second trimester.

What do baby movements feel like at 25 weeks?

You may feel kicks, turns, wriggles and sudden small movements. Movements may be easier to distinguish than they were earlier in pregnancy.

Can a baby hear at 25 weeks?

Yes. At 25 weeks, your baby can respond to some sounds from outside the womb. A sudden loud noise may cause your baby to jump or move.

Can you feel baby hiccups at 25 weeks?

Yes. Some people notice baby hiccups as small, regular, rhythmic movements that repeatedly occur in the same area. It is also normal not to notice them.

What should I do if my baby is moving less at 25 weeks?

If your baby is moving less than usual, has stopped moving or their usual pattern has clearly changed, contact your maternity unit immediately. Do not wait until the next day.

Are contractions normal at 25 weeks pregnant?

The uterus can sometimes tighten during pregnancy. However, regular, painful or increasingly frequent contractions, particularly with period-type pain, unusual backache, vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid, should be assessed for possible preterm labour.

What should I do if my waters break at 25 weeks?

If you experience a gush or persistent trickle of watery fluid and think your waters may have broken, contact your maternity unit promptly. Do not wait for contractions to begin.

Can you get pre-eclampsia at 25 weeks?

Yes. Pre-eclampsia usually develops after 20 weeks. Sudden swelling, a severe headache, changes to your vision or severe pain below your ribs require prompt medical assessment.

Do you have an antenatal appointment at 25 weeks?

In England, if this is your first pregnancy, you may be offered an antenatal appointment at around 25 weeks. The exact schedule can vary according to your circumstances and maternity service.

Is gestational diabetes testing done at 25 weeks?

If you have certain risk factors for gestational diabetes, an oral glucose tolerance test is usually offered between 24 and 28 weeks in the UK. This means 25 weeks falls within the usual testing period for people who have been advised to have the test.

What happens at 26 weeks pregnant?

At 26 weeks, your baby continues to grow and develop. Movements may become stronger and easier to recognise as you approach the end of the second trimester.

Related Guides

• 23 Weeks Pregnant
• 24 Weeks Pregnant
• Pregnancy Week Calculator
• Due Date Calculator
• Baby Development in the Womb

References

• NHS – 25 Weeks Pregnant
• NHS – Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy
• NHS – Your Baby's Movements
• NHS – Your Antenatal Appointments
• NHS – Premature Labour and Birth
• NHS – Pre-eclampsia
• NHS – Gestational Diabetes
• NHS – Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy
• NHS – Vaginal Discharge in Pregnancy
• NHS – Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy
• NICE – Antenatal Care

Medical information: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about your pregnancy or symptoms, contact your midwife, GP or maternity service.