you're 25 weeks pregnant.
last revised · baby is about 34.6 cm (13.6") · 660 g (23.3 oz)
At 25 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 34.6 cm and 660 g — Hair is growing in real color and texture.
about the size of a…
Hair is growing in real color and texture. Your baby's hands work now — they grasp and reach for fingers and toes.
this week's highlights
- Hair grows in real color
- Hands grasp and reach
- Spine forms with vertebrae
- Nostrils open
how your baby looks
Skin is less translucent and more pink. The baby has noticeable head hair, fuzzy lanugo on the body, and fat starting to fill out the cheeks.
body in focus
- head
- Hair grows in real color and texture.
- body
- Spine fully formed with 33 vertebrae.
- hands
- Tiny hands grasp the umbilical cord, fingers, and feet.
- feet
- Kicks now visible from the outside on a quiet belly.
what's happening in your body
Bump may now reach above the belly button. Heartburn, leg cramps, and lower-back pain are common.
symptoms at 25 weeks
- Rib discomfort
- As the uterus rises, your lower ribs flare and can ache, especially when sitting. Stretching upward with arms overhead and changing position often brings relief.
- Haemorrhoids
- Increased pelvic blood flow and constipation make swollen veins around the bottom common now. Fibre, fluids, and not straining help; a pharmacist can suggest pregnancy-safe creams.
- Restless legs
- An urge to move your legs in the evening or at night affects many pregnant people. Gentle stretching, cutting back caffeine, and checking iron levels with your midwife can all help.
- Forgetfulness
- So-called baby brain is real for many — disrupted sleep and hormonal shifts affect concentration. Lists and phone reminders take the pressure off.
- Snoring
- Swollen nasal passages and weight changes can make you snore for the first time. Side sleeping helps; mention loud snoring with daytime exhaustion to your midwife.
- Tingling or numb outer thighs
- Pressure on a skin nerve near the hip can cause a patch of numbness or burning on the outer thigh. It is usually harmless and improves after birth, but mention it at your next appointment.
gentle tips
- Stretch calves before bed to prevent night cramps.
- Eat magnesium and potassium foods (bananas, leafy greens).
- Apply heating pad to lower back for short periods.
- Plan childbirth and breastfeeding classes if not booked.
- Discuss a birth plan with your provider.
your week 25 checklist
- Book a hospital or birth centre tour for the coming month if your unit offers them.
- Sort out your maternity leave paperwork and confirm your intended start date with your employer.
- Start comparing car seats — installation practice takes longer than most parents expect.
- Increase fibre and fluids to stay ahead of constipation and haemorrhoids.
what to expect next
Next month, kicks turn into rolls and jabs that can be seen from the outside. Sleep gets trickier as belly grows.
common questions at week 25
How big is the baby at 25 weeks?
At 25 weeks, the baby measures about 34.6 cm and weighs approximately 660 g (34.6 cm (13.6") · 660 g (23.3 oz)).
What is developing at 25 weeks?
Skin is less translucent and more pink. Hair grows in real color and texture. Key milestones this week include: Hair grows in real color; Hands grasp and reach; Spine forms with vertebrae; Nostrils open.
What symptoms are common at 25 weeks pregnant?
Bump may now reach above the belly button. Heartburn, leg cramps, and lower-back pain are common.
What should I do at 25 weeks pregnant?
Next month, kicks turn into rolls and jabs that can be seen from the outside. Stretch calves before bed to prevent night cramps. Eat magnesium and potassium foods (bananas, leafy greens). Apply heating pad to lower back for short periods.
Why do my ribs hurt at 25 weeks pregnant?
Your uterus now sits well above your belly button, pushing organs upward and flaring the lower ribs outward, which stretches the muscles between them. Sitting tall, stretching your arms overhead, and changing position frequently usually eases it. If you get severe, persistent pain under the ribs on the right side, call your midwife or doctor, as that specific pattern can be associated with pre-eclampsia.
Is pregnancy brain a real thing?
Many pregnant people report forgetfulness and fuzzy concentration, and research suggests broken sleep, hormonal changes, and the sheer mental load of pregnancy all contribute. It is temporary and not a sign anything is wrong with you or your baby. Externalise memory where you can — shared lists, calendar alerts, and notes beat willpower.
When should I book a hospital tour?
The sweet spot is usually between weeks 26 and 34 — late enough that the visit feels relevant, early enough that you are comfortable travelling and have time to change plans if the unit is not right for you. Many hospitals now offer virtual tours as well, which are worth watching even if you visit in person. Ask about parking, triage procedures, and where to go if you arrive at night.
helpful tools
- Belly Timeline
Document your bump week by week with photos.
- Kick Counter
Track fetal movement — kicks usually begin around week 18–22.
- Milestones
Week-by-week milestones tied to your due date.
Medically aligned with guidance from WHO, NHS and ACOG. How we write.