25-Week Pregnancy

Welcome to the 25th week of your pregnancy! Your baby’s development continues without slowing down. This week, your baby’s senses are further developing, and they are preparing to explore the world.

Size and Weight:

At 25 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is approximately 33 cm long and weighs 700-800 grams. You can imagine it being the size of a cauliflower.

Organ Development:

Your baby’s organs continue to mature. The lungs are developing further, and surfactant production is increasing. Surfactant is an important substance that allows the lungs to expand and fill with air after birth. Your baby’s heart beats stronger, and circulation is improving. The brain is growing rapidly, and the nervous system continues to develop. The bone marrow begins producing blood cells.

Development of Senses:

Your baby’s senses are further developing. They can hear sounds better and distinguish between different sounds. They can respond to sounds in the womb, music, and especially the voices of the mother and father. They perceive light better and can open and close their eyes. Taste buds are developed, allowing them to sense the taste of the amniotic fluid. The sense of touch is also developing, and they can touch the uterine wall, the umbilical cord, and their own body.

Movements:

At 25 weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s movements become stronger, more coordinated, and regular. You can now feel their kicks, nudges, rolls, and hiccups more clearly. Feeling your baby’s movements is both an exciting and reassuring experience. Sharing these movements with your partner can also strengthen the bond.

Sleep Patterns:

Your baby’s sleep and wake cycles are becoming more distinct. They may sleep and be awake at different times during the day. These cycles are beginning to resemble the sleep patterns after birth.

In the 25th week of your pregnancy, many changes occur in your body.

Physical Changes:

• Growing belly: Your belly grows further, and your skin stretches. Your navel may protrude.
• Weight gain: It is normal to have gained an average of 8-11 kg this week.
• Breast growth: Your breasts continue to grow, and colostrum production increases.
• Skin changes: You may notice spots, stretch marks, or prominent veins on your skin.
• Changes in hair and nails: Your hair may become thicker and shinier, and your nails may grow faster.
• Other changes: You may experience varicose veins, edema (swelling), back pain, lumbar pain, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, numbness in hands and feet, sleep problems, snoring, leg cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, hot flashes, and sweating.

Emotional Changes:

• Emotional fluctuations: You may experience emotional fluctuations due to hormonal changes.
• Anxiety and worry: You may feel anxiety and concern about your baby’s health, birth, and parenting.
• Maternal instinct: Your maternal instinct continues to develop, and your desire to bond with your baby increases. Feeling your baby’s movements helps strengthen this bond.

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet throughout pregnancy is very important for both your health and your baby’s health.

Essential Nutrients:

• Protein: Adequate protein intake is important for your baby’s rapid growth. Meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts are sources of protein.
• Calcium: Calcium intake is important for your baby’s bone development. Milk and dairy products, green leafy vegetables, almonds, and calcium-fortified foods are calcium sources.
• Iron: Your iron needs increase as your blood volume rises. Red meat, dried legumes, green leafy vegetables, and dried fruits are sources of iron.
• Folic acid: Folic acid intake is important to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Green leafy vegetables, legumes, grains, and folic acid supplements are sources of folic acid.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your baby’s brain development. Foods such as salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Fiber: Consuming fiber-rich foods is important to prevent constipation. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are sources of fiber.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption and strengthens the immune system. Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and tomatoes are sources of vitamin C.

Foods to Avoid:

• Mercury-containing fish: Avoid fish containing mercury such as swordfish, shark, and mackerel.
• Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: Raw or undercooked meat and eggs may increase the risk of food poisoning.
• Unpasteurized milk and cheese: Unpasteurized milk and cheese may contain harmful bacteria.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can harm your baby’s development.
• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other pregnancy complications.
• Excessive caffeine: Excessive caffeine intake may cause miscarriages.
• Processed foods: Processed foods are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat and are unhealthy.

Your baby’s gender may have been determined in earlier ultrasound scans. If you have not learned it yet and your baby is in a suitable position, you can find out the gender during an ultrasound performed at 25 weeks of pregnancy.

A routine ultrasound scan is generally not performed at 25 weeks of pregnancy. However, your doctor may request an ultrasound to assess your baby’s development or to check for any issues.

At 25 weeks of pregnancy, it is important to take certain precautions to protect your health and support your baby’s development.

Preterm Labor Signs:
At 25 weeks, the risk of preterm labor is still high. Pay attention to the following signs and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Water breaking
• Regular contractions (every 10 minutes or more frequently)
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Back pain
• Pelvic pressure
• Changes in vaginal discharge

Braxton Hicks Contractions:
Braxton Hicks contractions are preparatory uterine contractions. They are usually irregular, painless, and short-lived. They are not a sign of preterm labor, but if they become regular and painful, contact your doctor.

Gestational Diabetes:
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy or is first diagnosed during pregnancy. It can pose risks for both mother and baby. Screening for gestational diabetes is important. If diagnosed, blood sugar levels are managed through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

Preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy. It is a serious condition for both mother and baby and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms include headache, vision problems, swelling in the face and hands, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Other Recommendations:

• Avoid lying on your back: The growing uterus can compress major blood vessels, leading to dizziness or fainting.
• Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothing may restrict blood circulation and cause discomfort.
• Choose appropriate footwear: Opt for comfortable, flat shoes instead of high heels or pointed shoes.
• Moisturize your skin: Skin dryness and itching are common during pregnancy; regular moisturizing is important.
• Pay attention to dental health: Pregnancy hormones can make gums sensitive. Brush regularly and use dental floss.
• Sexual activity: You can continue sexual activity unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Track your baby’s movements: Once you start feeling your baby’s movements, monitor them. Contact your doctor if you notice a decrease or change in movements.
• Participate in pregnancy exercises: Prenatal exercises help you stay fit and prepare for labor.
• Attend childbirth education: This helps you understand the birth process and prepare for delivery.
• Start buying baby items: Purchasing baby essentials contributes to preparation and excitement.
• Prepare the baby’s room: Ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your baby.
• Make a birth plan: A birth plan helps outline your preferences and communicate with your birth team.

A Life Health Group has a team of experienced obstetrics and gynecology specialists specialized in pregnancy follow-up. We provide personalized pregnancy care services to expectant mothers and their babies using the latest technology and methods.

Our Services:

• Examination by obstetrics and gynecology specialists
• Ultrasonography (including detailed ultrasound scans)
• Prenatal tests (such as double screening test, triple screening test, glucose tolerance test)
• Pregnancy education and counseling
• Birth preparation courses
• Delivery and postpartum services
• Breastfeeding counseling
• Baby care education

Have a healthy pregnancy with A Life Health Group!