Week 25 of pregnancy
Updated 25 Oct 2026
Your baby this week
About the size of a cauliflower
Source: Vinmec – Bảng cân nặng và chiều dài thai nhi theo tiêu chuẩn của WHO
Your baby's development
Your baby is now about 34.6 cm long and weighs about 660 grams. Baby's bone marrow has taken over the main role in producing red blood cells.
During this time your baby will be “busier” than before. The movements have become very clear. You will also start to sense your baby's sleep and wake cycles. Your baby is also starting to develop a sense of balance, as if swimming up and down inside your tummy.
Now you will have to get used to little startle jerks; sometimes these are because your baby has hiccups. Sadly, we can't use the usual tricks to stop baby's hiccups at this stage, but don't worry – your baby only hiccups now and then, and very gently.
The wrinkled skin is gone, replaced by smooth, taut, soft skin. Oh, and Momby recommends you don't get jealous of your baby over this – or if you do, don't let your baby know! Your baby is getting chubbier, which of course is a very good thing. The first hair colour has appeared; depending on your family genes, your baby's hair will have its own colour.
Your baby's nose starts working, breathing amniotic fluid in and out. Oh, isn't our little one amazing right now!
Your body
At week 25 your uterus is about the size of a football. Your body is holding a lot of water, and together with hormonal activity this makes your hands and feet prone to swelling. You may also have other uncomfortable symptoms such as:
- Haemorrhoids: more than half of women get swelling and itching around the anus and rectum, sometimes with pain and bleeding. You may also get haemorrhoids during pregnancy. Constipation makes it worse.
- Dental problems such as bleeding gums. Gum disease (periodontitis) is linked to premature birth, so see a doctor if you have any problems with your teeth or gums.
- Heartburn and indigestion are still around; try to eat less close to bedtime and sleep with your head propped up.
- Wrist pain (carpal tunnel) can happen because increased blood pressure squeezes the nerve in the wrist; see a doctor if the pain is severe.
It has to be said that these symptoms aren't necessarily a bad thing. Momby is so proud that you are fighting such an honourable battle while we wait for our little one to arrive.
Advice for you
In the last months of pregnancy leg swelling can get worse, so avoid standing for too long and choose soft shoes made of stretchy material to keep your feet comfortable. You can also wear medical compression stockings for extra support.
This is also an ideal time to start shopping for baby items, your hospital bag and birth services.
Soon you may start a battle to manage your mood and emotions. In fact, it's something almost every mum goes through. Talk to your loved ones more. Eating plenty of fibre and drinking plenty of fluids is also a good way to improve your mood. You can try the depression test on Momby to better understand your mental wellbeing and find help when needed.
At the same time, practise deep breathing regularly with Doti. This will help you feel more relaxed and manage your emotions better, which benefits both you and your baby.
Momby is proud of you!
Watch the video for this article
Signs that need a doctor now
If you notice any of the signs below, please go to the nearest health facility to be checked by a doctor.
Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy
This sign needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to the nearest health facility now. If the bleeding is heavy or comes with severe pain or faintness, call the emergency number 115.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Convulsions (fits)
A convulsion in pregnancy is an emergency. Family members should call 115 at once, lay the mother on her side in a safe place and get her to the nearest hospital.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Fever in pregnancy
A temperature above 38°C counts as a fever. Please go to a health facility so a doctor can find the cause and advise on safe ways to bring it down; do not take medicine on your own.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Leaking fluid or waters breaking
Fluid leaking from the vagina may mean the waters are leaking or have broken and needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to a health facility soon, lying with your head low while travelling.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Severe headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling
Headache with blurred vision, or sudden swelling of the face, hands or eyelids, can be a sign of high blood pressure in pregnancy or pre-eclampsia. This sign needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to the nearest health facility now.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Reduced or no fetal movement
A clear drop in the baby's movements, or no movement, needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to the nearest health facility now rather than waiting until tomorrow.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Severe or worsening abdominal pain
Abdominal pain that keeps getting worse, does not ease, or is severe needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to the nearest health facility now. If the pain is severe with sweating, faintness or bleeding, call 115.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Sources
Content advised by our doctors.
- Vinmec (accessed 22 Oct 2026)
- NHS (accessed 22 Oct 2026)
- Vinmec (accessed 22 Oct 2026)
- Source for fetal size: Vinmec – Bảng cân nặng và chiều dài thai nhi theo tiêu chuẩn của WHO
- Source for the signs that need a doctor: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
This article helps you understand and prepare. It does not replace a check-up. For an answer about your own situation, please ask the doctor who is caring for you.