25 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Growth, Heartburn & Pelvic Pain

25 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Growth, Heartburn & Pelvic Pain

At 25 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a swede and is filling out as they build up fat stores. Your uterus is now about the size of a soccer ball, and a growing bump can bring heartburn, pelvic pain and restless nights.

Baby's size
About the size of a swede (around 34cm head to heel, 700g)
Big development
Building fat stores and getting ready to breathe
Common symptoms
Heartburn, pelvic pain, haemorrhoids and restless legs
This week
Find ways to ease heartburn and sleep better

What's happening this week

Your baby is growing quickly and will put on several hundred grams over the next few weeks.

Filling out

Less wrinkly

As fat builds up, your baby's skin is smoothing out. The fine hair on their head is starting to take on colour and texture.

Getting ready to breathe

Nostrils open

Your baby's nostrils are opening, and their lungs are making surfactant. Their gut is practising the wave-like movements they'll need to digest milk.

Balance

Which way is up?

Your baby's inner ear helps them sense whether they're upside down or the right way up, and a loud noise may make them jump.

Symptoms at 25 weeks pregnant

  • Heartburn. Hormones relax the valve at the top of your stomach, and your growing uterus pushes up on it. See how to ease it below.
  • Pelvic girdle pain. Pain at the front or back of your pelvis as hormones loosen your joints. See the tips below.
  • Haemorrhoids. Swollen veins around your bottom, often made worse by constipation. Fibre, water, cold packs and warm baths can help. Ask your pharmacist about creams that are safe in pregnancy.
  • Nosebleeds. Extra blood flow makes the lining of your nose more delicate. A humidifier and a dab of petroleum jelly in each nostril can help.
  • Trouble sleeping and restless legs. Your bump, trips to the toilet and a busy mind can all keep you up. Stretching your legs before bed and relaxation techniques can help. Here are more tips for sleeping better.
  • Dizziness. Your heart is working much harder. Drink plenty of water, eat regularly and stand up slowly.
  • Thicker hair. Hormones slow your normal hair shedding, so your hair may look fuller and shinier.

Call your doctor, midwife or hospital straight away if you have sudden swelling, a severe headache, blurred vision, pain under your ribs, or you gain more than 1 kg in a week, as these can be signs of pre-eclampsia. Also call if you have heavy or frequent nosebleeds, bleeding from your vagina or signs of preterm labour.

Easing heartburn

Try this

  • Small meals, more often
  • Eat slowly and chew well
  • Wait two to three hours after eating before lying down
  • Raise the head of your bed or use extra pillows
  • Loose, comfortable clothing
  • Ask your pharmacist about antacids that are safe in pregnancy

Common triggers

  • Spicy, fatty or fried food
  • Citrus and tomato-based dishes
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee and other caffeinated drinks
  • Fizzy drinks
  • Big meals late at night

Pelvic girdle pain

Pelvic girdle pain, also called symphysis pubis dysfunction or SPD, happens when the hormone relaxin loosens the joints in your pelvis. It can feel like pain at the front of your pelvis, in your lower back or down your inner thighs, and it's often worse when you walk, climb stairs or roll over in bed.

Moving around
Keep your knees together when getting in and out of the car or bed. Take stairs one step at a time, and avoid standing on one leg, for example when putting on pants.
Resting
Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. Rest when you can, but try to stay gently active, as long periods of sitting can make it stiffer.
Getting help
A women's health physiotherapist can show you exercises and may suggest a support belt. Let your doctor or midwife know, especially if it's affecting your ability to walk.Pelvic girdle pain usually improves after birth

Healthy weight gain

Your weight may be checked at your antenatal appointments. How much weight gain is healthy depends on your weight before pregnancy, and a sudden jump of more than 1 kg in a week should always be checked, as it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Here's the healthy weight gain guide. Eating well and staying active are the best ways to look after yourself and your baby.

Your to-do list for week 25

Helpful for this stage

The pregnancy listWhat you'll need to feel comfortableSee the list Pregnancy pillowsSupport for your hips, back and bumpShop pillows Pregnancy and birth booksReading for the months aheadShop books

Week 25 FAQs

What helps heartburn in pregnancy?

Eat small meals more often, eat slowly, and wait two to three hours after eating before lying down. Raising the head of your bed and avoiding spicy, fatty or fried food, caffeine and fizzy drinks can also help.

Which antacids are safe in pregnancy?

Many antacids are safe to use in pregnancy, but some aren't recommended. Ask your pharmacist or doctor which one suits you, especially if you're also taking iron, as some antacids stop iron from being absorbed.

What is pelvic girdle pain?

Pelvic girdle pain, also called symphysis pubis dysfunction or SPD, is pain at the front or back of your pelvis. It happens when pregnancy hormones loosen the joints. A women's health physiotherapist can help with exercises, support belts and tips for moving comfortably.

How can I treat haemorrhoids when pregnant?

Avoid constipation by eating plenty of fibre and drinking water, and don't strain on the toilet. Cold packs, warm baths and sitting on a cushion can ease discomfort. Ask your pharmacist about creams or suppositories that are safe in pregnancy.

Is it normal for my hair to get thicker in pregnancy?

Yes. Pregnancy hormones slow down normal hair shedding, so your hair can look thicker and shinier. Some of this extra hair usually falls out in the months after birth, which is normal too.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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