Continuing with our Week-by-week Pregnancy Special, we reached week 25It's been about 23 weeks now. from conceptionAnd the development of hearing is very noticeable, so much so that the baby will be able to perceive some sounds from outsideespecially if it's about loud noise or loud musicOf course, it will also hear "your inside": heartbeats, murmurs, the flow of blood through blood vessels, and bowel movements.
In this sense, it is not too early to start talking to the baby (if you don't already), like we already told you hereThe fetus recognizes the rhythms of your voice and also those of your partner or people you live with, which helps it to feel calmer and more confidentYou can sing to her, tell her about your day, or simply stroke her belly while you talk to her.
The baby may be measuring around 34 centimeters and will weigh perhaps between 700 and 800 gramsSo, imagine! It's nothing like the weeks before week 20, when it was still very small. At this stage, its size is usually compared to that of a large vegetable, like broccoliand continues to grow rapidly week by week.
The little bones are no longer so fragile and they disappear hardening thanks to ossificationOn the other hand, although you can't see it yet, the hair is quite defined in texture and color, although this may change until birth. The iris of the eyes is also a defined color, and the eyelashes are noticeable. Under the gums, the small baby teeth They are forming and taking their positions, preparing for the future.
By week 25, the central nervous system is maturing rapidly and the brain is in a phase of rapid growth. The baby opens and closes its eyelids, moves its tongue, can yawn, and perform other movements. 20 and 60 movements every half hour, many of which you already clearly perceive as little kicks, turns or small "jumps" when he has hiccups.
Week 25 of pregnancy: baby's development
During week 25, the fetus continues to grow rapidly. The total length is usually around [number of centimeters]. 33-34 centimeters and an average weight of 700-800 gramsHowever, values ​​between about 470 and just over 1.000 grams can be considered within the normal range depending on the constitution of each baby.
The skeleton gets stronger because the ossification centers of the bones They continue to mature, which gives greater consistency to the entire skeletal structure. Even so, the bones remain flexible to adapt to growth and birth. The skin is still wrinkled and covered with vernix caseosa and lanugo, which help to protect the skin from amniotic fluid.
Hearing is one of the most developed senses at this stage. The baby primarily perceives low-pitched sounds from inside your body and also some loud external noises. These auditory stimuli contribute to the maturation of the nervous system as the baby begins to differentiate voice patterns and melodies. Many studies suggest that the baby may dream and respond with movements to loud or sudden sounds.
The lungs continue their structural and functional development. They are producing increasing amounts of surfactant, a substance essential for the alveoli to function properly. remain open after birthAlthough they are not yet fully mature, survival with intensive care would be possible if delivery were to occur prematurely, remaining in the womb is the safest option for the baby.
Week 25 of pregnancy: changes in mom
You will have gained weight between 7 and 10 kilos, But weight gain It depends on many factors such as energy balance (diet + exercise), the baby's weight, the weight of the placenta, the volume of amniotic fluid, and your previous body composition. The midwife will guide you regarding weight during your appointments, but If you eat a balanced diet and exercise In moderation, there shouldn't be a problem.
As your uterus grows, your center of gravity shifts slightly forward. This can cause back discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the lower back, so it's important to maintain good posture, avoid lifting heavy objects, and choose comfortable shoes. The height of the uterine fundus is approximately 25 centimeters, measured from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus.
Given the size of the uterus, it may to squeeze the intestines or bladderAnd it's normal to experience related discomfort. Other common issues include... itching on abdominal skin due to bloating, as well as more gas, heartburn and reflux because progesterone slows digestion and relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach.
Other common symptoms at this stage include constipation, hemorrhoids, leg cramps, varicose veins or the appearance of stretch marks and melasma (dark spots on the skin). To alleviate these discomforts, it is recommended to avoid very heavy meals, not to lie down immediately after eating, drink plenty of water, wear loose clothing, and rest with your legs elevated if you notice swelling.
On the other hand, it's very possible that your hair will look splendid and stop falling out until the end of your pregnancy: you'll notice it's silky or fluffy, but it will be different and usually shine quiteAt the same time, you may notice some more body hair than usual; this is also due to hormonal changes and usually returns to normal after childbirth.
Common symptoms in week 25 and how to relieve them
Among the most frequent complaints, after the initial nausea, the following stand out: gastroesophageal refluxThe increased uterine size compresses the stomach and, along with the effect of progesterone, contributes to heartburn. Other common symptoms include... gas and abdominal bloating due to the slowing of intestinal transit and compression of the intestine.
To alleviate these discomforts, it may help to eat several small meals a day, chew your food thoroughly, avoid carbonated drinks, not eat right before bed, and rest after meals in a sitting position, not lying down. Some people find relief with mild herbal teas prescribed by their healthcare professional and by maintaining a high fiber diet to combat constipation and prevent hemorrhoids.
During week 25, the following may also appear: Braxton Hicks contractionsThey feel like a temporary tightening of the abdomen, are usually irregular, not very painful, and disappear when changing position or resting. If the contractions become rhythmic, painful, or very frequent, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out complications.
Sleep can be disrupted by the growing belly, frequent urination, and the baby's movements. Sometimes these symptoms arise. intense dreams or nightmares related to typical pregnancy worries. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, using pillows to support your belly and legs, and avoiding screens right before bed can help you sleep better.
We already told you in week 24 the tests that the midwife will ask you (detection of gestational diabetes), so if you haven't done it yet, the usual thing to do is to do the diabetes screening and the second trimester blood test before week 28. It's also a good time to ask any questions you may have about exercise, nutrition, or childbirth preparation courses.
We'll leave it until next week, which will be week 26. From now on, both you and your baby will continue to experiment important changes And you are approaching the final stretch of pregnancy, in which fetal growth accelerates and your body prepares intensely for birth.