You’re 25 weeks pregnant!
You did it: You made it to 25 weeks! And that means these days, the whole having a baby thing is probably feeling a little too real. Your bump is growing, your feet might be swollen, and you’re probably in desperate need of a nap. Don’t worry, though — good things are coming, and your baby-to-be is growing like crazy this week.
Pregnancy symptoms at 25 weeks
Your ultrasound
You’re probably not going to get an ultrasound this week (bummer) but if you did, you’d get to see your baby in there doing surprisingly babylike things for someone who hasn’t been born yet. Baby is gaining weight, growing hair, and might even be getting ready to open their eyes for the first time — and you might feel some hiccups happening in there, too.
Your pregnant belly at 25 weeks
Now that your baby-to-be is weighing in at around a pound, you may have found that you’ve gained around 15 pounds by this point in your pregnancy (though you and your doctor know best what’s normal for you). The belly is bumpin’, the maternity wardrobe is in full swing, and you might even be glowing: Congratulations!
Pregnancy tips at 25 weeks
This week is actually a great time to schedule a dental checkup, especially if you haven’t had one in awhile. Interestingly enough, oral hygiene is linked to pregnancy. According to the CDC, pregnancy can bring on gingivitis, which can lead to preterm birth and even low birth weight. Remember to floss every time you brush, and don’t put those checkups on the back burner, especially if you’ve noticed your gums bleeding recently.
Your pregnancy checklist at 25 weeks
Here’s what to add to your to do list this week:
- Schedule your maternity photos if you want them. Chances are you’ll want to get this done relatively soon, since your bump is a good size and the third trimester can make it hard to get all dolled up for professional photos.
- Narrow down baby names. Even if you don’t want to settle on one until you’ve met baby, it’s a good idea to talk out a few possibilities with your partner so you’ll end up on the same page.
- Begin thinking about your birth plan. The big day will be here before you know it, so start researching how you hope things will go down in the delivery room. Remember, though, this is a wish list, not a demand list. When it all comes down to it, baby and doctor call the shots!
- Keep drinking water. Seriously — we can’t emphasize this one enough!
What are you eating for you and your baby?
Now that you’re 25 weeks pregnant, a good nutrient to focus on this week is manganese, which is a mineral that helps with your baby’s cartilage and bone growth. You can try eating these foods, which are all great sources of manganese:
- Pineapple
- Brown rice
- Peanuts
- Spinach
- Dark chocolate
- Raisins
When to call your doctor
If you notice the following symptoms — or anything else that concerns you — it might be time to call a doctor or head to the ER:
- Unusual bleeding
- Unusual cramping
- Swelling that seems abnormal or is in your face or hands, which could be a sign of preeclampsia
- Contractions that don’t stop when you lay down or drink water
- Itchy palms or feet, which may indicate a serious condition called cholestasis of pregnancy
- Frequent migraines that don’t get better with rest or hydration
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and death compared to non-pregnant women. Furthermore, pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of delivering a baby before 37 weeks (preterm birth) and other adverse ramifications.
Note: If you are visiting a medical professional during COVID, make sure to ask about the facility’s safety measures and confirm that they are following COVID protocols as indicated by the CDC.
