Pregnancy Week 25: What to Expect This Week
At Pregnancy Week 25, things are starting to feel real. You’re well into the second trimester now, with just a couple of weeks to go before the third trimester begins. Whether you’re glowing, groaning, or just trying to remember what your feet look like—you’re doing great.
Let’s take a look at what’s happening this week.
Baby at Pregnancy Week 25
Your baby is now around 34cm long and weighs about 660g—about the size of a small courgette or, more accurately, an increasingly energetic house guest.
Inside the womb:
Baby’s hair is growing, and their skin is becoming less see-through
Their spinal structure is forming (all 33 vertebrae, in fact!)
Their sense of balance is developing—they can now tell if they’re upside down
The lungs are busy practising breathing movements
And they’re starting to pile on the fat, ready for life on the outside
You might also start to notice that baby’s movements are stronger, more frequent, and maybe even visible from the outside. Alien belly, anyone?
Your Symptoms at Pregnancy Week 25
You’re carrying a growing human, so it’s no surprise if your body is throwing out some interesting sensations. Common symptoms this week include:
Backache or pelvic pressure—your centre of gravity is shifting
Leg cramps, especially at night
Heartburn or indigestion
Constipation (the glamorous trio continues!)
Restless legs
Braxton Hicks contractions – tightening that comes and goes without pain
A general feeling of being a bit puffed out from basic activities
Top tip: If leg cramps or restless legs are interrupting your sleep, a relaxing bedtime massage can help. Use our Pregnancy Massage Oil for bump-safe, skin-nourishing relief—or try our Thankful Ankle Oil to soothe tired legs and puffy feet. Even five minutes of slow, upward strokes before bed can make a noticeable difference.
What to Do at Pregnancy Week 25
You’re in a great window right now to start preparing for birth without the pressure of the third trimester countdown just yet.
Book your 28-week midwife appointment (it’s coming up!)
If you haven’t already, choose your antenatal classes and book your spot
Start jotting down things for your hospital bag list—just to feel organised
Begin thinking about your birth preferences and the kind of support you’d like
If you’re thinking about colostrum harvesting, it’s a little early to start, but you can get a kit now and learn how to use it when the time comes
Honest Midwife Thoughts
At Pregnancy Week 25, it’s common to feel a bit caught in the middle. You’re properly pregnant now—no one’s mistaking your bump for a big lunch—but you’re not quite in the “final stretch” mindset yet either.
That said, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the curve. Learning about your body, how labour works, and what to expect afterwards doesn’t just help you feel prepared—it helps reduce fear, boost confidence, and give you back a sense of control.
And yes, you can still nap, snack, and cry over dog videos while doing all that. Balance.
Feeling Ready? Join Us for a Class
At this stage, we recommend:
Hypnobirthing Course – a 4-week live course to help you feel calm, confident and informed
Natural Labour & Birth Class (Free!) – your go-to for understanding how birth works, and how to work with it
Instrumental & Assisted Birth Workshop – helpful if you’re the “knowledge is power” type and want to feel prepared for all possibilities
And for your bedtime wind-down:
Pregnancy Massage Oil – bump-safe and beautifully nourishing
Thankful Ankle Oil – your best friend for end-of-day puffiness
Book your spot in a live class