The ultimate HerFamily guide to your pregnancy: Week 25
Week 25 – you're in the 2nd Trimester! Read more about trimesters here.
This week....
Your Baby
Is about 34cm long and weighs approximately 660g. Capillaries are forming under the skin and filling with blood.
You may feel a response or reaction to your voices or loud noises. Also, if you shine a light on your belly, your baby’s head may turn towards it.
You
Your bump is more pronounced — your womb is now about the size of a football — but you are still feeling energetic.
The stretching of your skin as it grows, or rashes that are common in pregnancy, can cause intense itching. Always mention itching to your carer, however, as it can be caused by a serious condition known as obstetric cholestasis.
Those red spidery veins appearing on your ankles, legs, or face should vanish after the birth.
Birth plan
You are growing along nicely there, mama, and soon you will begin to feel like the end is in sight. Around the 25-week mark might therefor be a good time to start thinking about your birth plan – if you are planning on writing one, that is.
I did, and it was all sorts of ridiculous, really – and when push came to shove – excuse the pun – I never really looked at it or gave it much thought, and instead just went with what I felt like and wanted then and there.
If you do write one, things to include might be your thoughts on what pain relief (if any) you might want, how involved your partner should be and what way you want to deliver (position, in the birthing pool, etc.)
READ: You NEED To Read This Hilarious Birthing Plan Before Writing Your Own
Exercise
Making sure you stay fit and healthy throughout your pregnancy will not only benefit both you and your baby these next few weeks and through the actual delivery, it will also make it much easier to get back in shape and feeling great once baby is here.
But make sure you don't overdo it – you are growing a baby in there, you know.
By the second trimester, most women see an improvement in energy levels and nausea (if that was an issue) And more energy, means more movement, so this is a great time to start that yoga class, a maternity swimming group or enjoy longer walks or runs then you were able to manage in the first trimester.
Keep active, mamas!
READ: Exercise During Pregnancy: How Much Is Too Much?
Week 26 is around the corner, so hang on in there!
