Your Baby at 25 Weeks

A Closer Look at Week 25

At 25 weeks, your baby is beginning a critical phase of fat accumulation that will continue for the remainder of the pregnancy. Until now, the skin has been wrinkled and translucent, but deposits of subcutaneous fat are beginning to form beneath the surface, plumping out the cheeks, filling in the limbs, and giving the body a smoother, more rounded appearance. This fat serves a dual purpose: it provides insulation for temperature regulation after birth and stores energy that the baby will need during the transition to feeding.

Hair is now growing on your baby's head, and it already has colour and texture. Whether it's fine and blonde, dark and thick, or somewhere in between is determined by the genetic lottery. Some babies are born with a full head of hair; others with barely a wisp. The hair colour visible at birth may also change over the first year of life as melanin production shifts.

Haemorrhoids are an unfortunately common companion of the second and third trimesters. They are caused by the increased pressure of the growing uterus on the veins in the rectal area, combined with the constipation that hormonal changes can produce. Increasing fibre intake through whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding prolonged sitting or straining during bowel movements are the most effective preventive measures. Over-the-counter topical treatments can provide relief from itching and discomfort. If haemorrhoids become painful or bleed, mention them to your healthcare provider.

This is also a good time to begin thinking about your birth plan if you haven't already. While birth rarely goes exactly to plan, thinking through your preferences for pain management, positioning, and environment can help you feel more prepared and informed when the day arrives.