Pregnancy, What Will Week 25 Bring?

Week 25 of pregnancy is an exciting one for baby, who begins to look more like the newborn that will emerge in a few months.

By week 25 of pregnancy, the baby has grown to weigh about one and one half pounds and measures about 13 and one half inches long. The big news is that fat is beginning to fill out the baby’s wrinkled skin, giving him or her the cuddly appearance that most parents imagine. This process will continue over the next few weeks. The baby also has more hair than ever before, and the hair texture and color can be clearly determined.

The mother might also notice changes to her hair. Many women report having fuller, more luscious hair during pregnancy as a result of increasing hormones. Unfortunately, this pleasant side effect will not last after the baby is born. Lack of balance also becomes more common this week, since the uterus has grown to the size of a soccer ball. It is okay to continue exercising, but mothers-to-be should use caution and proceed slowly. Women should not engage in contact sports or in any exercises where they are required to lie on their backs. More importantly, they must listen to their bodies and stop immediately if something does not feel right.

During week 25 of pregnancy, many women also receive a blood test to screen for anemia. Iron-deficiency is the most common type of anemia. If it is diagnosed, the doctor will most likely recommend taking an iron supplement for the duration of the pregnancy.