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You’re 25 weeks pregnant and you and baby are getting closer to the third trimester! Here’s what’s happening this week with your baby and your body.
How Big is Baby?
Growing by the minute, that sweet little babe is measuring just over 13 ½ inches long this week.
What’s New with Baby?
As their little lungs continue to mature, your baby may start practicing “breathing” by moving amniotic fluid in and out of their lungs. By now their sense of touch is well developed, so baby is grasping and holding onto the umbilical cord. Don’t worry, they can’t hurt it! That grasp reflex will continue after birth until your little one is around 6 months old.
What’s New with Mom?
No wonder your bump is bumpin’—your uterus has grown to the size of a soccer ball! That may be causing your abdominal muscles to stretch and separate, which could cause some discomfort. You might notice your weight—and appetite—creeping up as well. Fatigue, back aches, and skin changes are also common at this stage.
Fun Fact
By this week, baby might start to respond to familiar sounds—like Mom’s voice. How sweet is that? Talk or sing to them and see if they move around.
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep While Pregnant
Feeling fatigued, Mom? By week 24, it’s probably been quite a while since you’ve had a good night’s sleep.
Sleep disturbances are common in pregnancy for a number of reasons. Hormonal changes, feeling uncomfortable or anxious all contribute to a lack of shut eye…oh, and all those trips to the bathroom. Plus, many other pregnancy symptoms get worse when you lay down—heartburn and leg cramps can really ramp up the minute your head hits the pillow.
Sleep is always important, but especially when you’re expecting. “Adequate sleep is essential for a healthy pregnancy as it supports overall physical and emotional well-being,” says Dr. Thomas Hyslop, an Ob/Gyn at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Quality sleep helps reduce stress and can alleviate common pregnancy discomforts.” Like most adults, pregnant women should aim for about 7–9 hours of sleep a night.
Thomas Hyslop, M.D. is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He provides a comprehensive range of obstetrical and gynecological services including both routine and high-risk pregnancy care, as well as well-woman examinations, evaluation and treatment of gynecologic disorders, and gynecological surgery.
So how do you actually get that recommended sleep? Hyslop offers these tips:
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
• Use pillows to support your body and find a comfortable sleep position. Placing a pillow between the knees and under the abdomen can provide additional comfort and support.
• Limit fluids in the evening to reduce nighttime bathroom trips.
• Try relaxations techniques like deep breathing or prenatal yoga before bedtime.
You might want to be careful about sleeping on your back, Hyslop says, “especially in the later stages of pregnancy, as it can compress major blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the baby.” The left side is often recommended for sleeping during pregnancy because it optimizes circulation and nutrient delivery to the baby, but right-side sleeping is perfectly fine too.
If you continue to struggle with sleep issues, you may want to speak to your healthcare provider about safe over-the-counter sleep aids to take before bedtime.
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This blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice or professional services. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The above article was written by DFWChild contributor Katelin Walling with information provided by UT Southwestern Medical Center as part of their sponsored content.
