At 25 weeks pregnant, you’re moving through the later part of the second trimester—a phase where your baby’s growth accelerates and your body’s nutritional needs continue to rise. While fetal milestones are exciting, this week is also about maternal support: meeting increased demands for energy, nutrients, and rest as your body sustains rapid development.
Here’s what to expect at 25 weeks pregnant, including what’s happening with your baby, common symptoms, and how nutrition and prenatals play an essential role at this stage.
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Your Baby at 25 Weeks
By week 25, your baby is about 13 inches long and weighs approximately 1½ to 1¾ pounds, roughly the size of a head of red cabbage. Growth is steady and significant, with your baby continuing to add fat, muscle, and structural development.
Neurological development is a major focus this week. Your baby’s brain is forming new connections at a rapid pace, supporting coordination, sensory processing, and early sleep–wake cycles. Hearing is now well developed, and many babies respond to familiar sounds, including a parent’s voice.
Lung development also continues as airways mature and structures necessary for breathing after birth take shape. While your baby still has important development ahead, these weeks are foundational for long-term respiratory health.
Many of these milestones are supported by maternal intake of nutrients like choline, iron, iodine, DHA, and protein, underscoring the importance of adequate prenatal nutrition at this stage.
Your Body at 25 Weeks
As your baby grows, your body continues adapting in visible and invisible ways. Your uterus has expanded well above your belly button, and your center of gravity has shifted, which can affect posture, balance, and movement.
You may notice that everyday activities require more effort than before. Ligaments are softening in preparation for labor, which can contribute to joint discomfort or a sense of instability. Blood volume continues to increase, placing higher demands on iron and hydration to support circulation and oxygen delivery.
Your metabolism is also working harder. Many pregnant people notice changes in hunger, energy levels, or blood sugar regulation around this time—signals that your body’s nutritional needs are evolving.
Common Symptoms at 25 Weeks Pregnant
Every pregnancy is different, but some symptoms are especially common around week 25:
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Fatigue, often linked to increased blood volume and iron needs
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Heartburn or indigestion, due to slower digestion and upward pressure from the uterus
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Constipation or bloating, influenced by hormones and reduced gut motility
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Leg cramps, particularly at night
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Mild swelling in the feet or ankles
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Tingling or numbness in the hands, sometimes related to fluid retention
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Sleep disruption, from physical discomfort or frequent urination
While these symptoms are typically normal, any sudden, severe, or concerning changes should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Nutrition at 25 Weeks Pregnant
At 25 weeks, nutrition plays a central role in supporting both fetal growth and maternal wellbeing. Your baby’s development depends on a steady supply of nutrients—but your body must also protect its own stores to avoid depletion.
Key nutrients to prioritize during this stage include:
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Protein, to support fetal growth and maternal tissue expansion
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Iron, to meet increased blood volume demands and reduce fatigue
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Choline, essential for fetal brain and nervous system development
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Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA), important for brain and eye development
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Calcium and vitamin D, to support bone development for baby and preserve maternal bone health
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Magnesium, which supports muscle function and may help with leg cramps and sleep
Because it can be difficult to meet all of these needs through food alone—especially with digestive changes—consistent prenatal supplementation is an important foundation of care at this stage.
Prenatal Vitamins and Second-Trimester Support
As pregnancy progresses, nutrient requirements change. Many standard prenatals are not designed to meet the evolving needs of each trimester, particularly when it comes to nutrients like choline, DHA, and magnesium.
At 25 weeks pregnant, prenatal support should help:
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Meet increased iron needs
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Support brain and nervous system development
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Maintain maternal energy and muscle function
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Support digestion and nutrient absorption
Trimester-specific prenatal formulations can be especially helpful during the second trimester, when fetal growth accelerates and maternal nutrient demands increase.
Prenatal Appointments at 25 Weeks
Routine prenatal visits typically continue every four weeks during this phase. These appointments often include:
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Blood pressure monitoring
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Weight checks
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Fundal height measurement
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Listening to your baby’s heartbeat
Between weeks 24 and 28, many providers also screen for gestational diabetes, making this an important time to focus on balanced nutrition and blood sugar support.
This is also a good moment to ask your provider questions about nutrition, supplements, digestion, and any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Tips for Week 25
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Eat smaller, balanced meals to support digestion and blood sugar stability
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Pair carbohydrates with protein to maintain steady energy
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Stay hydrated to support circulation and reduce swelling
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Prioritize rest, especially as sleep may become more disrupted
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Take your prenatal consistently, even on days when eating feels challenging
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your provider if you experience:
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Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
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Severe or persistent abdominal pain
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Sudden swelling, severe headaches, or visual changes
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Extreme fatigue or shortness of breath
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A noticeable decrease in fetal movement
The Takeaway
At 25 weeks pregnant, your body is doing extraordinary work—and adequate nutrition and prenatal support are essential tools in that process. This stage is about sustaining growth, protecting maternal health, and building a foundation for the weeks ahead.
Supporting your baby begins with supporting yourself, and thoughtful prenatal care—especially nutrition—plays a meaningful role in how you feel now and beyond pregnancy.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.
References:
1. Mayo Clinic. 2nd trimester pregnancy: what to expect.
2. What to Expect. 25 Weeks Pregnant.
3. Babylist. 25 Weeks.
4. The Bump. 25 Weeks.
