TL;DR
- Your baby is about 34.6 cm — the size of a cauliflower.
- Baby is gaining a sense of balance as the inner ear matures.
- You may notice stronger, more defined kicks and movements.
- Take time to bond with your baby — they can hear your voice clearly now.
Your Baby This Week
At 34.6 cm, your baby is the size of a cauliflower and gaining a more sophisticated sense of the world. The inner ear structures responsible for balance are maturing, which means your baby now has a sense of spatial orientation. They can tell if they're upside down, right side up, or sideways as they float and tumble in the amniotic fluid.
Your baby is also putting on weight — primarily in the form of baby fat and muscle. The skin is becoming less translucent and more opaque as fat deposits fill in beneath the surface. While still wrinkled, your baby's skin is starting to smooth out and take on a more newborn-like appearance.
The capillaries — tiny blood vessels — are forming under the skin and filling with blood, giving the skin a pinkish hue. Hair on the head is growing, and it already has color and texture, though both may change after birth.
Your baby's nostrils, which have been plugged until now, are beginning to open. Practice breathing movements become more frequent as the respiratory system continues to prepare for life outside the womb. The lungs are producing more surfactant, that crucial substance that will keep the air sacs inflated after birth.
Your Body This Week
Movements are probably hard to miss at this point. Your baby's kicks, rolls, and stretches are getting stronger, and you might even see your belly move from the outside. Partners and family members can often feel kicks by placing a hand on your belly. These shared moments of feeling the baby move can be deeply connecting.
Heartburn and acid reflux may be ramping up. As your uterus pushes against your stomach, acid has an easier time escaping upward. Smaller meals, avoiding lying down after eating, propping yourself up with pillows at night, and antacids approved by your provider can all help manage the burn.
You might notice that your hands and fingers tingle or feel numb, especially in the morning. This is often carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by fluid retention putting pressure on the nerves in your wrist. Wrist splints worn at night can provide relief, and the symptoms usually resolve after delivery.
Your energy levels might start to dip slightly as the third trimester approaches. The effortless second-trimester energy boost can begin to fade as your body works harder to support your growing baby. Listen to your body and rest when you need to.
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Common Questions at Week 25
Should I be doing kick counts?
Most providers recommend starting formal kick counts around week 28. At 25 weeks, simply being aware of your baby's general patterns of activity is enough. You should feel movement every day, but it doesn't need to follow a specific pattern or count yet.
Is it normal to have trouble concentrating?
Yes — "pregnancy brain" is a real phenomenon. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the mental load of preparing for a baby can all affect concentration and memory. Write things down, set reminders, and give yourself grace.
Can my baby recognize my voice?
Research strongly suggests yes. By 25 weeks, your baby has been hearing your voice for several weeks. Studies show that newborns preferentially respond to their mother's voice immediately after birth, indicating prenatal recognition.
This Week's Tip
Take time to bond with your baby — they can hear your voice clearly now. Talk to them while you go about your day, narrate what you're doing, or tell them about the people who are excited to meet them. Read a book aloud, play music, or simply place your hands on your belly and say hello. These moments might feel silly, but they're building a connection that starts long before birth. Your baby is listening, learning the cadence of your speech, and finding comfort in the most familiar sound in their world: you.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy.
- Mayo Clinic. Fetal Development: The 2nd Trimester.
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