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Trimester 2 · week 25 of 40

25 weeks pregnant

The baby is filling out and the lungs enter an important phase of maturation. For the pregnant woman, heartburn and sleep may take center stage — unfortunately, without asking permission.

Translated from the original Brazilian Portuguese content with the help of artificial intelligence. Read the original in Portuguese

Read about your current week or get ready for what comes next.
Visual size comparison at week 25: an acorn squash
Visual reference: an acorn squash. Not an individual clinical measurement.
Quick read

In 1 minute

  • The lungs keep maturing.
  • More fat starts to smooth out the skin.
  • Heartburn and reflux may become more frequent.
Fetal development

How your baby is doing this week

The respiratory system keeps maturing and starts producing substances that will be important for keeping the air sacs (alveoli) open later on. The nervous system keeps forming connections and the baby responds more and more to stimuli.

3D artistic representation of fetal development at week 25
Artistic 3D representation. This is not an ultrasound and does not represent your baby's individual development.
Body and routine

What may change in your body

The larger uterus presses on the stomach and diaphragm, making heartburn and shortness of breath on exertion more likely. Sleep may be interrupted by an uncomfortable position, the need to pee or the baby's movements.

Possible steps

Care for this week

  1. Eat smaller meals and avoid lying down right after eating if that makes heartburn worse.

  2. Don't use antacids or other medicines without confirming they are safe in pregnancy.

  3. Set up a realistic sleep routine, even if it isn't perfect.

Prenatal care focus

  • If tests are recommended between 24 and 28 weeks, check whether they have been done and when the results will be reviewed.
Twin pregnancy

If you're expecting twins

With twins, growth, amniotic fluid and the risk of preterm birth are monitored more closely.

Support network

For those by your side

At the end of the day, sparing the pregnant woman from tasks that involve bending, carrying or standing for a long time can make a difference.

Common questions

Questions for this week

Is heartburn harmful to the baby?

The discomfort is the pregnant woman's; if it is frequent or severe, it's worth talking about safe measures and treatments.

Is it normal to wake up many times?

Yes, sleep changes are common, but persistent insomnia that has a significant impact should be discussed at your prenatal appointment.

When to seek care

  • Once movements have become familiar, a significant decrease in the pattern you notice should be evaluated without waiting until the next day.
  • After 20 weeks, a severe/persistent headache, vision changes, severe pain in the upper abdomen or sudden swelling deserve evaluation for a possible hypertensive condition.
  • Before term, regular contractions, increasing pelvic pressure or signs of labor need prompt advice.

In an emergency, go to the urgent care service in your area. This content does not replace a professional assessment.

Next · week 26

The next chapter

In week 26, the nervous system and eyes develop further and the baby starts reacting more clearly to light and sound.

See week 26

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Sources and transparency

Nilu editorial content, written from the official sources above. Individual clinical review of each week is in progress — this text is for information and does not replace your prenatal care.