Pregnancy Week By Week

25 Weeks Pregnant: Development, Symptoms and Care

At 25 weeks pregnant, you may be finding new ways to sit, sleep and move comfortably. This is also a useful point to check upcoming tests and think about support for birth and the first weeks at home. You do not need to turn preparation into a second full-time job.

Your baby’s development at 25 weeks

Different parts of your baby’s spine are continuing to develop. Your baby may also move in response to sound. This is a broad developmental description, not a home test: playing music or making a noise cannot tell you whether your baby is well.

Body changes and symptoms

Indigestion can be noticeable as pregnancy progresses. Smaller meals, eating slowly and avoiding lying down just after eating may help. Ask about pregnancy-suitable treatment if these changes are not enough.

Discomfort near the ribs should not automatically be blamed on the growing uterus. Severe or persistent pain, particularly with headache, vision changes or feeling unwell, needs urgent assessment. These symptoms can have causes that require treatment.

Your baby’s movements

There is no universal daily kick count. Get to know what movement feels like for your baby rather than comparing with someone else’s pregnancy. If you have not yet felt movement at all, contact your midwife or doctor immediately.

A reduction or a change in the usual strength or pattern needs immediate advice. Do not wait overnight or use an app, home Doppler, food or a cold drink for reassurance. If your maternity team cannot be reached, go to the nearest hospital maternity or emergency unit.

Tests and the next appointment

If your glucose tolerance test has been offered but not booked, ask about arranging it within the usual 24-to-28-week window. Follow the service’s preparation instructions and check how the result will be communicated. If diabetes is already being managed, follow your individual plan.

A result showing gestational diabetes means you need support and a management plan, not blame. Ask who will help you with food choices, activity, glucose monitoring and medicines if needed. Our prenatal tests guide can help you organise questions.

Whooping cough vaccination is recommended in each pregnancy in Australia, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. Ask about your timing if it has not been discussed yet.

Preparing without buying everything

If you want antenatal classes, look for a format that suits your questions, budget and support person. Classes can cover labour, feeding and early parenting, as well as helping you work out what you still want to ask.

If you have other children, small age-appropriate conversations about the new baby may be easier than one big announcement about all the changes ahead. When considering baby equipment, start with safety and the essentials rather than a long shopping list.

When to seek medical help

In Australia, call 000 for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain or collapse. Do not drive yourself if faint or very unwell.

Contact your GP, midwife or hospital immediately for vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, fever, vomiting that prevents drinking, severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling or pain under your ribs. Regular or painful contractions, pelvic pressure or persistent lower back or abdominal pain before 37 weeks may be signs of early labour: call your maternity team and go to hospital. Seek urgent care if your usual team is unavailable.