Week 25: Lung Development
The twenty-fifth week is a time of active development of the lungs and respiratory system.
Baby size: Cauliflower (95-100 mm)
Baby development
Acrobatic Baby with Open Nostrils
Your baby continues to train actively, preparing for life outside the womb. Its movements become increasingly skillful.
What’s happening this week:
- Nostrils: They begin to open, allowing the baby to practice breathing movements.
- Circulatory system: Capillaries under the skin fill with blood, and a complex network of vessels develops in the lungs.
- Movements: It can respond to your touch on the belly, pushing back in response.
- Balance: The vestibular system continues to improve, helping it orient in space.
Your fetus weighs about 660 grams, and its length is over 34 centimeters.
Changes for mom
Anemia and Hair Care
As the baby and placenta grow, your body's need for iron increases. At this stage, physiological anemia of pregnancy can develop.
What you may notice:
- Fatigue and weakness: These can be signs of anemia. Your doctor will likely order a blood test to check hemoglobin levels.
- Shiny hair: Thanks to hormones, your hair may appear thicker and healthier than ever.
- Sleep problems: The growing belly and baby’s activity can make it difficult to find a comfortable position.
- Restless legs syndrome: Some women feel an unpleasant tingling in the legs that makes them move them.
It is important to monitor your well‑being. If you feel excessive fatigue, be sure to inform your doctor. Learn more about pregnancy tests.
Overview
Week 25: Development of Capillaries and New Hair
At the twenty‑fifth week your baby is becoming increasingly pink! Under its thin skin a network of capillaries is actively forming and filling with blood. This gives it a more familiar, "human" color.
It is now the size of a large cauliflower. Another important news — it is beginning to grow real hair, which already has its own color and texture, although they may change after birth.
For you, this is a week when the belly becomes larger, which can affect your coordination and posture. It is important to continue caring for yourself, resting, and eating properly, as the baby is actively gaining weight.
The appearance of a pink skin tone and real hair are two more steps that bring your baby's appearance closer to the image you will see on birth day.
You are still enjoying the second trimester, but you already feel the approach of the final stage. To refresh the events of this period in your memory, review our detailed guide "Second Trimester: What You Need to Know".
Tips for mom
Prevention of Anemia and Birth Preparation
Right now your main tasks are balanced nutrition and continuing informational preparation for the baby's birth.
What to do:
- Take a hemoglobin test. This will help detect and correct anemia in time.
- Eat more iron‑rich foods. Red meat, liver, buckwheat, spinach, beans. For better iron absorption, combine them with vitamin‑C‑rich foods (citrus, kiwi, sweet pepper).
- Enroll in birth‑preparation courses. This is a great way to gain knowledge, learn breathing techniques, and meet other couples.
- Practice sleeping on your side. Use pregnancy pillows to create maximum comfort.
Nutrition plays a key role in your well‑being. Learn more about what to eat in the article "Balanced Nutrition During Pregnancy".
Tips for partner
Joint Courses and Practical Support
Your involvement in birth preparation is extremely important. It strengthens your bond and gives both of you confidence.
Your contribution to joint preparation:
- Attend parent courses together. This is not a "women's" matter. Your knowledge of labor stages and pain‑relief methods will be invaluable.
- Watch her nutrition. Prepare iron‑rich meals and remind her to take vitamins.
- Help her relax before sleep. A gentle massage, warm foot bath, or simply a calm conversation can help her fall asleep.
- Discuss the birth plan together. It is important that you know her wishes and can convey them to the medical staff if needed.
Creating a birth plan is your joint work. Start with our article "Birth Plan".
Checklist
Your Action Plan for Week 25
We continue moving confidently and calmly.
- ✅ Take a complete blood count to check hemoglobin.
- 🎓 Select and enroll in birth‑preparation courses.
- 🥗 Plan a weekly menu focusing on iron‑rich foods.
- 😴 Optimize your sleep, using pillows and relaxation rituals.
- 📝 Continue working on the birth plan.
- 📚 Start studying the topic of partner‑assisted births, to know what your role may be. The article "Partner Births" will be helpful.