Baby development at 25 weeks
Developing Chubby Cheeks
As your infant grows, they’ll transition from the elongated, slender appearance to a plumper one with the development of baby fat. The once wrinkled skin will gradually smoothen, and your baby will take on a more distinct newborn appearance.
Maturing Locks
The growth of your baby’s hair is progressing, and if observable, you would be able to identify its color and texture.
Soothing Sleep Patterns
The majority of your baby’s time is spent in slumber, cycling between rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep in intervals of 20 to 40 minutes.
Your baby is about the size of a rutabaga
Pregnancy symptoms during week 25
Thicker Hair:
Experience the illusion of fuller and more radiant hair during this time. It’s not that your hair is multiplying, but due to hormonal shifts, the hair you’d typically shed is lingering longer than usual. Unfortunately, this surplus hair will eventually shed post-childbirth.
SPD:
Pelvic symphysis dysfunction, also known as pelvic girdle pain (SPD), may manifest as your body readies itself for childbirth. The ligaments surrounding joints in your pelvic region become more pliable and supple, potentially stretching too far or allowing pelvic bones to move excessively. This change, coupled with your baby’s increasing size, can lead to considerable discomfort and even restrict your mobility. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, consult your healthcare provider for advice on treatments. It’s advisable to avoid activities causing discomfort, take breaks from standing, and consider using a pelvic support belt or girdle.
Itching:
The expansion of your breasts and belly stretches your skin, resulting in itching. While moderate itching during pregnancy is unpleasant, it’s generally not a cause for concern. Manage itching by taking oatmeal baths, applying lotion, and opting for soft, loose-fitting clothing. However, if the itching becomes severe or is accompanied by a new rash, inform your doctor or midwife. This could indicate a problem, such as cholestasis, a serious pregnancy complication that typically triggers intense itching in late pregnancy.
Insomnia:
Despite well-intentioned advice to rest, falling and staying asleep often pose challenges as your due date approaches. Discomfort increases as your belly grows, and pressure on your bladder may lead to frequent nighttime bathroom trips. While overcoming pregnancy insomnia can be difficult, try techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery to promote relaxation and alleviate anxious thoughts.
Dizziness:
During pregnancy, your cardiovascular system works harder, with blood volume increasing by up to 50 percent and a faster heart rate. This increased workload may result in dizziness upon standing and occasional lightheadedness. In late pregnancy, the growing uterus can also exert pressure on veins, slowing circulation. To prevent dizziness, ensure adequate eating and drinking, avoid lying flat on your back, stand up slowly, prevent overheating, and practice moderation in exercise.
Gas and Bloating:
If gas and bloating become troublesome, keep a food diary to identify triggers. Temporary elimination of certain foods (such as dairy, broccoli, cabbage, whole grains, beans, and fried, fatty foods) might provide relief. If lifestyle changes don’t help, consult your healthcare provider for advice on safe over-the-counter medications for gas.
Pregnancy checklist at 25 weeks
Recognize the Indicators of Potential Pregnancy Complications
Pregnancy entails numerous usual aches, pains, and peculiar symptoms, but certain signs may indicate a problem. Contact your doctor or midwife if you experience bleeding, spotting, pain, decreased fetal activity, or if your water breaks. Other potential red flags include intense itching, severe headaches, rapid weight gain, sudden swelling, painful urination, unusual vaginal discharge, fever, and shortness of breath. If you encounter any of these issues, seek immediate advice from your healthcare provider.
Consider Your Baby’s Sleeping Arrangements
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises sharing a room (though not a bed) with your infant for the first six months, preferably extending to the first year. This involves having your baby sleep in a crib, bassinet, or play yard positioned in your room near your bed. Room sharing can significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as per AAP recommendations. It also facilitates easier monitoring, comforting, and feeding of your baby. Alongside a secure sleeping space, ensure you have other nursery essentials such as a changing table or pad, a baby monitor, a sound machine, and perhaps a glider or rocker for relaxation during feeding.
Conduct Financial Planning
Entering parenthood brings new financial responsibilities, including tasks like acquiring life and disability insurance, establishing a will, initiating a college savings account for your child, and assessing the impact on your tax status. If these tasks seem overwhelming, start by learning more about managing finances for new parents.
Explore Maternity Leave Options
If you intend to return to your current job after childbirth, now is an opportune time to coordinate your maternity leave details. Most companies must provide some form of unpaid, protected leave under the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Note that eligibility depends on factors like company size and tenure. While paid family leave isn’t mandated nationwide, some companies offer it. To navigate maternity leave, many mothers combine short-term disability benefits, vacation days, personal days, and FMLA-protected unpaid time off. Consult your employee handbook or HR to understand FMLA eligibility and inquire about additional benefits to determine your feasible duration of leave. Consider whether your spouse or partner can also take leave.
Prioritize Vaccinations
Certain vaccines are crucial during pregnancy to safeguard both you and your baby. Ensure you’re up-to-date on the flu shot, Tdap vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine or booster. However, avoid MMR, chickenpox, and HPV vaccines during pregnancy, as the first two contain live, attenuated viruses, and HPV hasn’t been studied in pregnant women.
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