Your pregnancy at 25 weeks

Week 25 already! If you haven’t already told your employer you are pregnant, then this is the week. No doubt they will have guessed, as by now you will have a definite giveaway, but you need to hand in your MAT B1 form which you should have been given by your midwife at about the 20-week mark. Your MAT B1 form is needed to claim your maternity allowance and you will also need to tell your employer when you intend to start maternity leave, although this date can be changed.

Baby's Development

Your baby will be getting more active and will be busting some moves in there, so crank up your favourite tune and see if your baby has the same taste in music as you. Seriously though, you may notice that your baby responds to loud noises with jumps or kicks.

• Hiccups: Have you felt your baby have hiccups yet? It’s quite common and nothing to worry about.
• Growth: Baby continues to grow almost another 5 cm this week and is now approximately 34.6 cm from head to heel, about the size of three newborn hats.

Changes in Mum

Talking of baby hats, have you started to make a list of everything you need for your hospital bag yet? This is a really exciting step and something many mums-to-be look forward to as it really marks you getting closer to meeting your baby. Take a look at our hospital packing guide for ideas on what to include.

• Back Pain: By 25 weeks, you may start to experience back pain caused by your growing bump and the hormone relaxin, which loosens your ligaments. Try working on your posture both when sitting and standing, and turn your whole body when picking things up rather than twisting.
• Footwear: It is also worth switching to flat shoes from now if you haven’t already, as this will help you distribute your weight more evenly.

Tips for This Week

• Hospital Bag: Start preparing a list for your hospital bag to ensure you have everything you need for the big day.
• Posture: Focus on maintaining good posture to manage back pain.
• Flat Shoes: Wear flat shoes to help distribute your weight more evenly and reduce back strain.

Looking Ahead

As you move further along in your pregnancy, staying prepared and managing your symptoms can help you feel more comfortable and confident. Each week brings you closer to meeting your baby, and every step you take now is a step towards a smoother delivery and postpartum experience.

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Enjoy this special time, and soon you’ll be seeing even more incredible progress as your pregnancy continues.

This article has been written using the latest guidance and information from trusted sources, primarily the NHS. This information should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your personal health and circumstances.