Second trimester · Pregnancy week by week
Week 25 of pregnancy
Baby is the size of a head of cauliflower. About 13.60 inches, 660g.
By week 25, the fetus has nostrils open. Black women face documented gestational-diabetes complication-rate disparities — the GDM screening this week or next is decisive. Source
What's happening with the baby
The fetus reaches roughly 13.6 inches. Nostrils begin to open (had been blocked by mucus plug). Lungs continue maturing. Capillaries form in skin, giving it a pinker appearance.
What's happening for you
Bump is at full obvious-pregnancy size. Increased fluid retention. Varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and heartburn may peak. Many women have noticeable carpal tunnel symptoms.
Common (normal) symptoms this week
Heartburn, carpal tunnel, varicose veins, lower back pain, increased fetal movement variation, occasional headaches, mild hand or foot swelling.
Call your OB or 911 if
- Severe headache not relieved by acetaminophen.
- Vision changes — blurred vision, light flashes, floating spots.
- Severe right-upper-quadrant or upper-abdominal pain.
- Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet.
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage.
- Decreased fetal movement after 20 weeks.
- Persistent contractions before 37 weeks.
Why this week matters for Black families
Late in the second trimester is when preeclampsia becomes diagnosable (after 20 weeks). Black women have a 60% higher rate of preeclampsia and a 3x higher rate of preeclampsia-related death. The diagnosis combines new-onset blood pressure ≥140/90 with signs of organ stress. Track your own blood pressure between visits if you can — many Black-led OB practices recommend a home cuff at this stage. If your readings trend up, call your OB before the next appointment, not at it.
What to do this week
Glucose challenge test if not done (must be done by 28 weeks). If diabetic, work with OB on insulin or metformin. Continue BP tracking. Begin childbirth education classes if you haven't started. Begin to organize the nursery.
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References
- ACOG Practice Bulletin 190 — GDM.
- NIDDK GDM Resources.
Last medically reviewed: .
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