Week 25: Your pregnancy
Your baby's growth: Your baby continues to grow
At 1-1/2 pounds and a length of about 8 to 10 inches, your baby is growing at a steady pace.
The umbilical cord is thick and resilient now, covered in a firm, slippery substance that prevents kinking and knotting and may regulate the blood flow between placenta and your baby.
During this week your baby is spending more time preparing for life after birth. Nerves around the mouth and lip area are becoming more sensitive, preparing her for that all-important task of finding a nipple and getting nourishment.
This week you could expect:
- Fist-making. She will begin curling her fingers into a fist.
- Dexterity. This will continue to develop as your baby learns how to control her hands.
- Exploration. She'll continue to explore her surroundings, including the umbilical cord.
- Spinal structure. Your baby's spinal structure will begin to form.
- Open nostrils. Your baby's nostrils begin to open.
What's happening with you
- Light sensitivity. Your eyes may become sensitive to light, feeling gritty and dry. Caused by hormones, this is a perfectly normal pregnancy symptom called dry-eye. To ease your discomfort try using an "artificial tears" solution for added moisture.
- Indigestion continues. You may develop (or continue to experience) indigestion. This is caused by the hormone progesterone slowing down the emptying of the stomach to allow for increased absorption of nutrients for your baby. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding spicy and fatty foods may help ease this condition.