25 weeks of pregnancy behind. This is already more than half of the period during which many changes have occurred with the baby. The expectant mother also had new sensations, who should not stop taking care of her health.
How does the fetus develop?
At 25 weeks, pregnancy is in full swing: the length of the fetus is already about 20 centimeters, and the weight is 700 grams. Pigment accumulates in the hair of the future baby, so they gradually become the color that will be after birth. In general, the expectant mother feels quite well, and she can only avoid any infections and observe the correct metabolism.
The body of the unborn baby actively accumulates subcutaneous fat. Due to this, it acquires the necessary volumes and pleasant plumpness. It is worth noting that the nutrients necessary for a small organism also accumulate in the adipose tissue, and due to this, it develops in a normal mode. The following changes also occur:
- brain cells develop, and neural connections become more complex;
- the bone marrow is actively involved in digestion processes;
- the fetus begins to move more actively, although for the most part it continues to sleep peacefully.
When the baby is awake, the expectant mother may feel small tremors and mild abdominal cramps. This is due to the fact that the child often rests against the walls of the uterus with his hands and feet, and also reflexively grabs the umbilical cord. Considering that he has become much stronger, periodically fetal movements can cause pain in the mother. During such "gymnastics" it is recommended to gently stroke your belly. Another feature is training "breathing" movements: the child begins to breathe more and more actively. Some amniotic fluid may enter the lungs, but this is normal.
The location of the baby in the womb should not cause concern yet. By 25 weeks, many babies have had time to turn their heads upside down, which is the correct position for childbirth. But it also happens that the location of the fetus is still reversed, or the child does lie across the stomach. This is because there is still enough time for a complete reversal. It remains only to follow this, passing the examination with ultrasound according to the schedule.
Feeling at week 25
The second semester is postponed quite tolerably when compared with the third. The woman feels well following her doctor's recommendations and adjusting her diet. Frequent urination has become a habit for a long time, as well as periodic bouts of heartburn, which help to overcome fermented milk products and cereals. The stomach has grown noticeably, putting additional stress on the back when walking and creating slight inconveniences during sleep, but the skin and hair have become noticeably more beautiful and healthier.
Sometimes the body can still not cope with a heavy load and begin to malfunction. The intestines are especially often affected, in connection with which the following phenomena are observed:
- colic and cramps in the abdomen due to pressure from the uterus on the intestines;
- constipation or bowel disorders due to frequent changes in microflora;
- the occurrence and development of hemorrhoids.
The latter disease becomes especially unpleasant, so it is better to take care in advance that it does not start. To do this, throughout pregnancy, it is better to avoid fried, spicy and fatty foods, diluting the diet with foods that stimulate peristalsis. First of all, these are cereals and dairy products, as well as dried fruits and fresh herbs. If noticeable discomfort appears in the anus, it is better to tell the doctor about them right away: light hemorrhoids are treated quickly and easily.
Due to the overload of the respiratory system, by the 25th week of pregnancy, the expectant mother may experience unpleasant snoring at night. Shortness of breath also occurs during long walks (from now on, you should forget about heavy bags and other unnecessary stress on the body). At the same time, the psychological attitude is stabilized: the fear of miscarriage, lack of confidence in their strengths and health pass, and at the same time there is a pleasant feeling of approaching childbirth and the birth of a baby.
Pain during pregnancy
It is necessary to distinguish between simple discomfort and real pain. In the first case, we are talking about minor changes that accompany pregnant women almost all the time, especially a slight severity in the lower back and abdomen. However, if there is acute, intense and prolonged pain in these places, it can be a threat of premature birth and miscarriage, especially when the pain is accompanied by recurrent contractions. The following phenomena are also dangerous:
- Late toxicosis. This is a rather unpleasant complication that occurs against the background of a sensitive and weak digestive system. It is regulated by proper nutrition and medications specially prescribed by a doctor.
- Allocations. By 25 weeks, any noticeable color and consistency of vaginal discharge requires an immediate visit to the doctor.
- Insufficient weight gain. Weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable. If, by the 25th week, the body weight increases by less than 700-900 grams, this is quite dangerous for the unborn baby, since he may receive an insufficient amount of nutrients. However, a significant increase in weight (by 8-10 kg or more) is dangerous, as it weakens the woman's body.
Medical consultation
By week 25 and towards the end of the second trimester, the overall schedule for women's doctor visits changes and consultations become more frequent. This is necessary to closely monitor the development of the fetus. The doctor often prescribes iron preparations for pregnant women to regulate the level of hemoglobin in the blood, and also prescribes a special diet with a low carbohydrate content, which allows you to control blood glucose levels.
During this period, a general blood test is also prescribed, and you will also have to go for a vaginal smear. It is recommended to undergo cardiotocography for the cardiac activity of the unborn child. The examination takes about half an hour and records the dynamics of the fetal heartbeat. In the prescribed order, ultrasound examination is performed, which is becoming more interesting to observe: the child is clearly visible on the monitor, and you can even notice how he moves in the womb. If before that the expectant mother was not told the sex of the baby, or the doctor was not yet completely sure of him, now is the time to find out about this during the next examination.