GUIDE
Your baby responds to familiar voices, has a startle reflex, and is putting on fat that will help regulate temperature after birth.
At the size of a cauliflower, your baby is filling out and their movements are becoming strong enough for others to feel.
Be prepared from day one
Your baby is about the size of a cauliflower — roughly 13.5 inches long and weighing around 1.5 pounds. The focus this week is on filling out, refining reflexes, and responding to the outside world.
Fat deposits are increasing steadily. Your baby's skin, which has been wrinkled and translucent, is starting to smooth out and become more opaque as subcutaneous fat accumulates. This fat is not just cosmetic — it will be essential for regulating body temperature after birth and providing energy reserves during the first days of life when feeding is being established.
The startle reflex (Moro reflex) is now present. If you hear a loud sound — a door slamming, a dog barking — you may feel your baby suddenly jump or jolt. This is a primitive reflex that indicates healthy neurological development. It will remain present after birth, gradually fading around 3-4 months of age.
Your baby is responding to familiar voices in increasingly sophisticated ways. Research shows that babies in the womb show different responses to their mother's voice compared to a stranger's voice — heart rate changes, movement patterns, and other physiological measures suggest they are actively processing and recognizing what they hear.
The nostrils, which have been closed, are beginning to open. Your baby is practicing breathing more effectively, and the lungs continue to develop. Since last week, surfactant production is increasing, and the overall respiratory system is maturing.
At 25 weeks, your uterus is about the size of a soccer ball, and you are carrying roughly 15 extra pounds compared to your pre-pregnancy weight (though this varies). The physical reality of late-second-trimester pregnancy is making itself felt in several ways.
Frequent urination may have returned with a vengeance. Your growing uterus is pressing more heavily on your bladder, reducing its capacity and sending you to the bathroom more often. This will get worse before it gets better. Stay hydrated anyway — restricting fluids can lead to urinary tract infections and dehydration, both of which are worse than extra trips to the restroom.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) — an uncomfortable, sometimes irresistible urge to move your legs, usually worse at rest and at night — affects a significant portion of pregnant women. It can make falling asleep frustratingly difficult. Low iron levels have been associated with RLS, so make sure your prenatal vitamin includes iron and mention the symptoms to your provider.
Snoring is a surprisingly common pregnancy symptom. Swollen nasal passages (from increased blood volume), weight gain, and the relaxation of throat muscles can all contribute. If your partner has started giving you the side-eye at 3 AM, they are not imagining things. It usually resolves after delivery. Pregnancy insomnia may also be creeping in as it becomes harder to get comfortable at night.
Back pain continues to be a common companion. Braxton Hicks contractions may also be more noticeable as your body continues its preparation for labor.
Every pregnancy is different. If restless legs or other symptoms are significantly affecting your sleep or quality of life, talk to your provider — there are solutions.
This week is about managing new symptoms, continuing to prepare, and enjoying the stronger connection with your baby.
Your baby's movements are strong enough now for others to feel through your belly. Invite your partner, older children, or close family members to place a hand on your belly during active times. Many parents find this a meaningful bonding experience.
If you are experiencing an irresistible urge to move your legs at night, you are not alone — restless leg syndrome affects up to 25% of pregnant women. Stretching before bed, warm baths, gentle massage, and ensuring adequate iron intake can help. Mention it to your provider, who may want to check your iron levels.
It is not too early to start thinking about what you will bring to the hospital. Keep a running list on your phone: comfortable clothes, toiletries, phone charger, snacks, going-home outfits for you and baby, car seat installed in the car. You do not need to pack yet, but having the list ready reduces stress later.
If you have not already registered, now is the time. Most classes recommend starting between 28-32 weeks, and popular ones fill up. Options include in-person hospital classes, private doula-led courses, or online programs you can do at your own pace.
When in doubt, call your provider. Trust your instincts — you know your body and your baby's patterns better than anyone.
At 26 weeks, your baby will be the size of a zucchini and will open their eyes for the first time. Brain wave patterns are beginning to show distinct sleep cycles, and the lungs are developing further.
If you have not yet done the glucose screening test, it will likely be scheduled soon. And if swollen feet are becoming a daily reality, there are strategies to keep the swelling manageable.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.
