Learning what is in store for you at this stage of your pregnancy…

At 25 weeks pregnant, there are a lot of things that you need to prepare for the birth of your child. Aside from talking to your health care provider about your birth plan, you should also make sure that you have gathered all your maternity notes and made copies of everything in preparation for the big event.

Mom at 25 weeks pregnant

25 weeks pregnantIn preparing for the big day, it is worth knowing the different pregnancy symptoms that you may be feeling during this stage of your pregnancy. Knowing the changes that you will likely experience at 25 weeks pregnant as well as the growth and development that your baby will experience at the same time can help alleviate the woes that you may have while you are pregnant. Moreover, this can also help you prepare yourself for the birth of your child.

At 25 weeks pregnant, your uterus will be about the size of a soccer ball. While you may be enjoying the feel of your growing abdomen, you may become uncomfortable with the backaches associated with your growing belly. Aside from these changes, you will experience a new set of pregnancy symptoms.

Hemorrhoids and constipation

Weeks pregnantA lot of pregnant women experience hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen and itchy veins found in the rectum. This is caused by pressure applied by the growing uterus on the rectum area. Moreover, this is also caused by the increased blood flow on this part of the body. Hemorrhoids are actually a form of varicose veins. While they are not considered dangerous, they can be rather painful and can cause bleeding on the rectum. Since constipation is a common symptom of pregnancy, it is important to take precaution as constipation can actually aggravate the hemorrhoids. Thus, it is important to prevent constipation through increasing your fiber and fluid intake. Another way to relieve this is to perform pelvic floor exercises and through trying not to strain when you remove your bowel.

Bleeding gums and gingivitis

Bleeding gums is not just a symptom occurring at week 25. In fact, this can occur even at the start of the pregnancy. Thus, it is important to visit your dentist at least once when you are pregnant. It is also important to have good dental hygiene. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. These things can reduce the risk of gingivitis. Gingivitis is a condition wherein your gums will become inflamed and possibly bleed. If you are experiencing this while you are pregnant, it is best to seek consult right away, as this condition can complicate and progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious infection that is linked to increased risk of preeclampsia and premature birth.

Heartburn and indigestion

At 25 weeks pregnant, heartburn and indigestion may become rather frequent as your uterus grows bigger and pushes your stomach higher. Heartburn is associated with the feeling of stomach acids burning up your esophagus. If this symptom constantly occurs, you should seek consult from your health care provider, so you will be prescribed with the right medications to relieve the symptom. You should also make a habit of sitting down or standing up for a few minutes right after meals to prevent gastric acids from going up your esophagus.

Snoring and sleep disruptions

Snoring is considered a common symptom of pregnancy. This is caused by the increased blood flow to the mucous membranes of the nose, resulting in nasal congestion. However, if you find that snoring is interfering with your sleep, you should seek consult right away as this may be a sign that you are experiencing sleep apnea.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

At 25 weeks pregnant, carpal tunnel syndrome or tingling of the hands and wrists is still present. A good way to deal with this symptom is to take hand stretching breaks regularly. You can also ask your health care provider about wearing wrist braces. You can also seek alternative help from an acupuncturist.

Varicose veins on your lower extremities

This is a common symptom of pregnancy and this commonly appears on the lower extremities. Varicose veins are caused by the extra blood volume produced during pregnancy which increases pressure on the blood vessels. With the increased pressure, your blood vessels will bulge and become varicose veins. To avoid this from happening, you should avoid clothes that are binding. Moreover, you should avoid standing for prolonged periods.

Symphysis pubis dysfunction

Symphysis pubis dysfunction or SPD is a condition associated with pain in the pelvic area. This is caused by the stretching and relaxing of the ligaments that keep the pelvic joint aligned. To prevent this from occurring, you should do regular exercises like pelvic tilt, as these exercises can strengthen the muscles in your pelvis. However, if the pain that you are feeling is severe, you should seek medical help right away.

Restless leg syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is associated with the tingling sensation on the legs with the urge to move them. Some experts believe that this symptom is associated with iron deficiency anemia. If you are experiencing this, you should seek consult right away so the right diagnostic exams will be conducted and proper treatment will be initiated.

How is your baby doing at 25 weeks pregnant?

At 25 weeks pregnant, your baby will have his or her own routine going on in your belly. Your child will start to play through turning and wriggling around and take naps to recover from their activities. At this stage, your baby will enjoy hearing your voice and will move around as a response when they hear your voice. It is important to talk and sing to your baby at this stage of your pregnancy.

Your baby will already measure about nine inches long and will weigh about one and a half pounds. Your baby’s skin will turn pinker as capillaries start to form under his or her skin. The baby’s lungs are still developing and surfactant is still being produced. Surfactant is a substance that helps your baby’s lungs expands with oxygen after birth. Your baby’s nostrils will start to open this week. This change allows your child to taking practice breaths.

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