All about baby
Your baby’s respiration system is developing rapidly by now. The nostrils, which were closed, now start to open and blood vessels are developing in your baby’s lungs. Your baby continues to practice breathing movements, although of course there’s no air in the lungs yet.
The brain is growing rapidly too – head and body are now well-proportioned, the ears work well and the cells which develop conscious thought are also developing. Connections are developing in your baby’s brain, especially those responsible for sensations, emotional, perception and thinking. This means your baby could actually be learning and remembering things even before birth!
- Measures about 22cm crown to rump
- Weighs in at around 1 lb 9 oz
Over to you
Starting to feel like you’ve been pregnant forever? At 25 weeks, you're at the end of your second trimester and a lot of your pregnancy is now behind you. You might feel very accepting of being pregnant and proud that you're coping well. But at times you may also feel as if you’re caught in some weird time warp where everything stands still, as though you will always be pregnant. Rapid body and emotional changes can even make you wonder if you're still "you," or if that big-bosomed and bellied woman staring back at you in the mirror is a complete stranger that you hardly know.
Pregnancy hormones definitely affect brain chemicals. Add to those physical causes the emotional and financial stress that you and your partner are undergoing right now, and it’s hardly surprising that you may feel occasionally unbalanced, sometimes down and unsure of your own identity. If this sounds familiar, take comfort in knowing you're not the first pregnant lady to feel this way and read our In the know section below for some tips to help you through...
In the know
Highs and lows
There are no quick fixes for getting through the emotions of pregnancy, since every woman's emotional needs and reactions are unique. But, here are some practical thoughts about coping through the ups and downs:
Rest! You may be struggling to keep up with the demands of full time work, home duties and family, as though everything is "business as usual." Your body will get very tired and your nerves frayed at times. The best cure is to take naps whenever you can, ask for help with chores and take a break from the physical demands of day to day life.
Get support Emotional support is critical to keeping balance during pregnancy. If your baby's father isn't very supportive emotionally, find others who can be there for you - whether it's a relative, a best friend, or a weekly session with a caring counsellor.
Balance your blood sugar Pregnancy metabolism can play havoc with blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar can make you more irritable and reactive than normal. Go for small, nutritional meals full of complex carbohydrates to stabilise your blood sugar.
Practice relaxation, breathing and dancing It's hard to obsess about fears and worries when you relax your whole body, take deep breaths, or get up and dance. Stretching, moving, walking and meditating can all help to make you feel more in balance.
Swim. One of the best forms of exercise you can enjoy into your final trimester, and the only one that doesn’t pose a risk of injury to joints and ligaments loosened by pregnancy, swimming is a gentle and effective work out that also helps you relax. Read more about the benefits of swimming in pregnancy here. Also, check out celebrity stylist John Scott’s essential swimwear style guide for added poolside confidence at www.huggiesclub.co.uk/littleswimmers.
Take a "mental health break" Ask yourself this question: "What ONE thing could I do right NOW that would help me feel better?" Then DO it. Pamper yourself with a picnic, read a novel from start to finish, watch your favourite videos, visit a museum or take a leisurely stroll in the park for you and no one else.
Just say NO Whether it's nagging and negative people, or others wanting you to take on more responsibilities, make any excuse you want, but don’t get into a situation where you’ve over-committed yourself and feel tired and resentful. This is a time in your life when you can definitely put yourself first.
