We're 25 Weeks Pregnant! - Milestones, Developments, Updates, and More!

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff & Momtrepreneur

Rich and I are now 25 weeks pregnant with Nova Skye Rowell, as February 20, 2016. This day also happens to be my brother’s birthday. I’ll be nice and not give away his age and secret identity bwahahaha! Here’s the latest on 25 week fetal development, Nova’s movements and health report, how I’m feeling, and more.

What’s Nova Doing In That Belly... Uh, Uterus This Week

Nova’s been quite the active little girl this past week. She’s always been that way, but it seems to be increasing as she grows. We’ve been noticing cute things, such as kicking when specific music is playing. She still appears to have a preference for the voices of daddy and then mommy. But she is also starting to kick for other people’s voices and other random sounds as well. She’s actually been kicking so much that it’s hard for mommy to sleep more than an hour or two at a time. Some of the kicks have been very sharp and startling. But that makes sense, since at 25 weeks gestation, Nova’s leg muscles should be developing very nicely.

Next And Last Prenatal Visits

The last time we visited the doctor (just 4 days ago), it was actually confirmed by ultrasound that I do not have placenta previa. My placenta is definitely low-lying. However, this is completely normal at this stage. It should rise up as the baby grows. I was however advised to rest more and take it easy, even though I only do a few things that wouldn’t be considered resting.  Oh yes, and the ultrasound confirmed again that little Nova is a girl. Teehee. The glucose test for diabetes was done and we’ll find out the results on Monday. They did tell us if my levels tested high, we’d receive a phone call before then. So, the results are probably normal.

The next appointment will be an ultrasound of Nova. The last one was really just for checking the placenta and we peeked at Nova a little bit. We’re excited to see her on-screen again and will of course post the pictures. She’s always doing something with her hands. So, it will be interesting to see if that pattern continues.

How’s the Momtrepreneur and Daddy-To-Be This Week?

Well, mommy’s been pretty drained. Actually, we both have. That’s because little Nova  is growing and the uterus is following suit. It’s getting squishy in there, which makes it harder for this momtrepreneur to get around, especially since I’ve been having a hard time, as it is. I’ve been in bed quite a bit the past several days, due to increased pain and fatigue. Because I haven’t been so well, that of course takes a toll on daddy Rich. But we’re hanging in there and we know it’s going to be so worth it when Nova arrives.

Accomplishments This Past Week

We were able to get some amazing deals for Nova  this week. One of the best ones was a very gently used Graco Literider stroller we found at a thrift store. There’s  a fun story behind it that Rich told in his post. We also found some receiving blankets and a cute bath towel. Then, a ton of the stuff that we’ve been winning on Listia or getting for free  other ways (like coupon codes) came in the mail as well. It’s been a very productive week. We’re getting the Amazon Baby Registry down to a smaller number, which means we almost have everything Nova needs. We really appreciate every single person who has been helping, be it by reading these posts, purchasing items from the registry, sharing our links, emotional support, or other ways.

Some of the bargain items from this week:

Interesting 25 Week Fetal Development & Pregnancy Info

At 25 weeks gestation, your baby is now about a pound and a half! Wow! He or she should also measure about 12 or 13 inches long. Fatty cells are forming more and your baby’s skin is beginning to look more pink and is much closer to that of a newborn. Spinal structure is also developing further to later help protect the baby’s spinal cord. Your baby can now make a fist and would be able to grip objects if placed in the palm.

The hair has a more defined and recognizable texture and color. The exact color and texture might change after your baby is born, however. Even though the baby now make breathing movements and blood vessels in the lungs are developed, there isn’t actually air in the lungs until your baby is born. The brain’s cortex is also layering nicely. The nostrils are also starting to open and some researchers say this is where the baby begins to smell and prefer certain scents. Nerves around the mouth and lips are also more sensitive and swallowing reflexes are developing. Both will help when baby is looking to feed later on.

This is the stage when the expectant parent should not be lying on the back. Doing so could cause dizziness and shortness of breath. Instead, lie on your side to relieve the pressure. You may find relief from using a body pillow or an extra blanket or small pillow underneath the hips and in between the legs. Some may instead use their partner’s body to help prop up the legs and hips. On the left side is the healthiest position to lie in while pregnant. However, also be mindful of comfort and your doctor’s advice.

Did you know that at this stage, shining a light on the abdomen can prompt the baby to turn his or head toward or away from the light? This is a good sign for the optic nerve, which should be developing well at 25 weeks.

Urine tests, the diabetes/glucose test, blood pressure tests, blood tests, and other similar tests are normal during or around 25 weeks. These help determine if there is a problem with high or low blood pressure, diabetes, Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), preeclampsia, and other conditions that may affect the mother or baby.

Exercise might still be possible at this stage, but consult your doctor before continuing or starting any routine. This is the stage when physical activity may need to be limited. This may be especially true, if you have a high risk pregnancy or other symptoms that limit physical activity without pain or complications.

As always, consult your doctor for exact advice. This post is based mostly on personal experience with some research and is meant for informational purposes only. Every pregnancy is different.

Stay tuned for our 26 weeks pregnant (and other posts)!

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SOURCES

Personal Experience
BabyCenter | Your Pregnancy: 25 Weeks
BabyCenter | Fetal Development: 25 Weeks Pregnant
Pampers | 25 Weeks Pregnant: What’s Going On
BabyCenter | What Your Baby Looks Like: 25 Weeks
Similac | 25 Weeks Pregnant
Pregnancy.org | 25 Weeks Pregnant