What to Expect in Weeks 25-to-29 of Pregnancy: Antenatal Care Guide

Weeks 25 to 29 of pregnancy mark the transition from the second trimester into the final stretch of the journey. This stage is characterised by rapid growth in your baby, noticeable physical changes for you, and an increased focus on antenatal care to prepare for labour and delivery. By staying informed about your baby’s development and your body’s needs, you can navigate these weeks with confidence and a sense of preparedness.

Baby’s Development During Weeks 25–29

Week 25: Refining Senses

At 25 weeks, your baby weighs approximately 660 grams and measures about 34 cm from head to toe.

Development Highlights:

The baby’s lungs continue developing, and air sacs begin to form.

Capillaries in the lungs increase, allowing for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide after birth.

The sense of touch becomes more refined, and your baby may respond to light strokes on your belly.

Week 26: Stronger Movements

By 26 weeks, the baby is around 35 cm long and weighs about 760 grams. You’ll likely notice their movements becoming stronger and more coordinated.

Key Milestones:

Eyes can now open and close, and the baby begins to respond to light.

Brain development accelerates, particularly in areas related to cognition and awareness.

Foetal movements may follow a more consistent pattern, giving you insight into your baby’s activity schedule.

Week 27: Viability Advances

At 27 weeks, your baby is approximately 37 cm long and weighs nearly 900 grams. This week marks the final stretch of the second trimester.

What’s New:

The baby’s heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope.

The immune system starts to develop, offering some protection against infections.

The baby begins practising breathing by inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid.

Week 28: Entering the Third Trimester

At week 28, your baby is about 38 cm long and weighs around 1 kg. They are now considered viable, meaning they have a strong chance of survival with medical support if born prematurely.

Significant Developments:

Eyelashes and eyebrows are fully formed.

The brain’s surface begins to form grooves and folds, allowing for greater brain activity.

Sleep patterns emerge, and your baby may alternate between REM and non-REM sleep.

Week 29: Growing and Gaining Weight

By week 29, your baby weighs about 1.1 kg and measures 39 cm.

Highlights:

Muscles and lungs continue to mature.

The baby starts storing calcium, iron, and phosphorus, essential for their skeletal system.

Your baby’s kicks and stretches might become stronger and occasionally uncomfortable.

Physical and Emotional Changes for the Mother

Physical Symptoms

As your pregnancy progresses, you may notice the following changes:

Back Pain: The growing uterus shifts your centre of gravity, putting strain on your lower back.

Shortness of Breath: The uterus pressing against your diaphragm can make breathing feel more laboured.

Swelling: Mild swelling in the feet and ankles is common due to fluid retention and increased blood flow.

Emotional Changes

Hormonal fluctuations and the anticipation of delivery can cause emotional highs and lows. Common feelings include:

Excitement about meeting your baby.

Anxiety about labour and parenting.

Increased sensitivity to external stressors.

The Importance of Antenatal Care During Weeks 25–29

Antenatal Appointments

Regular antenatal appointments are critical during this stage to monitor both maternal and foetal health.

What to Expect:

Blood pressure checks to detect conditions like pre-eclampsia.

Monitoring of the baby’s heartbeat and movements.

Guidance on common symptoms, including leg cramps or Braxton Hicks contractions.

Glucose Tolerance Test

Around 24–28 weeks, your healthcare provider may recommend a glucose tolerance test to check for gestational diabetes. This condition affects around 2–5% of pregnancies in the UK and requires careful management.

Wellness Practices to Support a Healthy Pregnancy

1. Antenatal Yoga

Engaging in antenatal yoga can provide both physical and mental benefits during pregnancy.

Benefits:

Improves posture and reduces back pain.

Increases flexibility and strength in preparation for labour.

Promotes relaxation through controlled breathing techniques.

Many communities and studios offer pregnancy yoga classes designed for all experience levels.

2. Antenatal Massage

Prenatal massage is a safe way to alleviate tension and discomfort as your body changes.

Key Benefits:

Relieves muscle aches and joint pain.

Improves circulation, reducing swelling in the hands and feet.

Supports mental well-being by promoting relaxation during pregnancy.

3. Nutrition and Hydration

Your baby’s rapid growth during weeks 25–29 makes proper nutrition essential.

Dietary Tips:

Include iron-rich foods, such as red meat, spinach, and lentils, to support increased blood volume.

Consume calcium-rich foods, like milk, cheese, and almonds, for bone development.

Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, and nutrient-rich smoothies.

4. Physical Activity

Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, and antenatal fitness routines can keep you energised and promote better sleep.

Preparing for the Third Trimester

1. Attend Antenatal Classes

Many parents-to-be begin attending antenatal classes near me during this stage to prepare for labour, delivery, and newborn care.

What’s Covered:

Pain relief options during labour.

Breastfeeding techniques and advice.

Understanding newborn sleep patterns.

2. Track Baby Movements

As movements become more regular, tracking patterns can provide reassurance about your baby’s well-being. Any noticeable reduction in activity should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately.

3. Begin a Birth Plan

Start discussing your preferences for labour and delivery with your healthcare provider, including pain relief options and birthing positions.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact your antenatal clinic or healthcare provider if you experience:

Severe or persistent abdominal pain.

Heavy vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge.

Signs of pre-eclampsia, such as sudden swelling, severe headaches, or vision changes.

Reduced foetal movements.

Controversial Topics: Viability at 28 Weeks and Beyond

The 28-Week Viability Mark

At 28 weeks, babies are considered viable, meaning they can survive outside the womb with medical intervention. Advances in neonatal care have significantly improved outcomes for babies born this early, but challenges remain due to underdeveloped lungs and immune systems.

Key Milestones in Weeks 25–29

Hearing the Baby’s Heartbeat: At antenatal checkups, your baby’s strong heartbeat offers reassurance of their well-being.

Feeling Stronger Movements: Kicks and stretches become more pronounced and frequent.

Preparing for Labour: Begin antenatal classes and explore relaxation techniques like antenatal yoga and massage.

Conclusion

Weeks 25 to 29 of pregnancy are filled with growth, preparation, and anticipation. With proper antenatal care, wellness practices like antenatal yoga and massage, and attention to nutrition, you can support both your baby’s development and your own well-being. Use this time to strengthen your connection with your baby, track movements, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead into the third trimester and beyond.

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