Week 25: Balance & Color
Baby is about the size of Cauliflower (346mm head-to-heel)
Your baby's inner ear structures are maturing, giving them a sense of balance and spatial orientation. They can tell if they're upside down or right-side up. The retinas are developing layers that will eventually detect light and color. The nostrils, which have been plugged, begin to open. Capillaries are forming under the skin, giving it a pinkish hue.
The fundus is now well above the navel. You may experience Braxton Hicks contractions more frequently. Hemorrhoids may develop due to increased pressure on pelvic veins. Carpal tunnel symptoms (tingling in hands) can appear due to fluid retention compressing the median nerve.
What is important now
In Denmark, GP Visit #2 is due around this time. In the US, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) screening typically happens between weeks 24-28 — it may be scheduled now. Stay active and maintain good posture to manage back strain.
Common symptoms
- painful regular contractions more than 4 per hour — contact provider immediately
- sudden vision changes or severe headache — emergency evaluation
Wellness this week.
Nutrition
Eye development and GDM preparation
- Vitamin A from food sources (carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens) for retina development
- Balanced carbohydrate intake — prepare for GDM screening
- High-fiber foods to manage hemorrhoids and constipation
- Adequate water with fiber
Exercise
Movement
Posture exercises and pelvic floor work are important
Sleep
7-9 hours
Position: Left side; wrist splints may help with nighttime carpal tunnel
· Elevate hands on a pillow if carpal tunnel wakes you
· Avoid fluid loading in the 2 hours before bed to reduce nighttime bathroom trips
Mental wellness
Mindfulness
You're in the home stretch of the second trimester. Acknowledge what your body is doing — it's remarkable.
“Your baby can balance and sense colors — they're building the tools to explore the world.”
Your timeline.
Week 6
19 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — Mutterpass may be issued upon heartbeat confirmation
Week 19
6 weeks ago- routineWeeks 19–22
Checkpoint 2 — Screening Ultrasound
Choice between a basic biometric scan or detailed organ scan. Measures head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and checks placental position.
GoalAssess fetal anatomy and growth, check for structural abnormalities, and verify placental location.
Week 28
In 3 weeks- routine
Checkpoint 1 — GDM screening
- routine
Checkpoint 2 — Rhogam if Rh-negative
Week 29
In 4 weeks- routineWeeks 29–32
Checkpoint 3 — Screening Ultrasound
Third and final routine ultrasound. Assesses fetal growth, position (cephalic/breech), amniotic fluid volume, and placental function.
GoalConfirm appropriate growth trajectory and baby's position for delivery planning.
Week 35
In 10 weeks- self pay igelWeeks 35–37
Checkpoint 1 — GBS Testing — Self-pay/IGeL
Rectovaginal swab to screen for Group B Streptococcus colonization. If positive, IV antibiotics are given during labor to prevent neonatal infection.
GoalIdentify GBS carriers to enable prophylactic treatment during delivery.
Safety: Sudden vision changes, severe headaches, or upper abdominal pain are warning signs for preeclampsia. Seek emergency care immediately.
Your journey, your rhythm.
Track your pregnancy week by week with gentle, personalized guidance.