By week 25, your uterus is about the size of a bowling ball, so your body is pure, unnatural magic if you're still wearing pre-pregnancy clothing. You may feel hotter - sweatier - than usual due to your body’s increased blood flow. Dress in breathable fabrics to help wick off any excess moisture from your body. The same advice can apply during winter months, though you might decide to wear a few extra layers of breathable clothing whenever you go out. And make sure you’re drinking enough water to avoid dehydration and combat swelling.

Drinking extra water this week will also help you with another complication sometimes caused by your body's additional blood flow during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids, a type of varicose vein, are pretty common during pregnancy and may even cause rectal bleeding. Hemorrhoids are very painful, and constipation (another joyous symptom of pregnancy) can make them worse. Drinking plenty of water and taking more fiber may also help.

Below is a list of pregnancy symptoms commonly experienced during week 25.

Swelling, or edema, in your ankles and/or feet: some swelling is normal and expected during pregnancy, especially if you are on your feet all day, but it’s best to keep an eye on any sudden changes. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing swelling, as this could be a warning sign of a dangerous complication called preeclampsia. 

Stretch marks and/or unwanted hair growth: as your baby continues to grow and your body grows to accommodate, your skin may experience stretching, leaving marks and causing discomfort. You may also notice hair growing in places it didn’t grow previously, or growing more aggressively than it did before. You can utilize lotions and creams to soothe irritated skin; but stretch marks are largely genetic and not something you should feel guilty for not “preventing”.  Unwanted hair growth can be shaved or plucked. Waxing may not be advisable during pregnancy and should be explored as an option with caution. 

Sweating: increased perspiration can be a result of hormonal changes, or the additional weight and pressure on your body as you carry your growing baby. Stay hydrated to replace any fluids lost. 

Thicker hair & stronger nails:this side effect of changing hormones and prenatal vitamins can be most welcome! Enjoy!

Braxton Hicks: also referred to as “practice contractions” Braxton Hicks are your body’s way of preparing for giving birth. They are generally painless, or uncomfortable at most– like subtle period cramps. If you are experiencing severe pain, or the cramping does not stop– seek medical attention.

Tingling, numbness, or pain in your hands and wrists: possible warning signs for carpal tunnel syndrome, keep an eye on any numbness or pain in your hands and wrists and be sure your doctor is aware so they can rule out any concerns.

Bleeding and/or swollen gums: increased blood volume can make ruptures in sensitive places like the nasal membranes and gum line more likely. Dental health is critical during pregnancy, so you should continue to brush and floss– but take care to do so gently!

Interrupted sleep: between getting up to use the bathroom, leg cramps, shortness of breath, and even heartburn– you may be struggling to get a decent amount of sleep during the night. 

Backaches and/or leg cramps: aches and pains are an uncomfortable, albeit normal, part of pregnancy. Stay hydrated and talk to your doctor about safe pain relief options that may offer some comfort.

Crazy dreams: vivid dreams can be some of the more interesting pregnancy symptoms. While the cause is unknown it may have something to do with hormones, or the fact that nausea or frequent urination means you are not sleeping as deeply and can remember your dreams more easily. 

Fetal activity: your baby’s movements are becoming less responsive and more purposeful! As the part of their brain responsible for movement develops you may notice more patterns in when and how your baby moves. 

Fetal hiccups: the cause of hiccups is unknown, but your baby can experience them as their tiny diaphragm contracts just like yours! This may feel like a steady stream of bumps in your belly and can be a great opportunity for loved ones to feel the baby move!

Week 25, you should feel your baby moving around inside of you regularly. If you haven't felt anything in a little while and you're worried, turn on some music, drink a glass of ice, cold water, and see if it wakes your little one! You can also lightly massage your stomach to nudge your baby awake. Just be sure you're gentle about pressing into your stomach.

Now is a good time to learn what the signs of preterm or premature labor look like. Talk to your midwife or doctor about these signs and ask what you should do if these signs occur before week 37 of pregnancy. Preterm or premature labor looks like: swelling in the hands or face; constant or severe vomiting; an increase or change in vaginal discharge, including a rush of amniotic fluid or blood; a low, dull backache; pain while urinating; sharp pains in your stomach; more than five contractions or sharp cramps within a one-hour period; and intense pelvic pressure (feels like the baby is pushing down, or like you might need to go poop). If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your midwife or doctor immediately.

Strollers have come a long way.

Travel systems, joggers, reversible seats, power folds, cup holders, and everything in between, from affordably priced to astronomically priced, make purchasing a stroller more complicated than ever before, almost like choosing a new car to lease. Except... you'll probably use the stroller as often or more than you use your car! Choosing the right one is an important decision. Consider these questions, first:

Will you be in and out of the car?

Do you live on a second or third-floor walkup? Are you dealing with limited storage space? If you answered yes, the weight and fold of the stroller matter to you. When you visit stores to check out possibilities, take measurements and practice the fold and lift.

How will you be using the stroller?