Congratulations on reaching 25th week! Just 15 more to go!

Your baby may only be the size of an eggplant, but oh how he has developed. His skin is now turning pink and he has a routine as early as now (find out what it is!). As for you, mum, you're feeling aches and discomforts. Remaining active even just by walking, if doctor-approved, will keep aches at bay. And remember to stay hydrated.

Your Baby's Development

In this week by week pregnancy guide, you'll learn that:

• Your baby's movements will become routine. He will play for a bit and then rest to recover.
• He is also able to hear and distinguish your voice by now. He may even respond to it when he is awake.
• His skin is now turning pink because he is forming small blood vessels called capillaries under the skin, and these are filling up with blood.
• He will go through his first bowel movement this week, but it will not come out until after he is born.

Pregnancy Symptoms

• Your bump, which now looks like a soccer ball, may cause lower-back pain.
• You are experiencing other body aches such as hip and leg pain.
• You may feel itchy veins your the rectum. It happens because the bigger uterus is pushing down and increasing blood flow in that area.
• You feel constipated. Irregular bowel movements can cause piles, so increase your fluid intake and drink enough water.

Pregnancy Care

• Keep body aches at bay by walking and performing Kegel exercises. Yoga and step aerobics are worth trying as well.
• Here is what to watch out for in this week by week pregnancy guide: if you gained weight rapidly or feel bloated due to gas and acidity during the second trimester, visit the doctor immediately.

The Checklist

• Set up an antenatal appointment. Your doctor or the midwife will measure the size of your uterus, measure your blood pressure, and take a urine sample to test for gestational diabetes and lack of proteins in the body.
• Download our birth plan checklist here.