Week 25 of pregnancy — what is happening and what to do

Week 25 is a good moment to look at your pregnancy calendar from above. The third trimester is ahead of you, and with it more visits and tests. Instead of rushing when something comes up, you can already set the rhythm of appointments and prepare one place for your documents. This layer is about organization, not medicine.

How to plan the rhythm of visits in the third trimester

In the third trimester visits become more frequent, and each has a slightly different purpose: reviewing results, measuring your belly, talking about your baby's movements, and preparing for birth. It is worth settling with the facility how you book — by phone, online, or in person — and how far in advance. Put not only the dates in your calendar but also the times and the location, if tests are done somewhere other than the office.

• Ask reception how visits are booked in the third trimester.
• Note where laboratory tests and ultrasounds are done.
• Check how to cancel or reschedule a visit if something comes up.
• Decide who can go with you to a visit.

Documents worth keeping at hand

Your pregnancy notes and test results are documents you will need at every visit in the third trimester, and sometimes outside of them too. Keep them in one place — a folder or a note on your phone — and carry them with you when you leave home. Medical staff may need them if you end up at a facility other than the one managing your pregnancy.

• Your pregnancy notes with recorded visits and results.
• Laboratory results and ultrasound reports.
• A list of the medications and supplements you take.
• Phone numbers for your midwife, doctor, and the admission ward.

Questions written down in advance

Questions that come up during the week are easy to forget in the office. Jot them down as they appear, even one word at a time, and bring them to the visit. That way the conversation is about what matters to you, not just the current measurement. After the visit it is worth briefly writing down the answers so you don't rely on memory alone.

Sleep and rest in the third trimester

In the third trimester sleep is often lighter and more interrupted — your belly is growing, and with it the position you feel comfortable in changes. Instead of fighting for your old rhythm, try building a new one: short naps during the day, going to bed earlier, and a calmer evening without screens. A pillow under your belly or between your knees helps take the load off your hips and back. If contractions, heartburn, or pressure on your bladder wake you at night, mention it at your visit — the staff usually have a few practical suggestions.

• Plan rest during the day, not just sleep at night.
• Arrange pillows so your belly and back have support.
• Wind down in the evening — fewer stimuli make falling asleep easier.
• Note what wakes you at night and bring the note to your visit.
• Ask loved ones to help with the chores that tire you most.

Activity and your daily pace

The third trimester is a good time to shift from a pace of tasks to a pace of days. Activity still helps, but its form usually changes: shorter walks, gentle stretching, calm water exercise. At work it is worth taking breaks and changing position, and arranging your day so the hardest things fall when you have the most energy. Plan trips and longer commutes with plenty of time, with breaks to stretch your legs and water at hand. If something involves exertion or long sitting, ask the staff how to plan it.

• Swap long workouts for shorter, regular activity.
• Take breaks to change position, especially when working seated.
• Plan trips with breaks and without rushing.
• Carry water and a snack with you.
• Ask at your visit whether your activity needs adjusting.