Second Trimester 1^stTrimester     3^rd Trimester

Your baby yawns often, perhaps as a way to regulate the amount of fluid or blood in his lungs at any one time.

Blood flow through the umbilical cord and placenta regulates the baby's temperature, keeping it much the same as your own body temperature.

At 25 weeks the average crown to heel length is 11.7 in (28.9 cm) and the average weight is 1.1 lb (501 g).

The limbs appear more rounded as fat continues to be laid down.

The baby's head still seems too large for his body, but overall he's beginning to look more in proportion.

Hearing is now acute and loud noises may startle the baby into sudden movement.

The rest of your pregnancy will pass before you know it. Make sure you have all the practicalities in hand, such as deciding what date to stop work, and you might want to give some thought to the birth. Meanwhile, friends and family will no doubt be monitoring your growing belly with interest. Try to be patient if they bombard you with advice and don't listen to too many "tall tales" about pregnancy and childbirth.

Excerpted from Pregnancy Day by Day.
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited.
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