Week by week : Pregnancyweek -25 (baby kicking)

Welcome to week 25

It's a good time to start thinking about the birth and whether you want to deliver in a birthing unit, labour ward or at home.

A home birth might suit you if your previous labour was very fast or you would prefer to give birth in your own environment. You don't need the permission or approval of your GP: you can discuss your birth plans and book a home birth directly with your midwife.

Keep an open mind just in case complications arise that would be better dealt with in hospital.

Inside story

This week sees your baby reaching 700g (around 1.5lb) in weight and 22cm (almost 9in) in crown-to-rump length.

Your baby is probably very active and the movements feeling more like a series of kicks and jabs as space gets more restricted in your womb.

Your baby will continue to turn somersaults at this stage, but because of increasing bulk you'll feel every movement more strongly.

On the outside

The top of your uterus is now about 25cm (10in) above your pubic bone and your bump will have taken on the approximate shape and dimensions of an average football!

You might feel that you have reached the ideal size and secretly hope not to grow too much more: forget it! Your baby has plenty more growing to do yet.

By now, people might be speculating about whether you're expecting a boy or a girl, but there's no science to support the theory that carrying high or low, or having a round or oval bump, or carrying it 'all out at the front' has any bearing on an unborn baby's gender.

Things to think about

Even though you won't start your antenatal classes until around weeks 30-32 of pregnancy, start making enquiries if you haven't already signed up.

Every mum-to-be is entitled to 10 free Parentcraft antenatal classes, which are run by NHS midwives. However, in reality, some women find that the classes are either over-subscribed or that the next available course comes at the wrong time of pregnancy for them. The NCT (National Childbirth Trust) runs popular antenatal classes too.

Even if you think you'll get all the information you need from websites and books, there's no substitute for attending an antenatal class. It's a forum for discussing anything and everything to do with pregnancy, birth and life with a baby. Additionally you'll meet other like-minded parents, who could become part of your support group for pregnancy and after the birth. Your partner might appreciate the opportunity to meet other dads-to-be who are going through a similar experience too.

At the end of this week, you will qualify for your maternity leave and your maternity pay or allowance - as long as you've been in continuous employment with the same boss for 26 weeks up to and including this week. You're legally obliged to let your employer know by the end of this week that you're intending to take maternity leave.

Week by week : Pregnancy week 23

Welcome to week 23

You might have noticed an increase in interest in your bump – and sometimes from the unlikeliest people.

Have you had random women sharing with you their (often disturbing) birth stories or been subjected to a constant stream of comments? Do people try to touch your bump?

Or, in contrast, have you discovered that despite being clearly pregnant, you're not offered a seat on public transport? The best approach is to try to rise above horror birth stories; politely ward off any potential bump-patters that you find the experience uncomfortable (or, if you're bold enough, pat them on the tummy in return!); and don't be afraid to ask for a seat on the bus or train.

Inside story

This week your baby has put on 100g – that's around 4oz – and now weighs around 450g. The crown-rump length stands at around 20cm (8in).

More subcutaneous fat is being laid down all the time and surfactant is still being produced to enable the lungs to function at birth, although your baby would struggle if you were to go into premature labour at this early stage.

On the outside

You have probably felt your baby move and kick by now – and you may even have started noticing patterns to the movements. If not, you could start keeping a chart of when your baby is most active or sleepy, and see how different circumstances have an influence on activity.

Some mums-to-be can get their babies to move by shining a strong torchlight directly at their bumps; others notice their babies kicking or somersaulting in response to the theme music from a favourite soap!

A good time to observe movements is when you're in the bath and the warmth of the water and your own relative weightlessness can stimulate your baby.

Don't worry if you start getting tearful and moody again around about this stage: some expectant parents start to feel burdened by the looming responsibility and worry how they'll cope emotionally, practically and financially with a new baby.

Try not to worry: new parents find ways to adapt to life with a baby. The prospect of parenthood is daunting, so discuss your fears and get support from family, friends with children and other new parents-to-be.

Things to think about

You're entitled to free dental treatment when you're pregnant and for a year after the birth. Many pregnant women find their gums swell and bleed more easily due to pregnancy hormones and the increase in blood volume. Regular visits to the oral hygienist will help to prevent gum disease.

You're also entitled to free prescriptions in pregnancy as long as you have a valid maternity exemption certificate. This lasts for a year after your estimated due date (EDD).

Although you don't automatically get free podiatry in pregnancy, it's equally important to look after your feet, especially if you are suffering pain from carrying your extra weight.

You might need orthotic supports to wear inside your shoes (ask your doctor for a referral if you're in pain).

If you just feel in need of a foot massage, you could ask your partner to do this for you, or treat yourself to a reflexology session – but check first that your practitioner is experienced in treating pregnancy women.

Week by Week: Pregnancy week -22

Welcome to week 22

You're just past the halfway mark now, and this is the stage when many expectant mums start to feel a bit uncomfortable. You might find your bump is getting in the way of a comfy night's sleep - in which case a special support pillow might help.

Suffering from sweats? This is a normal reaction to your thyroid gland working harder – wear natural fibres and try keeping a cooling water spray in your handbag.

You might find your ankles swelling, making walking less comfortable. Keep an eye on this, as excessive swelling, especially if it's also in your fingers and face, can be an indicator of pre-eclampsia, which needs prompt treatment. To ease mild swelling, resting with your feet higher than your hips will help.

Inside story

Your baby has gained another 50g (2oz) this week, weighing in at around 350g, and crown-rump length is now about 19cm (7.5in), which is about the length of a DVD case.

Eyelids and eyebrows have developed now and your baby looks like a perfect miniature version of the little person you'll give birth to! The lungs are producing 'surfactant' – a complex substance that helps keep the lungs from collapsing during exhalation.

On the outside

Stretch marks: whether they develop – and how pronounced they are – is largely down to genetics, so don't go blaming yourself for excess weight gain or not moisturising enough if they happen to you. There are many available creams and treatments that claim to eliminate stretch marks, but don't waste your money.

Moisturising will help ease itching, but the truth is that once you have stretch marks you've got them for forever. However, they do fade after the birth to silvery streaks.

Think of them as part of life's mapping, like laughter lines: they're proof of your womanliness and your prowess in carrying your baby.

Things to think about

It's time to take stock of your maternity wear again: do you have clothes that are comfortable and make you feel good? Is your underwear fitting you properly? Is it time for a new bra?

Things to look out for include:

• wide bra straps and a deep hook panel

• knickers that either encompass your whole bump or sit just underneath (if they sit around your navel they'll either cut in or slide down all the time)

• pretty underwear in maternity styles: you don't have to be a frump with a bump

• loose waistbands or empire-line tops and dresses that pull in just under the bust

• a good pair of maternity jeans

• low-heeled shoes, preferably wedges to support your weight evenly

• something comfy to wear in bed, including a soft night-support bra.