Quick answer: At 25 weeks your baby's eyelids part and their eyes begin to open for the first time, though the retinas are still developing, so they can only tell light from dark. Their nostrils also start to open, allowing practice breathing movements. With around 15 weeks to go, it is a good time to sort a safe sleep space, a car seat and financial support.
What parents need to know
Week 25 is an exciting milestone in your baby's development: this week, their eyes are beginning to open for the very first time. Your baby is becoming more and more ready for the outside world with each passing week, and this is a good time to start thinking about practical preparations for when they arrive.
| Length | About 34.6cm crown to heel |
|---|---|
| Weight | Around 660 grams, about a cauliflower |
| Weeks to go | Roughly 15 weeks |
| Car seat standard | Current R129 (i-Size) regulation |
| Maternity grant | £500 one-off for a first child |
How big is your baby at 25 weeks?
Your baby now measures approximately 34.6cm from crown to heel and weighs around 660 grams — about the weight of a cauliflower. They're gaining weight steadily as fat continues to develop beneath the skin.
What's happening with your baby?
Your baby's eyelids are parting this week, and they're beginning to open their eyes for the first time. The retinas are still developing, but your baby can now distinguish between light and dark. If you shine a torch at your bump, your baby may react by moving away from the light or covering their face with their hands. Your baby's nostrils, which have been plugged since early development to protect the delicate airway, are beginning to open this week. This is an important step as it allows the baby to practise breathing movements using the amniotic fluid.
What's happening in your body?
You may find that sleeping is becoming more challenging as your bump grows. Side sleeping with a pregnancy pillow between your knees is the most comfortable position for most women at this stage. Carpal tunnel syndrome — tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and wrists — is a common pregnancy complaint caused by fluid retention compressing the nerves in the wrist. It often worsens at night. Wrist splints, available from pharmacists, can help significantly. Speak to your midwife if it is affecting your sleep or daily activities.
Preparing your home for baby
With roughly 15 weeks to go, this is a great time to start thinking about practical preparations. Essential items to acquire include a safe sleep space for your baby (a crib, Moses basket, or cot that meets current UK safety standards, with a firm, flat mattress), appropriate clothing in newborn and 0-3 month sizes, nappies and nappy-changing equipment, a baby bath or bath support, a car seat meeting UK legal standards, and feeding equipment appropriate to your intended feeding method.
The Lullaby Trust provides excellent guidance on safe sleep environments. When choosing a sleep space, ensure it has a firm, flat, waterproof mattress that fits snugly with no gaps, and that it has not been used previously by another baby if purchased secondhand. Keep the sleep space clear of pillows, duvets, bumpers, and toys — a fitted sheet on a bare mattress is all that is needed.
A car seat is legally required to bring your baby home from hospital. Look for seats that meet the current R129 (i-Size) regulation. Many hospitals offer car seat safety checks — ask your midwife for information on local services.
Financial preparations
Having a baby brings additional expenses, and planning ahead can reduce stress. Check whether you're eligible for the Sure Start Maternity Grant (a one-off payment of £500 from the government for a first child), Child Benefit (paid from birth), and any other benefits available to you. The government's Healthy Start scheme provides vouchers for fruit, vegetables, and milk for eligible pregnant women and families with young children.
Your week 25 checklist
This week:
- Start researching essential baby equipment.
- Check Lullaby Trust guidance on safe sleep spaces.
- Try wrist splints if carpal tunnel is troublesome.
- Look into financial support options such as Child Benefit and Healthy Start.
- Enjoy the wonderful news that your baby is opening their eyes for the very first time.
Sources & further reading
- NHS — You and Your Baby at 25 Weeks Pregnant
- Lullaby Trust — Safer Sleep Advice
- Tommy's — Week 25 of Pregnancy
- NCT — Week 25 of Pregnancy
General information, not individual medical advice. Speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor about your baby’s needs.
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