2nd Trimester: Baby Development 25 to 28 Weeks of Pregnancy
- Annalise Fox
- Mar 16
- 4 min read
If your baby's development has reached between 25 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, you're nearing the end of your second trimester. Your baby will likely arrive sometime in the next 10-15 weeks, and your baby is developing rapidly in the meantime. Now is a great time to start thinking about the big essentials such as choosing your car seat. Babies have a way of surprising us with their timing, and it's always better to be prepared earlier than you think you'll need to be.
Around this time, your baby is rapidly growing, practicing breathing movements, and their brain is quickly developing. Over the next several weeks, they'll be gaining weight, building strength, and starting to look more like how they will as a newborn. The third trimester is right around the corner, and the focus will soon shift towards growth and further preparation for the arrival of your little one.
25 WEEKS
By now your baby could be as long as 13 inches-over a foot long! Your baby is close to the size of a head of lettuce. A head of lettuce would be way less active than your baby though, as your baby may continue to become more active with frequent kicks and stretching. Your baby is also starting to develop a sleep schedule on their own, so it's not uncommon to feel movement when you are in relaxed positions or sleeping yourself. Little one's sleep schedule might not always align with their mama!
One exciting thing about your baby's development during this week is that your baby's skin becomes more smooth with less wrinkles as they fill out due to fat storage. In addition, your little one's nose and nostrils are developing to help them prepare to breathe outside the womb.
26 WEEKS
This week, your baby is two-thirds of the way "done." Time surely flies when growing a tiny human! Your baby's eyebrows and eyelashes have now formed, and your baby's eyes are also developed, but may not open for another two weeks. A fun fact: if you shine a flashlight on your belly, your baby might kick in response! In general, you will likely feel frequent kicks and jabs as the baby practices movements. Your little one is practicing making their debut!
In general, by 26 weeks, your baby can respond better to the world around them. They can now suck, see, hear, and taste, and can potentially feel your hand firmly pressing on your belly. At this point their lungs are still developing. In boys, their testicles are usually fully descended.
Now is the time to start organizing baby essentials such as car seat, clothes, and stocking up on a diaper stash. This way you won't feel as rushed to get all baby essentials when you're even closer to meeting your little one. It can be worthwhile to invest in a well-fitting supportive bra as your breasts and belly continue to grow. At this point in your pregnancy, it can be a good idea to begin talking, reading, or singing to your baby as they can now hear and react to sound. How exciting!
27 WEEKS
Congratulations! Your baby is now on a more consistent sleep schedule, waking and rising at similar times-phew! Their brain tissue is also actively developing at this point which is a huge developmental step. Your body may also be likely going through big changes as you near the end of the second trimester. You may develop a pregnant belly button, as your baby may push on your abdomen, making your naval pop out. Do not worry though, this is completely normal and temporary.
You also may begin to experience having a more difficult time breathing as your uterus is pressing on your diaphragm and crowding your lungs. Don't worry, this will also settle with time as your baby begins to settle down into your pelvis and your body prepares for childbirth. For now, begin learning the signs of preterm labor to be prepared in case little one decides to make an early appearance.
28 WEEKS
Congratulations! You are now entering your third trimester, and your baby is now around the size of an eggplant. Just like the previous week, your baby is accumulating fat, which makes your baby look more like a newborn. How exciting, one step closer to being ready to enter the world! Your baby's lungs are maturing and they are practicing breathing movements. As a fun fact, your baby is now experiencing vivid dreams! On your side, now this the time to start preparing for the hospital and finalizing your birth plans. Always a good idea to be well-prepared for your baby and alleviate some of the planning for when you become further along. You got this, mama!
Work Cited
Mayo Clinic Staff, 2025. Fetal Development: The 2nd trimester. Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20046151 (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20046151) > [Accessed on: 6 March 2026].
Your pregnancy: weeks 25 to 27. Available from: <https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/maternity/second-trimester/weeks-25-27 (https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/maternity/second-trimester/weeks-25-27)
> [Accessed on: 6 March 2026].
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