Episode Transcript
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Hi, I'm Stephanie Poole, founderand CEO of Birth Prep Academy.
I'm on a mission to helppregnant moms prepare for their
first hospital birth.
I'm sharing revealingconversations about what it
really takes to successfullytransition into motherhood.
So join me.
Here to discover things likewhat to expect in childbirth,
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how to prepare for your birth.
We'll also talk aboutbreastfeeding and so much more.
I'm so grateful to share it allwith you right here on Oh Baby,
the podcast created for pregnantmoms preparing for their first
hospital birth.
Let's get started.
Hey there, mama.
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Welcome back to the channel.
If you're new here.
I'm Stephanie Poole, a certifieddoula and lactation consultant
here to guide you from Bump.
To bundle.
Today we're diving into what'sreally happening at 25 weeks
pregnant, and trust me, some ofit might surprise you.
Here's a little hint.
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It's not just about growing yourbelly anymore.
Plus stick around because I'msharing one simple tip that can
actually make labor easier.
Yes, even this early on.
All right, with that being said,let's jump in.
Okay, so at 25 weeks, you'rebasically hosting a little
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acrobat in there, but it's notjust the kick's you'll notice.
Why are you suddenly out ofbreath walking up the stairs?
And why does your back feel likeyou ran a marathon that you
didn't sign up for?
And what's the deal with thoseweird, vivid dreams?
Some of these we've talked aboutbefore, but I've got plenty of
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new information, so let's breakit all down.
First up, your baby is growinglike crazy at 25 weeks.
Here's what's new this week.
Your little one is about 13 to14 inches long and weighs around
a pound and a half.
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That's roughly the size of afull cauliflower.
Also, their fat is building up.
Up until now, your baby lookedpretty skinny, but now fat
layers are starting to form,which means they're getting
cuter and prepping for lifeoutside of your womb.
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Now let's talk about thoselungs.
We've talked about them before,but here's a little update.
Your baby's lungs are startingto produce that surfactant that
we talked about, right, which isa substance that helps them
breathe air after birth, andevery week they're developing
more, which means they'rebreathing better and moving
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towards that after birthbreathing pattern, right?
All right.
Let's talk about the startlereflex, or it's also known as
the moro Reflex.
Well, that's kicking in for yourbaby this week.
What am I talking about?
That jerky jump that yousometimes feel after a loud
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noise.
Your baby can actually bestartled inside the womb now.
So keep that in mind.
Now here's a quick fact for you.
Did you know that babies canstart to distinguish between
different voices at 25 weeks?
That's now your baby can startto tell between you and your
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partner, So that means if you oryour partner both start to talk
to the baby now, that baby willlikely recognize your voices
individually after birth.
How sweet is that?
All right.
Coming up, I'm gonna tell youthe one surprising reason why
your gums might be bleeding.
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And no, it's not because you'rebrushing too hard.
Plus, why 25 weeks is theperfect time to start prepping
for breastfeeding even if itfeels way early.
But first, let's talk aboutwhat's happening with your body.
Even little activities likewalking to the mailbox can leave
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you feeling winded.
That's because your uterus ispushing up against your lungs
now, which is totally normal,but a good reminder to take it
slow and to give yourself grace.
Let's talk about back aches,Your growing belly is shifting
your center of gravity, whichstrains your lower back muscles.
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So here's a pregnancy tip.
Try using a pregnancy supportbelt.
It's a total back saver and gamechanger, and a comfy one too.
All right.
I spoke before about thebleeding gums and even
nosebleeds.
So let's discuss it for just amoment.
Hormones can cause your bloodvessels to swell making your
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gums and your nose moresensitive to bleeding.
So here's a gentle reminder.
Switch to a soft bristletoothbrush and keep up with your
dental care.
Your mouth matters for pregnancyand beyond.
All right.
We've talked about this one forquite a few videos, but my moms
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always find it so fascinatingand that is weird Dreams.
Wild dreams are usually made upof hormone fluctuations plus a
little anxiety of this newjourney that you're on, right?
All of that.
Tends to lead up to a wild dreamworld.
You might dream about laborbreastfeeding or even totally
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random things, which is totallynormal.
Your brain is processing all ofthe changes that's happening
with you.
So it's totally normal to havesome weird dreams in there.
In fact, I always love to hearabout'em.
So if you had any new ones thatwe haven't discussed yet, drop
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'em in the comments below.
All right.
Now, we've talked about this onebefore as well, but I always
like to review because again, Iget a lot of questions about
Braxton Hicks contractions.
They are what we call practicecontractions, and they usually
go away whenever you start toshift.
However, you might feel somerandom tightening in your belly,
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and as long as it's mild andirregular, it's just your body's
way of getting ready for the bigday.
If they become severe orpersistent, then you should stop
and call your provider.
Alright, now, still ahead, Iwanna talk about why hydration
becomes your secret weapon thisweek, and why your breast are
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quietly gearing up for yourbreastfeeding journey, even if
you haven't noticed it yet.
Let's talk boobs for a secondbecause yes, even at 25 weeks,
your body is already preppingfor breastfeeding.
Let's talk about colostrumproduction because this is
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important.
Colostrum is that thick,yellowish liquid gold is what we
call it, that your breast isalready making in small amounts.
The first milk packed withantibodies is really what it is.
Most moms don't leak it yet, butsome do and both are normal.
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Alright, let's talk aboutMontgomery Gland.
Have you ever noticed those tinybumps on your nipples?
Well, those are calledMontgomery glands, and they're
actually secreting an oilysubstance that keeps your
nipples clean and protected.
In fact, here's a fun fact.
They also emit a scent thathelps your baby find your breast
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after birth.
Oh my gosh.
How amazing is that?
Now, with that being said,here's a mini tip.
Now is a great time to startlearning about breastfeeding
basics, things like positioning,latching, and milk supply, and
it's important to learn all ofthese things.
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So that it feels natural laterinstead of overwhelming.
All right.
One more thing.
Let's talk hydration real quickbecause it's a big deal.
At 25 weeks, your blood volumeis about 50% higher now than
pre-pregnancy, And your bodyneeds fluids to keep everything
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flowing smoothly.
Dehydration can trigger BraxtonHicks.
It can trigger swelling,fatigue, and even preterm labor
risk.
So here's a pro tip.
I want you to concentrate ondrinking adequate water,
adequate liquids.
Okay, I want you to add lemons,fruit slices, a splash of juice,
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whatever it takes for you toconsistently stay hydrated.
And if you're noticing moreswelling in your feet, that's
your cue to prop up and hydrate.
Mama all.
At 25 weeks, you are right inthat sweet spot of pregnancy.
Your baby's growing, your body'sadapting and laying the
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foundation for an incrediblebirth and breastfeeding journey
ahead.
If you wanna feel even moreprepared and learn everything
you need for labor, birth,postpartum and beyond, be sure
to check out Bump to bundleblueprint.
It's like having a doula in yourpocket 24 by seven so that
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you're not Googling in themiddle of the night.
We've all been there.
I'll be sure to drop the linkbelow.
Don't miss it.
And if you found today's videohelpful, give it a thumbs up and
subscribe for more pregnancy andnewborn tips.
And don't forget, tell me in thecomments what's been your
weirdest pregnancy symptoms sofar.
I absolutely love chatting withyou and reading your stories in
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the comments.
Thanks for hanging out with metoday, and I'll see you right
back here next week for week 26.
Pregnancy updates.