Day 177 of 280, second trimester
You are 25 weeks and 2 days
Two tiny glands now help control your baby's growth and development and will help her cope with life's stresses later.
103 days until your due date
Relative to her size, your baby's adrenal glands are 20 times bigger than yours. These roughly triangular glands sit over the top of each kidney and have an outer layer (cortex), which releases steroid hormones such as cortisol, and an inner layer (medulla), which releases adrenaline and noradrenaline in response to stress. Adrenaline prepares the body for "fight or flight," making more glucose available, speeding up the heart, and maintaining or raising blood pressure. These are vital responses that help keep conditions in the uterus stable and prepare your baby for the stresses of life outside.
The cortex works hardest, producing many hormones that coordinate growth and development: mineralocorticoids, which regulate salt balance; glucocorticoids, which help control the sugars, fats, and amino acids in the blood; and androgens, male-type sex hormones such as testosterone. The cortex is what makes the glands so big, and in the first couple of weeks after birth they shrink rapidly.
Focus on
Twins: How identical are identical twins?
Twins from the same egg have the same DNA, so in a sense they're natural clones and will look very alike, with the same hair, eye, and skin color, blood group, and tissue type. But their environment isn't identical, even before birth, and small differences in blood flow and position in the uterus can have far-reaching effects.
- Identical twins may differ noticeably in weight, height, and head shape.
- Each twin has unique fingerprints and iris patterns.
- They can have different personalities too, partly because of subtle differences in their very early environment.
Ask a Doctor
I've noticed lumps in both breasts. Should I be worried?
Breast lumps can be normal in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester as the breasts prepare for breastfeeding. They're usually soft, may move around, and may be tender. But never ignore a breast lump; always see your doctor, who can confirm it's pregnancy-related.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
Read the full 25 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.