Pregnancy • Weeks 25–28
Pregnancy Seventh Month: Symptoms, Baby Development & Care
The seventh month covers weeks 25–28 and marks the later part of the second trimester. Fetal movements become stronger, the baby's nervous system and lungs continue developing, and regular antenatal monitoring becomes increasingly important.
Quick Answer: What Happens in the Seventh Month of Pregnancy?
The seventh month is commonly described as weeks 25–28. During this period, fetal movements can become stronger, more fat is added under the skin, the eyelids can open and close, and the lungs begin producing surfactant. Antenatal visits continue, and glucose screening for gestational diabetes is commonly performed between 24 and 28 weeks. Around 28 weeks, pregnancy care may also include blood tests and closer discussion of fetal movement, blood pressure and birth planning.
What Happens During the Seventh Month of Pregnancy?
Weeks 25–28 are a period of continued fetal maturation and increasing maternal physical changes. The fetus becomes more responsive to sounds, movement becomes stronger, and the lungs and nervous system continue developing. Your antenatal schedule should be individualized according to your pregnancy history and medical needs.
Baby Development
The lungs continue developing and begin making surfactant. More fat accumulates under the skin, the nervous system matures and the eyelids can open and close.
Stronger Movements
Kicks, turns and other movements may become easier to recognize. The important point is to learn your baby's usual pattern rather than rely on a universal movement number.
Baby Development at 25, 26, 27 and 28 Weeks
Week 25: The fetus continues growing and may respond to familiar sounds. The lungs continue developing even though they are not yet ready to function normally outside the uterus.
Week 26: Nervous-system development continues and fetal movements may feel increasingly strong and coordinated.
Week 27: More fat is added under the skin and the lungs continue making surfactant needed for breathing after birth.
Week 28: The eyelids can open and close, the nervous system continues developing and the pregnancy reaches an important antenatal-care milestone.
Seventh Month Pregnancy Symptoms: Weeks 25–28
As the uterus grows and the baby becomes more active, physical symptoms can become more noticeable.
Back & Pelvic Discomfort
Changes in posture, abdominal growth and pregnancy-related ligament changes can contribute to backache or pelvic discomfort.
Heartburn & Constipation
Hormonal and physical changes can contribute to reflux, bloating and constipation.
Leg Cramps & Swelling
Leg cramps and mild ankle or foot swelling can occur. Sudden or marked swelling needs medical assessment.
Breathlessness & Sleep Changes
Some people experience mild breathlessness or difficulty sleeping as pregnancy progresses. Sudden or severe symptoms are not normal and require assessment.
Important Tests and Antenatal Care in the Seventh Month
Routine antenatal appointments continue during weeks 25–28. The exact schedule differs by healthcare system and pregnancy risk.
| Assessment | Typical timing | What may be reviewed |
|---|
| Antenatal appointment | Around 25 weeks in some first pregnancies | Blood pressure, urine, abdominal growth, fetal movement, wellbeing and screening results. |
| Gestational diabetes screening | Usually 24–28 weeks | Blood glucose screening to identify gestational diabetes. |
| 28-week assessment | Around 28 weeks | Blood tests, blood pressure, urine, abdominal measurement, fetal movements and pregnancy-care planning. |
| Additional ultrasound or fetal monitoring | When clinically indicated | May be recommended for growth concerns, multiple pregnancy, placental problems, hypertension, diabetes or other risk factors. |
ACOG states that glucose screening is usually performed between 24 and 28 weeks, with earlier testing considered for people with risk factors. NHS antenatal guidance also describes 25- and 28-week appointments that review maternal wellbeing, blood pressure, urine, fetal growth and movements, with additional testing based on individual circumstances.
Gestational Diabetes Screening at 24–28 Weeks
Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy. Screening is commonly performed during this window even when there were no earlier signs of diabetes. If you have risk factors, your clinician may recommend testing earlier.
If gestational diabetes is diagnosed, management can include nutrition changes, physical activity, blood-glucose monitoring and medication when needed. Good glucose control helps reduce pregnancy-related risks and should be managed with your obstetric team.
Baby Movements at 7 Months
By this stage, fetal movements may feel stronger and more recognizable. There is no single number of movements that is normal for every baby. What matters is becoming familiar with your baby's usual pattern.
Important: Contact your maternity or obstetric team immediately if your baby is moving less than usual, stops moving or the usual movement pattern changes. Do not wait until the next day and do not rely on a home Doppler to check fetal wellbeing.
Seventh Month Pregnancy Diet: What to Eat
Continue a varied pregnancy diet that provides protein, fiber, iron, calcium and other nutrients required during pregnancy.
- Protein: eggs, dal, beans, lentils, paneer, yogurt, fish or other suitable sources.
- Iron: leafy greens, legumes, meat where appropriate and prescribed supplements.
- Calcium: pasteurized milk, curd, paneer and other calcium-rich foods.
- Fiber: vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes.
- Fluids: drink regularly and address persistent vomiting or dehydration promptly.
Foods and Substances to Avoid
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco exposure.
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat, eggs and seafood.
- Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
- Follow safe food preparation, storage and hand-hygiene practices.
- Discuss caffeine limits, herbal products and supplements with your clinician.
Exercise and Daily Activity at 7 Months Pregnant
For many people with uncomplicated pregnancies, appropriate moderate activity can continue. Walking is one practical option, while other activities should match your health, fitness level and obstetrician's advice.
- Stay hydrated and avoid overheating.
- Use comfortable footwear and avoid activities with significant fall or abdominal-trauma risk.
- Take breaks if you become tired or uncomfortable.
- Follow any exercise restrictions given by your obstetrician.
- Stop activity and seek medical advice if you develop bleeding, fluid leakage, severe pain, fainting or significant breathlessness.
Seventh Month Pregnancy Do's and Don'ts
Do's
- Attend scheduled antenatal appointments.
- Complete glucose screening when recommended.
- Take prescribed prenatal supplements.
- Stay appropriately active and hydrated.
- Learn your baby's usual movement pattern.
- Start discussing birth preferences and practical preparation.
Don'ts
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke.
- Do not self-medicate.
- Do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.
- Avoid raw, undercooked and unpasteurized high-risk foods.
- Do not ignore reduced fetal movement or pregnancy warning signs.
Preparing for the Third Trimester and Birth
By the end of week 28, pregnancy is entering the third trimester. This is a useful time to discuss practical topics with your obstetrician, including ongoing antenatal visits, warning signs, birth preferences, maternity support, medicines and supplements, and what to expect during the coming weeks.
Do not assume that every pregnancy needs the same scan or fetal monitoring schedule. Additional surveillance is generally based on pregnancy complications, medical conditions, fetal-growth concerns or other clinical indications.
When to Seek Medical Care During the Seventh Month
Contact your obstetrician or seek urgent medical assessment for symptoms that are severe, sudden, worsening or unusual for you.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Fluid leaking from the vagina
- Regular painful contractions or significant pelvic pressure
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Severe headache, vision changes or sudden marked swelling
- Fever or feeling acutely unwell
- Fainting, chest pain or severe shortness of breath
- Reduced, stopped or noticeably changed fetal movement
Current NHS pregnancy guidance specifically advises prompt assessment for changes in fetal movement, fluid leakage and other potentially serious symptoms.
Seventh Month Pregnancy Care in Hyderabad
My Health Hospitals provides obstetric and gynecology services at its Kukatpally and Tarnaka branches. Antenatal care should be individualized according to gestational age, medical history, screening results and pregnancy risk factors.
Obstetrics & GynecologyAntenatal Care
Dr. Swetha Reddy
Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Pregnancy Seventh Month – FAQs
The seventh month is commonly described as weeks 25 to 28. Pregnancy is medically dated in weeks, so your obstetrician should use the exact gestational age when planning care.
The fetus continues gaining fat and maturing the nervous system. The lungs continue developing and begin producing surfactant, and the eyelids can open and close. Familiar sounds may produce movement responses.
Common symptoms can include stronger fetal movements, backache, pelvic pressure, heartburn, constipation, leg cramps, sleep difficulty, shortness of breath, swelling and occasional abdominal tightening.
Yes. Fetal movements are usually well established by this stage. There is no universal number of movements that every baby should make, so learning your baby's usual pattern is important.
Routine antenatal checks continue. Depending on your pregnancy and local schedule, blood pressure, urine, abdominal growth, fetal movement and screening results may be reviewed. A 28-week blood test may also be offered.
Glucose screening is commonly performed between 24 and 28 weeks. If it has not already been completed, week 25 to 28 may be part of the testing window.
Depending on the care system, the visit may include blood pressure, urine testing, measurement of the abdomen, discussion of fetal movement, blood tests and review of pregnancy screening and birth planning.
Continue a balanced diet with protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, calcium-rich foods, iron-rich foods and adequate fluids. Continue supplements recommended by your clinician.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco, raw or undercooked animal foods and unpasteurized products. Follow safe food preparation and storage practices and discuss caffeine, supplements and herbal products with your clinician.
For many uncomplicated pregnancies, walking and other appropriate moderate activity can continue. Exercise should be individualized if your obstetrician has advised restrictions.
Mild breathlessness can occur as pregnancy progresses, but sudden, severe or worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting or a rapid heartbeat needs urgent medical assessment.
Mild swelling of the feet and ankles can occur in pregnancy. Sudden or marked swelling, especially of the face or hands, particularly with headache or vision changes, requires prompt assessment.
Some people experience intermittent abdominal tightening during pregnancy. If contractions become regular, painful, increasingly frequent or are accompanied by fluid leakage or bleeding, contact your maternity team promptly.
There is no single normal daily movement number. The important point is your baby's usual pattern. A noticeable reduction or change in movements should be assessed promptly.
As pregnancy advances, many people find side sleeping more comfortable. Discuss positioning with your clinician, especially if you have a pregnancy complication or specific medical advice.
Contact your maternity or obstetric team immediately if your baby is moving less than usual, stops moving or the usual movement pattern changes. Do not wait until the next day.
Seek prompt medical assessment for vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, regular painful contractions, severe abdominal pain, severe headache or vision changes, sudden marked swelling, fever, fainting, chest pain or reduced fetal movement.
Attend scheduled antenatal visits, complete recommended tests, take prescribed supplements, eat a balanced diet, stay appropriately active, learn your baby's usual movement pattern and begin practical preparation for the third trimester and birth.
Medical note: This article is for general pregnancy education. Pregnancy care, screening, medicines, supplements, exercise restrictions and follow-up should be individualized by a qualified obstetrician or gynecologist. Do not use this guide to diagnose a pregnancy complication.
Need Antenatal Guidance?
If you are 25–28 weeks pregnant and have questions about symptoms, fetal movement, glucose screening, nutrition or third-trimester preparation, discuss them with your obstetrician at My Health Hospitals.
Kukatpally: +91 9111674111 | Tarnaka: +91 9100001201
Kphb Branch
