You're gaining weight more quickly now. As you get heavier, your legs and feet may start to feel the strain. Your legs may begin to swell a bit at the end of the day. This is quite normal, though if you notice a sudden increase in swelling, tell your doctor - swelling is one of the symptoms of pre-eclampsia. Although you probably still feel well and full of energy, you may find that you need a bit more rest - especially if you are working or caring for other children.

Your increasing size can put a strain on your spine, leading to backache. As your baby grows bigger so does the size of your womb, and it may now be putting pressure on your other organs, causing digestive problems like indigestion and heartburn. It may also put pressure on your bladder* making you want to pee more often or causing cystitis. Your lungs are having to work harder, and this can make you breathless.

Some women find that they start having very vivid dreams - often about the baby - around this time. Some women find these dreams very disturbing, but remember that nightmares are usually caused by indigestion rather than premonitions! This said, dreams in pregnancy may be one of the ways in which your mind is coming to terms with the enormous changes that pregnancy brings. They may also reflect (and probably wildly exaggerate!) unspoken worries. It may help to acknowledge these and have a good talk with your partner, a friend or your midwife.

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Your baby is now about 30cm long. His eyes will open around week 26, and he can begin to distinguish between light and dark. His skin, which up to now has been thin and transparent, is starting to thicken up. His eyebrows and eyelashes are well developed and, by the end of this stage, his face looks pretty much as it will look when he is born. Your baby is still practising breathing and swallowing. Sometimes he may get hiccups, which you can feel as little jerks.

Many antenatal classes* are designed to start when women are around 27-28 weeks pregnant. If you're going to classes, use what you learn to discuss your wishes for your labour with your birth partner and to start preparing your birth plan. Classes can also provide a good opportunity for talking over any worries you have with other pregnant women - and for making new friends.

Start planning what you need to get for the baby. Shopping may be less fun in a few weeks' time when you're more heavily pregnant and tire more easily. If your budget is tight, borrow from friends or family and/or find out where you can buy secondhand baby equipment and clothes.

In the UK, you will have another antenatal appointment around week 28. If you haven't already been given your MAT B1 certificate, you should get it now and pass it on to your employer.

You may have another blood test to check for anaemia. If your blood is Rhesus negative, it will also be checked to see if you've developed Rhesus antibodies.

All pregnancies are different, so don't worry if you're not experiencing everything exactly as it says here.