24 Weeks Pregnant
As the 24th week of pregnancy comes and goes, as does the second trimester, it’s important you stay on top of your regular ante natal testing. Undergo a glucose test to check for gestational diabetes which tends to occur during this time, and also tends to be temporary. Almost 2-5% of expectant moms develop this type of diabetes, and so the screening is done between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy to ensure everything is going well for both you and your baby.
Your Baby’s Development
Your baby is almost a foot long and is about the same size as an ear of corn at 1 ½ lbs (approximately 4 ounces more than last week). The brain continues to develop, as do the taste buds and lungs. The lungs begin to develop branches and cells that produce surfactant (chemical agent), which is needed to inflate their little air sacs once your baby is outside of the womb. If a baby is born premature at this stage, or in weeks to come, the lack of surfactant produced during pregnancy is why most have trouble breathing. With their eyes still shut, they use their hands and feet to maneuver and increase their sense of touch. The hair on the scalp is still growing at an even pace, and your baby is continuing to inhale amniotic fluid into its lungs as practice for after child birth.
Changes in Your Body
Some women begin to experience what is known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These are signs of a false labor and are due to the tightening of the uterus or abdomen that happens from time to time. You are probably showing quite more, as your uterus has risen to about 2 inches above your belly button. As your skin on and around your abdomen and breasts continues to stretch and pull, you might notice they also become dry and itchy. Speaking of dry, some women at this stage experience dry eyes, however this can be relieved with over-the-counter artificial tears or drops. Always consult with your doctor first, but these drops shouldn’t be a problem. As your uterus grows bigger, so do your ligaments, and some women have a hard time dealing with the round ligament pain that is involved with this process. Head cold symptoms and nasal congestion are very common among mom2be’s at this point. It’s due to the swelling of the mucous membranes as blood tends to flow to these areas, and can be relieved with saline drops if recommended by your doctor.
Week 24 Tips
If you haven’t already, it might be time to find one or two prenatal classes such as Lamaze or yoga. Try asking your healthcare provider or midwife about classes that are held within your hospital.
