What does a baby look like at 24 weeks in the womb
Baby and You at 24 Weeks Pregnant
Key Takeaways at 24 Weeks Pregnant
- You’ve probably gained about 15 pounds or so at this point; remember, you're building a human being, and you have a heavy placenta and extra blood volume—so every pound is important! If you’ve gained a lot more (or less) than that, talk to your doctor.
- Next test on the docket: The glucose screening. You’ll drink a very sweet drink and have your blood sugar measured one hour later. If you fail, you’ll need to move on to the three-hour test.
- That bump is really showing (and you’re probably loving your maternity leggings!). Your fundal height at this point is probably between 21 and 25 cm (from the top of your uterus to your pubic-bone area)—give or take.
Consider this a preview of motherhood: Baby is doing just fine—and you’re, well, kind of a mess. Your week 24 baby is working on being ready to survive (and thrive!) in the outside world. You, on the other hand, are probably experiencing some of the late-pregnancy discomforts at 24 weeks pregnant—leg cramps, backaches and swollen feet. Hang in there, mama-to-be!
Baby at Week 24
Wondering what it’d be like to get a look at baby at 24 weeks in the womb? Your 24-week-old fetus is growing fast, and though their wrinkly skin is still a bit see-through, they’re quickly putting on that adorable baby fat, looking cuter and cuter each day. Their eyelashes, eyebrows and head of hair are still filling out, but the hair has yet to develop any pigment. Baby’s startle reflex has developed now too, so you might find that loud noises make baby jump!
How big is baby at 24 weeks?
Wondering about the size of baby at 24 weeks? Baby is now the size of a cantaloupe. Your 11.8-inch 24-week-old fetus now weighs about 1.3 pounds.
24 weeks pregnant is how many months?
Now that you’re 24 weeks pregnant, you’re six months pregnant. That said, remember that doctors track pregnancy in weeks. Once you look at 24 weeks in months, it’s no wonder you’re tired. Those six months pregnant symptoms are no joke!
24 week ultrasound
Inside your 24 weeks pregnant belly, baby is making progress.
It isn’t just about anatomical stuff; it’s about looks, too. Your 24-week fetus’s see-through skin is gradually becoming more opaque, and it’s taking on a fresh, pink glow, thanks to the small capillaries that have recently formed.
Drink up! Around 24 weeks pregnant, your doctor will order a Glucose Challenge Screening Test—one of the more memorable prenatal tests—to see if you’re at risk for gestational diabetes. The test is designed to see how your body processes sugar, so you’ll be asked to drink a sweet liquid called Glucola (which reminds us of Gatorade) and then hang out for an hour. Once the hour is up, you’ll have your blood drawn and then it will be tested to see how your body has processed the sugar.
If your doctor finds abnormal results, you may have to have a follow-up test called the glucose tolerance test. Hunker down in the waiting room for this one! It will measure how your body processes sugar over a three-hour period to see if you really do have gestational diabetes.
If you do, it’s not the end of the world. Your doctor will counsel you on how to keep your condition in check so the rest of your pregnancy stays healthy. And you and baby might get extra monitoring—meaning, extra ultrasounds. Look on the bright side: At least you’ll get to peek at baby more often!
Are babies fully developed at 24 weeks?
Not quite yet. While baby looks like a newborn already, a 24-week fetus still has a good amount of fat to gain, and their little lungs aren’t fully developed yet. Baby is growing taste buds and has fingerprints and footprints already (!), but their brain is still developing and growing. Baby is getting closer and closer to being ready to meet you, but they still have some important work to do in that 24 week baby bump of yours.
3D Views: My Baby, My Body
See their progress for yourself with our 3D interactive tool.
See My Baby in 3D
See My Body in 3D
Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 24
Your (pretty annoying) 24 week pregnant symptoms probably sound a little bit like this:
Swollen ankles and feet
If your tootsies are puffy, elevate them while you're sitting.
Getting up and walking often can help, too. A little bit of swelling is totally to be expected, but swelling in your face, severe swelling in your hands or uneven (in one leg and not the other) or sudden swelling aren’t run-of-the-mill. In fact, those are signs of preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication, so tell your OB if you’re experiencing any swelling that seems out of the ordinary.
Leg cramps
Tight, achy or “jumpy” legs can be a sign of dehydration, so check that you’re drinking plenty of water. Stretch your legs often and take lots of walks. Let your doctor know you’re getting leg cramps; they’re probably not an issue, but occasionally cramps can be a sign of another problem, such as a nutritional deficiency, so it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Backaches
Yep, you’re still experiencing back pain—and it might even be getting worse. That’s because as baby gets larger, so does your uterus (of course), and your uterus presses against your spine, making it more curved and strained.
Plus, your back muscles have to work harder to carry the extra weight. Tell your doctor about any severe pain (aka sciatica).
Linea nigra
That's the dark line that runs up the center of your belly. Influenced by pregnancy hormones, the linea nigra should fade within a few weeks to months after giving birth.
Stretch marks
These “tiger stripes” may continue to appear as your skin stretches even more. If you’re 24 weeks pregnant with twins, you’re probably more likely to get them. SPE
Your Pregnant Belly at 24 Weeks
At 24 weeks pregnant, you’ve probably been feeling baby kicking for at least a few weeks, but now they’re getting stronger and stronger. In fact, your partner or others who touch your belly might start to feel those kicks through your 24 week baby bump soon too.
Recommended 24 weeks pregnant weight gain is about 14 to 16 pounds for moms-to-be of normal BMI. If you’ve gained a bit more than that, don’t worry—it’s drastic or sudden weight gain that’s cause for concern—but for the healthiest pregnancy possible, you’ll want to find ways to keep your weight gain under control.
Did you know 24 is a magic number for twin moms? It’s recommended that women who are 24 weeks pregnant with twins have gained 24 pounds by now. In fact, if you have, you’ve actually reduced your risk of preterm labor.
What position is baby in at 24 weeks?
Usually, at 24 weeks pregnant, baby is positioned upright, with their little behind down by your cervix. They may also be transverse, or positioned sideways, which can be a bit less comfortable. You can often tell which position baby is in based on where the kicks and punches are coming from.
“Around this time or a little after, you may start to actually feel pregnant. Yes, you’ll feel your baby move, which is exhilarating. However, you may also notice swelling start to occur, difficulty sleeping, heartburn, round ligament pain and some discomforts of pregnancy. It’s part of it, but ask your ob-gyn for some tips to make your life better!” - Christine Greves, MD, an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando, Florida.
Tips for 24 Weeks Pregnant
Here are some good-for-you actions to take this week.
Get your squeezes in
Exercise is important before having a baby, and that includes working your pelvic floor. Kegel exercises get your vaginal muscles and perineal muscles ready to deliver that baby and can reduce the likelihood of tearing. So squeeze, mama!
Follow doctor’s orders
If your glucose test shows that you have gestational diabetes, try not to fret and just follow your doctor’s instructions regarding diet, exercise and other methods of managing it.
Look out for relaxin
You might be amused by your newfound flexibility with all that relaxin in your system, but be careful not to overstretch your loose joints and ligaments. Just take it easy when you’re stretching so you don’t hurt yourself accidentally.
Eat thoughtfully
Now that you (hopefully!) don’t feel nauseous anymore, you might be more hungry.
Just be thoughtful about what you’re eating and when, so you don’t make heartburn worse. Eat small meals more often to keep indigestion at bay.
ADVERTISEMENT
Pregnancy Checklist at 24 Weeks Pregnant
Reminders for the week:
Symptoms and Baby Development| Pampers
24 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development
When you’re 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing and getting stronger! You may feel your little one’s movements more than you did before, with pokes and kicks becoming increasingly frequent.
You may notice periods when your baby’s movement levels seem to increase, such as before bedtime. Likewise, you might also notice other times when these movements seem less frequent, which could occur when your baby is resting or sleeping.
Your healthcare provider can offer advice on whether you should be monitoring your baby’s movements. If your provider gives you the go-ahead, this downloadable fetal movement tracker can help you keep a record.
Another important milestone at around 24 weeks pregnant is that your baby’s inner ear is fully developed. This organ controls the sense of balance and helps your baby feel if they’re right side up or down in the womb.
And although your baby’s lungs are formed by this week, the lungs will be ready to function normally in the outside world only after they start producing surfactant. This substance helps keep the lungs’ air sacs inflated, and your baby will start producing it at around 26 weeks.
If you’re 24 weeks pregnant with twins, learn more about the development of your multiples in our twin pregnancy week-by-week guide.
The Size of the Fetus at 24 Weeks Pregnant
Now that you’re 24 weeks pregnant, your fetus is about the size of a full ear of corn. Your little one weighs slightly over 1 pound and is almost 8 inches long from crown to rump.
Take a peek at how your baby may look at 24 weeks with the visual below.
How Many Months Is 24 Weeks Pregnant?
At 24 weeks pregnant, you’re just a few weeks away from the end of the second trimester, which runs from 14 to 27 weeks. This puts you approximately at the end of six months pregnant. Keep in mind, there are various ways to group the weeks of pregnancy into months, and knowing which week you’re in is the most helpful to you and your healthcare provider.
Your Body at 24 Weeks Pregnant
By the time you reach 24 weeks pregnant, you may have gained about 10 to 15 pounds, and your baby bump is still growing day by day.
As your belly expands, you might want to wear a maternity belt or belly band to keep your abdomen well supported, especially when exercising while pregnant.
Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise will help you feel better both physically and emotionally during pregnancy. Plus, staying fit during pregnancy will make it easier to lose the weight you’ve gained later on, after your baby is born.
24 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms
At 24 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:
Skin changes. Throughout your pregnancy, your skin may change or become irritated. At 24 weeks pregnant, you might notice the following skin changes:
Pigment changes. You might start noticing darker patches of skin on your body and face due to hormonal changes. This happens because the pigment-bearing cells called melanin are stimulated. The brown patches on your face are called chloasma, and the dark line down your abdomen is called the linea nigra. After your baby is born, these pigmented areas usually fade with time. Experts say that avoiding heavy sun exposure and using sunscreen can help reduce chloasma.
Stretch marks. As your body grows, you might also notice streaks where the skin stretches. Stretch marks during pregnancy are most likely to occur on areas like your belly, buttocks, and breasts.
You can’t prevent stretch marks, but they can fade over time after the birth of your baby. Itchy skin. You might also experience itchiness as your skin stretches; applying moisturizer might help reduce the itchy feeling.
Round ligament pain. You might be experiencing pain on one or both sides of your abdomen or hip area. This could be round ligament pain, which is quite common during pregnancy. It happens because the ligaments holding your uterus in place become strained and stretched. Gently stretching and changing positions may help reduce the pain. If the pain ever gets too intense—or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or bleeding—contact your healthcare provider for a checkup.
Trouble sleeping. The size of your belly at 24 weeks pregnant might make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. Some well-placed pregnancy pillows can help! Try sleeping on your side with your knees bent and with one pillow between your legs and another one under your belly for support.
Read more in our trimester by trimester guide to sleep.Loss of balance and dizziness. Your growing belly affects how your weight is distributed, making it a little easier to feel off balance. On top of this, changes in circulation can make you feel dizzy or light-headed. It may help to move slowly (particularly when you get up or change positions), drink lots of water, and stay cool. If you do feel dizzy, lie down on your side. If you’re concerned, ask your healthcare provider for advice.
Leg cramps. Have you been experiencing painful calf or foot muscle contractions lately? It’s not unusual to feel this kind of cramping at 24 weeks pregnant. In fact, you might encounter this symptom from time to time right up until the day your baby is born. Although experts don’t know the exact cause of leg cramps during pregnancy, they do agree on what to do about them:
Stretch your calf muscles before you go to sleep at night
Stay physically fit through regular exercise
Drink plenty of water to help reduce cramping.
Download our guide to prenatal stretches for more on keeping your muscles supple during pregnancy.
24 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider
As you reach 24 weeks pregnant, you may start to wonder what’s around the corner, if there’s anything particular you should know about this stage of pregnancy, or how to prepare for your baby’s arrival. Below you’ll find a few things to consider.
Sex while pregnant. As your belly grows, you and your partner may be wondering whether sex is still safe. If your pregnancy is progressing normally, having sex is probably safe, but if your pregnancy has complications, your healthcare provider may recommend you abstain. Because everyone’s situation is unique, your provider is the best person to ask about your specific situation. Read up on sex during pregnancy for more information, and discuss your feelings with your partner, too. Keep in mind that during pregnancy, the sex drive of both you and your partner may vary.
Glucose screening. A glucose screening test is usually done some time between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant. The test will help your healthcare provider assess your risk of gestational diabetes. Your provider will advise you if you need this test; to learn more, see our article on glucose screening and testing.
Driving or riding in a car. As your belly gets larger, you'll need to make adjustments to your daily routine, such as how you can fasten your seatbelt to safely protect you and your baby. The lap strap of the seatbelt should go under your belly and rest snugly against your hip bones. Put the shoulder strap across the center of your chest rather than under your arm. Never cross any part of the seatbelt over your belly.
Hydration. Staying hydrated is important. As a mom-to-be, you need plenty of water to stay healthy and support your growing baby. Experts recommend drinking 8 to 12 cups of fluid a day when you’re pregnant.
If you tend to forget to drink during your busy day, you couldset a phone reminder every few hours, prompting you to drink water
download a hydration app that tracks your intake and reminds you to drink
set out full bottles of water at the start of each day and try to drink them all.
Birth preferences. At 24 weeks pregnant, you’ve passed the halfway mark, so it might be a good idea to start discussing your preferences for childbirth with your healthcare provider and birth partner. Your birth partner could be your partner or another trusted friend or loved one. The more your provider and birth partner know about your personal preferences and the kind of birth you’d like to have, the better they can support you when the time comes. Your birth partner can support you by helping with certain comfort measures like massages and lots of encouragement and emotional support. There’s still lots of time to have these discussions and to write a birth plan, if you’d like to, but now is a good time to start having these conversations.
Babyproofing. Although your baby’s arrival is still a few months away, and your baby being able to crawl and walk could be almost a year away, the second trimester is still a great time to start baby proofing. This is because you may still have a bit of energy, and once your baby has arrived, you’ll have lots of other things on your plate. Remember, while you can get some things out of the way now (like securing electric cables and adding child proof locks to low cupboards) baby proofing is an ongoing task and you’ll need to revisit it before your little one can crawl.
Your subconscious. At 24 weeks pregnant, you may be experiencing some strange things that you can’t quite place. Perhaps you’re having crazy dreams, or maybe you’re struggling to stay focused when normally you’re on top of things. Read our articles on vivid pregnancy dreams and “pregnancy brain” to separate fact from fiction and find out why this may be happening.
24 Weeks Pregnant: Ask Your Healthcare Provider
At this point in your pregnancy, you may want to ask your healthcare provider a few questions.
Remember, you are on this journey together, and your provider is there to support you. Consider the following questions, but feel free to ask more:
Are there any pregnancy screenings or tests that you need to schedule during the rest of this trimester?
Is it necessary to drink filtered tap water?
Are there any foods to prioritize at 24 weeks pregnant? Any foods you need to avoid?
Are there any vaccinations needed during pregnancy? When is the best time to have them?
What help is available if you’re feeling down while pregnant?
24 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
Here’s a handy checklist for when you’re 24 weeks pregnant:
Take our quiz to discover your perfect nursery style!
21-24 weeks of pregnancy
21st week of pregnancy
Development of the baby
At 21 weeks the baby is about 25 cm tall and the fetus weighs 300-400 g.
lack of subcutaneous fat, the body is still very thin, and the head seems unnaturally large. At this time, the formation of eyelashes and eyebrows takes place, the baby learns to blink, and his skin gradually acquires a flesh color, thickens, constrictions appear on it.
At the 21st week, the muscles and skeleton of the fetus are actively developing. The child constantly moves, carefully bends and unbends the limbs, due to its small size it can do somersaults, turns, change the position of its body several times a day, lie transversely in the uterus, turn up or down with its head.
At this stage, the baby hears well, not only distinguishes sharp sounds, but reacts to music, so the expectant mother can listen to classics or favorite songs, contribute to the development of the child. The development of the digestive system continues, taste buds are formed. The fetus is able to distinguish the taste of amniotic fluid.
Pregnant woman
Pregnant woman at 21 weeks feels normal.
The expectant mother clearly feels the movements of the fetus; very often, the periods of sleep and activity of the child and the woman do not coincide, so pregnant women do not get enough sleep during this period, they wake up at night due to the intensive movements of the baby. Painful sensations at this time are quite rare, since the child does not have sufficient physical strength, and his movements do not differ in intensity.
A pregnant woman may put on weight as the baby grows, its muscle and fat mass increases. Expectant mothers eat with pleasure. Their appetite increases significantly, morning sickness and general malaise disappear.
At this time, the baby's skeleton is formed, for the development of which calcium is needed. Pregnant women should monitor their health, take calcium supplements as prescribed by a doctor, since if it is lacking, problems with teeth are possible. Calcium is washed out of the tissues, the teeth begin to hurt and crumble. It is important not only to consume vitamins, but also to carefully balance the diet, add calcium-rich cottage cheese, sour cream and other dairy products to the daily menu.
The consumption of fish, cereals and legumes, vegetables will help to fill the calcium deficiency.
22nd week of pregnancy
Development of the child
The body length of the fetus reaches 28-30 cm and its weight is approximately 500 g. The child more and more resembles a newborn, his head no longer looks so big, the length of the limbs increases. The kid no longer keeps his legs constantly bent, he periodically straightens them. Intensively increases the volume and mass of the child's brain.
The baby is in constant motion, he can move his fingers and toes, move his head to the right and left. The child knows how to suck his thumb, he tilts his head forward and accurately puts his finger in his mouth. Such actions indicate an increase in sensitivity and development of the vestibular apparatus, improved coordination; the child already feels the position of his own body in space.
The baby's brain at this time contains a complete set of neurons, the number of which does not change throughout a person's life.
With age, only the re-formation of connections between cells and the improvement of the work of the human brain takes place.
Pregnant woman
At 22 weeks, the uterus of a pregnant woman is located 2 cm above the navel. The abdomen is not yet very large, but the internal organs are already beginning to shrink due to the accelerated growth of the uterus. A woman may experience some discomfort, pain between the lower ribs. In order not to suffer from pain, you must constantly monitor your posture, choose a comfortable chair with a solid back for work. Special exercises, periodic changes in body position, turns and inclinations will help to solve the problem. It is necessary to avoid sedentary work, take short breaks and fully relax.
The bottom of the uterus can press on the stomach, so a common problem at this time is a feeling of heaviness after eating and heartburn. The position of the stomach in pregnant women changes to a more horizontal one, the muscle relaxes, which closes the transition from the esophagus to the stomach, as a result of which the contents of the stomach fall back into the esophagus, irritate it, the woman feels a burning sensation and an unpleasant aftertaste.
The reason for such changes is not only the pressure of the uterus on the stomach, but also a change in the hormonal background of a woman, an increase in the content of progesterone in the body. To get rid of heartburn, you need to chew food thoroughly, eat often, but in small portions. Do not eat before going to bed, as the food will not have time to be digested. If the symptoms worsen, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications and help the expectant mother balance her diet.
23rd week of pregnancy
Child development
The 23rd week is an intensive formation of the respiratory system. The fetus begins to gradually make respiratory movements. If earlier the respiratory movements were periodic, now their duration can reach up to 40 minutes. In a minute, the child takes up to 50-60 breaths. The development of the respiratory system does not stop at this time, a kind of breathing exercises continue until childbirth, the baby improves skills and prepares to breathe air.
When breathing in the womb, the baby swallows a small amount of amniotic fluid and then pushes it out. In this case, the epithelium is washed. When amniotic fluid is swallowed, part of it is absorbed by the blood vessels, and the original feces, that is, meconium, are formed from the remnants.
If the baby is very active and swallows water very intensively, diaphragm irritation and contractions, also called "fetal hiccups", may occur. These rhythmic movements are not abnormal; such hiccups pass in a few minutes, does not pose a threat to the expectant mother and child. If the contractions do not stop within a few hours, you should go to the hospital, as a more serious problem, including hypoxia, can be the cause of hiccups.
The 23rd week is an important stage in the intrauterine development of a person. It is at this time that the formation and improvement of the main components of the circulatory and immune systems, including the liver, lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow, continue.
At this time, the thymus gland (or thymus) develops, which plays an important role in the functioning of the human endocrine system. It is in the thymus that lymphocytes mature. After a kind of "training" in the thymus, the cells enter the bloodstream and can resist infection, neutralize foreign cells in the body.
During pregnancy, the fetal immune system goes through several stages of formation and cannot provide full protection against diseases. The baby is protected by maternal antibodies, while its own immune system learns to recognize potential threats, remember bacteria and viruses, and defend itself against their harmful effects.
Pregnant woman
At 23 weeks' gestation, the uterus rises even higher and is located at a height of 4 cm from the woman's navel. The volume of the uterus increases significantly not only due to the growth of the child, but also due to an increase in the mass and volume of amniotic fluid and the placenta. At this time, the weight gain of a pregnant woman of 5-7 kg is optimal.
The expectant mother should carefully monitor the daily diet, do not overeat, since excessive weight gain can pose a threat not only to her health, but also to the baby.
Intensive growth of the uterus causes a shift in the center of gravity. A woman becomes awkward, may feel discomfort in the joints and pain in the spine while walking or sitting for a long time. At this time, the doctor may recommend that a pregnant woman wear special supportive underwear made from natural materials or a bandage.
24th week of pregnancy
Child development
At 24 weeks of gestation, the baby continues to grow rapidly, it weighs already 600 g, and its height is approximately 33 cm. The fetus occupies the entire uterine cavity, so its movements become less impulsive, but more distinct; sharp movements are replaced by smaller ones. The baby can still radically change the position of his body, but prefers to sort out the umbilical cord, play with it, bend and unbend the arms and legs.
The amount of muscle mass, namely the muscle fibers of the child, increases sharply. At this time, this indicator reaches its maximum. At later stages of pregnancy, the muscle mass of the fetus increases due to an increase in the volume of each muscle fiber.
This week the child's senses are being improved. He knows how to distinguish tastes, hears perfectly and orients himself in space, the baby's skin has a high sensitivity. The fetal brain continues to develop, connections with the senses are formed, so the child's behavior is characterized by a high degree of complexity. Studies have shown that the child reacts to external stimuli: if a bright light hits his mother's stomach, he turns his head away, closes his eyes or covers his face with his hands. A woman should be calm and peaceful, because her fear, excitement is transmitted to the child, he begins to move intensively or freezes abruptly. The baby may react to harsh sounds, noise, or other stimuli.
Pregnant woman
The weight of the pregnant woman continues to increase, the increase this week is about 500 g.
The belly grows, the uterus not only increases in size, but also stretches. A woman may notice pain in the abdomen, but they do not differ in intensity and do not last long.
Rapid weight gain can cause edema. The growing uterus compresses large veins, which, in turn, significantly complicates the outflow of lymph; a woman's ankles and feet, hands swell, in the evening the problem worsens. A pregnant woman should fully rest, lie more, while raising her legs with a roller or placing an additional pillow in order to improve the outflow of venous blood and eliminate the risk of varicose veins. It is important to purchase comfortable shoes, abandon the "boats" on the stiletto heels and provide the feet with the necessary comfort. Wearing compression tights and stockings will help to significantly reduce the risk of developing varicose veins and the appearance of edema. When choosing the degree of compression and models, it is necessary to take into account the opinion of a phlebologist or gynecologist.
24 weeks of pregnancy - what is happening, the development of the fetus, sensations, what the belly looks like
one 2 3 four 5 6 7 eight 9ten eleven 12 13
1 trimester
fourteen fifteen 16 17 eighteen 19twenty 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
2 trimester
29 thirty 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 3940 41 42
3rd trimester
WHAT'S HAPPENING
By the end of the 23rd - 24th week of pregnancy, the baby's body is rapidly approaching perfection.
His face has acquired characteristic features and looks the way you will see him after childbirth. All organs and systems of the child are actively functioning. The bronchi are fully formed, and the lungs are covered with a film of surfactant (a mixture of surfactants) that will prevent them from drying out. By the 24th week of pregnancy, the sweat and sebaceous glands begin to work in the fetus.
YOUR WELL FEELING
You've put on even more weight and it's getting harder to breathe. At the 24th week of pregnancy, constipation, heartburn, night cramps in the lower extremities, and swelling may still bother you. Because of the large belly, it is difficult for you to move around, it is inconvenient to sleep and lace up your shoes yourself. You may also notice that you get tired quickly. Try to rest during the day, because further this feeling will only intensify.
At 23 to 24 weeks pregnant, many women experience Braxton Hicks training contractions. This is not dangerous at all: with the help of minor muscle contractions, the uterus prepares for the upcoming birth.
When you feel contractions, lie down for half an hour and rest. If, after this, muscle contractions continue, moreover, with a certain frequency and the addition of other symptoms, this may be a premature birth. 24 weeks of pregnancy is the period when the baby is not yet ready to be born, so if you experience pain in the back and abdomen, spotting, strong pressure in the pelvis, you should call an ambulance!
Changes in your body can cause various pains. So, for example, at 24 weeks of pregnancy, pain in the back and lower back appears due to a shift in the center of gravity. One of the stages of preparation for childbirth is the “divergence” of the pelvic bones, so you may also feel discomfort in the sacrum.
Many expectant mothers by the 23rd - 24th week of pregnancy face all the troubles associated with hemorrhoids. At the first signs of illness, review your daily diet and include high-fiber foods and foods that have a laxative effect on the menu. Also try not to overcool and rest more often.
In addition, rectal suppositories can be purchased at the pharmacy, but only after consulting a doctor.
RISK FACTORS
One of the dangers of the 24th week of pregnancy is diabetes, so it is very important for the expectant mother to know her blood sugar level. If it has increased slightly, this is considered normal, but its strong increase is a sign of gestational diabetes, which increases the risk of difficult childbirth, provokes overweight in the fetus and can cause a decrease in blood pressure in the newborn.
Premature birth is possible at 24 weeks of gestation. Their onset is accompanied by paroxysmal pains in the abdomen and pelvis, as well as tension and "petrification" of the uterus. At the same time, amniotic fluid may be discharged, sometimes brown mucous discharge or mixed with blood appears.
Another risk at the 23rd - 24th week of pregnancy is swelling, which can be one of the symptoms of preeclampsia. Outwardly, they are not immediately visible, so you need to carefully monitor your weight, try not to overeat, take vitamins recommended by your doctor, keep drinking and exercise.
MEDICAL SUPERVISION
Ultrasound examination at the 24th week of pregnancy is rarely done. It is prescribed only according to indications or if a screening ultrasound was missed. During the examination, the doctor determines the position of the fetus in the uterus, evaluates the correct development of the child's organs, the baby's motor activity and heartbeat, the condition and location of the placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid.
In addition, at 24 weeks of pregnancy, general tests may be prescribed. Typically, such studies are carried out with violations of the health of the expectant mother in order to check the number of red blood cells and white blood cells, sugar levels and the presence of protein in the urine.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE 24TH WEEKS OF PREGNANCY
At the 23rd - 24th week of pregnancy, you need to carefully monitor your health, not only from a medical, but also from a psychological point of view. Try not to get nervous over trifles, because adrenaline attacks can harm the baby.
Now it is very important to keep active: if your health allows, walk more often, go in for swimming, yoga for pregnant women. At 24 weeks of pregnancy, sports for expectant mothers are allowed and even recommended! Systematic fitness classes normalize all the systems of your body, prepare it for the upcoming stresses in childbirth and ensure the successful development of the child. An excellent option is exercises with a fitball (aerobics with a large gymnastic ball): they will help unload the joints and spine, improve blood circulation in the placenta and normalize intestinal motility.
After 23-24 weeks of pregnancy, women often have trouble sleeping. To have a good rest, be sure to ventilate the bedroom at night. A special pillow for pregnant women will help you get comfortable in bed. A good remedy for night cramps in the legs is a massage with grape seed oil or wheat germ, and chamomile or mint tea with lemon will relieve heartburn.
Pregnancy and childbirthSixth month of pregnancy: changes in the female body and fetal development by week
Pregnancy and childbirthEating Right During Pregnancy
How to create a healthy diet for a pregnant woman, what vitamins should be present in the diet, how much liquid should be drunk, what drinks to prefer and what to avoid, what foods are considered harmful for pregnant women and how to keep weight under control while staying in a good mood.
