Learn what’s happening in week 24 of pregnancy and find out how your baby is developing.
In the past few weeks, your uterus has probably risen above your belly button. Your baby is as big as an ear of corn and his/her facial features are filling out.
In week 24, you’ll likely be offered a glucose screening test also known as the glucose challenge test (GCT). This test checks for gestational diabetes, which is a pregnancy-related high-blood-sugar condition.
What Happens in Your Body in Pregnancy Week 24?
At 24 weeks, you’re really starting to feel the weight gain. Your uterus stretches and the baby gets bigger, so the ligaments in your uterus must stretch too, which may cause pain in your lower abdomen.
Constipation is one of the most annoying pregnancy symptoms at 24 weeks and this symptom is a result of slow digestion. Drink lots of water and freshly squeezed fruit juices. Also, be sure to get plenty of fiber in your diet.
You may also be experiencing some symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The typical symptoms are tingling and numbness in the fingers and wrists, but they will disappear when your baby is born. Avoid sleeping on your hands and prop your arms up on a pillow at night.
Changes in Your Body at 24 Weeks Pregnant
Pregnancy comes with a lot of unpleasant symptoms and physical changes. Red, itchy palms are one of the relatively normal symptoms of pregnancy at 24 weeks, but be sure to mention it to your healthcare provider. This could also indicate a rare pregnancy complication known as cholestasis.
This week you may experience some strange symptoms of pregnancy including increased saliva, vision changes, and bigger feet. However, all of these symptoms will disappear after your baby is born. Veins in your breasts will become more visible due to pregnancy hormones.
Your Baby at 24 Week of Pregnancy
Your developing baby is eight and a half inches long and weighs one and a half pounds. Much of your baby’s weight comes from growing bones, organs, muscles and baby fat.
Your baby’s tiny face is almost fully formed with eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair. However, they don’t have any pigment yet, so you can’t find out whether your baby is going to be a blonde or a brunette.
The skin is still transparent and very thin and you can see all the organs, bones and blood vessels. The body is filling out proportionally, so he/she will soon start to plump out.
In preparation for breathing air, your baby’s lungs begin producing surfactant, a complex substance that expands the lungs during inspiration and allows gas exchange to take place. This substance helps to breathe to be relatively effortless.
Pregnancy Week 24 Tips
If you’re still feeling good and energetic, this is the right time for some moderate exercise. Prenatal exercise is extremely beneficial for you and can ease many of your pregnancy symptoms such as backache and swelling.
Regular exercise also strengthens your muscles for the delivery day. Continue to eat healthy meals and avoid sugars and unhealthy fats.
This week you can also start shopping for baby furniture and nursery accessories.
