Week 24 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 24

• At this stage, you've most likely gained about 6 kg. Keep in mind that you're developing a human person, so every bit counts since you have a thick placenta and increased blood volume! See your doctor if you've gained much more (or less) than that
• The docket's subsequent exam is the test for glucose. This involves checking a fasting blood sugar level (FBS), followed by blood sugar measurements at 1 hour and 2 hours after consuming a sugary drink.
• That bump is very noticeable, and your pregnancy pants are definitely your new best friend. At this stage, your fundal height, measured from the top of your uterus to the region around your pubic bone, is most likely between 22 and 26 cm, give or take

• There may also be skin tags, itchy hands, excessive saliva, and changes in eyesight. Call your healthcare provider if you have any concerns to find out whether you need to make an appointment. If not, jot down those questions and bring them to your subsequent visit

• If you are in Week 24 of your pregnancy you are in the second trimester and in the sixth month

• 16 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy

Baby's Movement and Baby’s Development at Week 24

Your foetus is developing rapidly; even though their wrinkled skin is still somewhat translucent, they are gaining baby fat and becoming cuter by the day. Their hair has not yet developed any colour, but their eyebrows, eyelashes, and head of hair are still growing. Because of their developing startle reaction, babies may now leap at loud sounds.

The baby is growing within your tummy at 24 weeks. They are growing both anatomically and physically. The transparent skin of your foetus is progressively becoming more opaque and gaining a vibrant pink hue, owing to the newly developed tiny capillaries.

At this stage, they usually have an upright posture with their bottom close to your cervix. However, they have plenty of space to move, so it's possible that they will be shifting positions often. They could even be lying transversely, which is when they are lying across your uterus horizontally. You can tell where your unborn child is hanging out in the womb by feeling their small kicks.

• Baby Weight: Around 590 grammes
• Baby Length: 12-13 inches long
• Baby Size: Comparable to lettuce.

Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes This Week

During week 24 of pregnancy, your body is constantly changing. As your baby develops, so will you, and you may feel specific pregnancy symptoms throughout this period.

• You may develop pregnancy-related constipation. There are various home cures that might be useful. If you haven't already, consider adding a prenatal omega-3 supplement to your diet. Aim for a fibre-rich diet and get some exercise
• You may experience some breast colostrum production. Colostrum includes antibodies, proteins, salt, and other nutrients that help protect your infant. Wearing a little padding will help you prevent stains on your bra and clothing
• Itchy skin and dry or itchy eyes may irritate you. If your eye problems continue, consider using eye drops and seeing your doctor. Limiting computer time and taking regular screen breaks might also help with dry eyes
• Leg cramps, induced by weight growth and circulatory alterations, are a common second and third-trimester pregnancy symptom. Safe pregnancy workouts and relaxing with your legs up may help
• Oedema, or natural swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, and hands, may be caused by increased blood production, excess fluids, and venous pressure. To assist in managing it, avoid standing for extended periods of time, wear comfortable shoes, drink plenty of water, and limit your salt consumption
• You may have round ligament pain, which is acute or jabbing pain or discomfort on both sides of the lower belly towards the lower back. To alleviate the pain, raise your feet and attempt to relax, minimise the intensity of your exercises, prevent rapid movements, and switch positions
• Back discomfort may be caused by your body's altered centre of gravity, hormones, and rising uterine pressure. Support cushions, exercise, and icing the affected region can help, but if the discomfort is severe, see your doctor

Body Changes This week

• You may have tingling or numbness in your fingers or wrists due to carpal tunnel syndrome
• Your fingers and toes may enlarge. Elevate your extremities and rub or massage your hands and feet upwards (in the direction of your heart/torso)
• You're still suffering back discomfort, and it might be getting worse. That's because as your baby grows, so does your uterus, and your uterus pulls on your spine, making it more twisted and strained. Furthermore, carrying the additional weight puts more strain on your back muscles
• Inform your doctor if you have significant pain (also known as sciatica).
• Pregnancy hormones should cause the linea nigra to disappear within a few weeks to months after giving birth
• Stretch marks may continue to form as your skin expands farther. If you are 24 pregnant with twins, you are probably more likely to have them

24-week Ultrasound

Baby is growing within your belly. Your foetus's see-through skin is progressively becoming more opaque, with a fresh, pink glow due to newly developed tiny capillaries.

Drink up! At around 24 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor will schedule a Glucose Tolerance Test, one of the most memorable prenatal tests, to determine if you have gestational diabetes. The test is meant to assess how your body handles sugar, so you'll be asked to drink 75 grams of glucose with water and then wait . Blood sugar must be monitored at the 1-hour and 2-hour intervals.

If your doctor discovers abnormal findings, you may need to undergo a follow-up test known as the glucose tolerance test. Hunker down in the waiting area for this one! It will test how your body handles sugar over a three-hour period to determine if you have gestational diabetes. If you do, it does not mean the end of the world. Your doctor will advise you on how to keep your condition under control so that the remainder of your pregnancy is healthy. You and your baby may also get further monitoring, such as ultrasounds. Look on the bright side: you'll get to see the baby more regularly!

Your Baby Bump at Week 24

At 24 weeks pregnant, you've probably been feeling baby kicks for a few weeks, but they're becoming stronger. In fact, your spouse or anyone who touches your tummy may begin to feel the movements through your bump shortly.

For pregnant women with a normal BMI, the recommended weight increase at 24 weeks is from 6.3 kg to 7.25 kg. If you've gained a little more than that, don't worry. It's extreme or rapid weight increase that causes concern, but for the healthiest pregnancy possible, you'll want to discover techniques to keep your weight gain in check.

It is suggested that women who are pregnant with twins gain at least 10.8 kg. In fact, if you have, you have lowered your chances of premature labour.

Tips and Exercise for Week 24

Being 24 weeks pregnant is a significant milestone for both you and your baby. Here's some additional professional advice on how to transition to this new stage while keeping you and your baby safe.

• Your doctor may urge you to keep track of your baby's movements. They'll have further details on how to achieve this
• You may want to consider buying or renting a belly band that provides lower back support. These may be very useful during exercise
• Keep water on hand, but if staying hydrated is difficult, try munching on fruits or vegetables that are mainly water. If you like fruit, have chopped watermelon, cantaloupe, and oranges on hand. To include some water-rich vegetables into your diet, keep celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, and broccoli in the fridge to satisfy your thirst and provide a nutritious snack. Talk about double duty!
• Exercise is essential before having a baby, and this includes strengthening your pelvic floor. Kegel exercises prepare your vaginal and perineal muscles to birth the baby and may lessen the probability of tears
• You may be delighted by your newfound flexibility after all that relaxing, but be cautious not to overstretch your loose joints and ligaments. Just take it slowly while stretching to avoid accidentally hurting yourself
• You may be more hungry now that you are no longer feeling nauseated. Just be mindful of what and when you consume to avoid exacerbating your heartburn. To avoid indigestion, eat smaller meals more regularly

Checklist for Week 24

• Review preterm labour signs and symptoms
• Continue with prenatal appointments and planning
• Discuss your birth plan with your doctor or a loved one
• If you haven't already, speak with your doctor for a glucose screening test
• Seek out a prenatal massage to relieve tension and aching muscles
• If you haven't previously, do a hospital tour, either in person or virtually

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are babies completely formed by 24 weeks?
   Not quite yet. While the infant appears like a newborn, a 24-week-old foetus still has a lot of fat to grow and their small lungs aren't entirely formed. Baby is developing taste buds and already has fingerprints and footprints (!), but their brain is still developing and expanding. Baby is coming closer to being ready to meet you, but there is still some crucial work to be done in that 24-week baby expansion.
2. What causes leg cramps during the 24th week of pregnancy?
   Leg cramps develop for a number of causes. For starters, you're carrying more weight when pregnant, which may put a strain on your nerves, blood vessels, and leg muscles. Another option is that your body is responding to changes in how it processes calcium or the accumulation of certain acids (such as lactic and pyruvic acid), which may cause muscles to tighten involuntarily, resulting in cramps. Dehydration is also a possible cause.