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Week 24 of Pregnancy

In Week 24 of pregnancy, your baby is growing stronger and more active! Expect visible growth, more movement, and excitement as you approach the second half of your journey.

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Week 24 Pregnancy Symptoms

As you near the third trimester, you may notice a few more pregnancy symptoms. Some of these may be uncomfortable, but they are all natural as your body supports your growing baby.
 

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  • Increased Baby Movements: By now, you’ll feel your baby moving more frequently, and the movements may become stronger.
  • Back Pain: The weight of your growing belly may cause strain on your back, leading to discomfort or pain.
  • Heartburn and Indigestion: As the uterus grows, it presses against your stomach, which can cause heartburn or indigestion.
  • Swollen Feet and Ankles: Pregnancy hormones and increased blood volume can cause fluid retention, leading to swollen feet and ankles.
  • Stretch Marks: The skin is stretching rapidly, especially around your belly, which can cause stretch marks.
  • Frequent Urination: Your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder, making frequent urination more common.
  • Fatigue: While energy levels may improve, you may still feel tired or have difficulty sleeping at times.
  • Varicose Veins: The increased blood volume and pressure on your veins can cause varicose veins to appear, particularly in your legs.
  • Bloating: Hormonal changes continue to affect your digestive system, leading to bloating or gas.

Tracking these symptoms can help you understand what to expect and when to reach out to your doctor. Always consult your doctor if you're concerned about any new or unusual symptoms.
 

Your Baby in Week 24

Your baby is growing rapidly at 24 weeks and is starting to show more distinct features. Their organs are maturing, and they are becoming more responsive to external stimuli.
 

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Baby’s Growth in the Womb

  • Organ Development: Your baby's lungs are continuing to develop, and their ability to breathe in-utero is improving. The lungs are now producing surfactant, which will help the lungs expand after birth.
  • Physical Features: Your baby's face is becoming more defined, and their skin is developing more pigment. Their eyes are fully formed and may now respond to light. Your baby’s sense of hearing is improving, and they can hear sounds from the outside world, including your voice and heartbeat.
  • Weight of the Foetus: At 24 weeks, your baby is about the size of an ear of corn, measuring around 30 cm long and weighing about 600 grams. They will continue to gain weight rapidly in the coming weeks.
  • Movement of the Baby: The baby’s movements are becoming more pronounced, and you may feel kicks, rolls, or sudden movements. This is an exciting milestone as your baby’s muscle development improves.
     

Here is what your baby looks like

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At 24 weeks, your little one is thriving and growing. Stay positive and cherish every moment—you're doing wonderfully, mama!

Dr. Veena H

Your Body in Week 24 of Pregnancy

As your pregnancy progresses, you may feel more pressure in your body due to the growing size of your uterus and baby. It's essential to take care of your body during this time.

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Physiological Changes During Week 24 of Pregnancy

  • Breasts: Your breasts are continuing to prepare for breastfeeding. You may notice more pronounced veins and some women may start leaking colostrum, a nutrient-rich fluid.
  • Skin, Hair, and Nails: Hormonal changes may lead to thicker or shinier hair, but some women also experience skin changes such as acne or the appearance of dark spots (melasma).
  • Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems: As your growing uterus pushes up against your diaphragm, you might feel more breathless, especially after physical exertion. The increased blood volume in your body may cause you to feel light-headed or dizzy at times. Make sure to stay hydrated and avoid standing up quickly.
  • Uterus and Cervical Position: Your uterus is now about the size of a melon and continues to grow. This may increase pressure on your pelvic area, causing you to feel more discomfort.
  • Vaginal Discharge: Clear or milky discharge is normal, but keep an eye out for any changes in colour, texture, or smell, which could indicate an infection.
     

TopTips for Week 24

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Early arrival 

Discuss premature labour signs with the doctor to address concerns and get proper guidance. 

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Labor check-up

If your labour feels abnormal let the doctor examine you first for a correct diagnosis

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Eat Healthy

Make sure to add variety in your meals to get energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals

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Preterm signs

If you suspect early labour, read up on premature delivery and baby care essentials.

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Dental hygiene

Having healthy teeth and gums matters as poor dental care is linked to premature labour.

Medical Scans and Check-Ups

At 24 weeks, your doctor may recommend regular check-ups to monitor your baby’s growth and development. This is also a good time to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
 

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  • Glucose Screening

Many women undergo a glucose test at 24 weeks to check how well their body processes sugar and screen for gestational diabetes.

  • Ultrasound

An ultrasound may be performed to monitor the baby's growth, check the position of the placenta, and measure the amniotic fluid levels.

  • Blood Pressure Check

Regular monitoring of your blood pressure is crucial to detect any early signs of preeclampsia or other complications.

  • Urine Test

A urine test will be conducted to check for signs of protein in the urine, which could indicate high blood pressure or preeclampsia.
 

FAQs

How big is my baby at 24 weeks?

Your baby is about the size of an ear of corn, measuring around 30 cm (11.8 inches) in length and weighing about 600 grams (1.3 lbs).

What kind of movements should I expect at 24 weeks?

You’ll likely feel more pronounced movements from your baby, including kicks and rolls. The baby’s movements may occur in patterns as they develop their sleeping and waking cycles.

Is it normal to have swelling at 24 weeks?

Yes, mild swelling in the feet, ankles, and hands is common due to fluid retention. If the swelling becomes severe or is accompanied by headaches or vision changes, contact your doctor.

How can I manage back pain during pregnancy?

Proper posture, prenatal yoga, and wearing supportive shoes can help alleviate back pain. Consider using a pregnancy pillow to support your back while sleeping.

What should I expect from a glucose screening test?

The glucose screening test involves drinking a sweet liquid, followed by a blood test to check your body’s sugar levels. This is a routine test to check for gestational diabetes.

Are varicose veins common at 24 weeks?

Yes, varicose veins can appear during pregnancy due to the increased blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus. Elevating your legs and wearing compression stockings may help reduce discomfort.

What should I do if I have heartburn?

Avoid spicy foods, eat smaller meals more frequently, and try to stay upright after eating. Your doctor can also recommend antacids if necessary.

Can I travel during week 24 of pregnancy?

Most women can travel during this period if their pregnancy is healthy and uncomplicated. Be sure to discuss travel plans with your doctor, especially for long trips.