24 Weeks Pregnant - Saudi Mums

Baby development at 24 weeks

Your infant’s pulmonary system
The respiratory sacs situated at the extremities of the tiniest lung branches in your baby are undergoing growth and multiplication. This process increases the surface area available for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Increasing in mass
Currently displaying a slender physique, your baby is gradually putting on weight, achieving a well-proportioned appearance as their body fills out. Despite this, their skin remains thin and translucent.

Expressing curiosity
A few weeks ago, minuscule eyebrows emerged on your baby’s face. Now, your little one might be practicing the movement of their facial muscles, including the ability to raise their eyebrows.

Your baby is about the size of an ear of corn

Pregnancy symptoms during week 24

Skin Conditions
If you’re encountering novel skin issues such as itching, hyperpigmentation, raised bumps, or hives, consult with your doctor or midwife. In pregnancy, most rashes are typically linked to allergies, contact dermatitis (contact with an irritant), or skin infections rather than being directly caused by pregnancy. However, there are a few pregnancy-related conditions that can lead to rashes and intense itching, including atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP), pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), and pemphigoid gestationis.

Bleeding or Spotting
In the second trimester, some women may experience spotting or light bleeding, usually attributed to changes in the cervix, inflammation, or a benign cervical polyp. Spotting during this trimester is generally harmless. However, if you notice regular or heavier bleeding, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Mood Changes
While dramatic mood swings may have subsided by 24 weeks pregnant, experiencing them during the second trimester is entirely normal. Hormonal fluctuations, stress, fatigue, discomfort, and exhaustion can contribute to heightened emotions. If your mood swings intensify, persist for more than two weeks, or become more frequent, consult your healthcare provider and inquire about a referral to a therapist. It could be an indication of depression during pregnancy or pregnancy-related anxiety.

Breathing Difficulties
Feeling short of breath is a common experience in pregnancy. The increased need for oxygen, elevated blood pressure, and hormonal changes, particularly the effects of progesterone on the lungs and respiratory center, can lead to breathlessness. While mild shortness of breath is typical, persistent struggles to breathe, a constant cough, or chest pain should prompt immediate medical attention.

Appetite Changes
Noticing an uptick in your appetite? During the second trimester, increased hunger is natural as your body requires additional calories and nutrients to support your growing baby and changing physiology. Pregnant women typically need around 350 extra calories daily during this phase. If weight gain concerns you, focus on consuming nutritious foods with ample fiber, protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs, which can help you feel satisfied longer compared to processed foods and simple carbohydrates.

Melasma
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can stimulate melanin production, leading to the development of dark patches on the skin known as melasma. These patches commonly appear on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and forearms. Areas that are naturally darker, such as the areolas and labia, might also darken during pregnancy. While melasma often fades after childbirth, you can minimize its impact on your face and arms by using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily or by covering your skin with long sleeves and a hat.

Pregnancy checklist at 24 weeks

Recognizing Preterm Labor Signs: Educate yourself on the signs of preterm labor to be prepared. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual discharge, vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramping, pelvic pressure, low back pain, or fluid leakage, which may indicate a broken water. Advances in medical care offer a good chance of survival for micropreemies born at 24 weeks.
Baby-Proofing Your Home: Beyond organizing and cleaning your baby’s space, prioritize safety using our babyproofing checklist. Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functional, especially if your home was built before 1978, as there may be a risk of lead exposure. Babyproof common areas by securing cords, covering outlets, and anchoring furniture to prevent tipping. Install locks on cabinets with potentially harmful items.
Exploring Cord Blood Banking: Consider the option of cord blood banking, involving the collection and storage of your newborn’s umbilical cord and placenta blood for future medical use. If you choose to collect or donate your baby’s cord blood, make arrangements promptly.
Preparing for Glucose Screening: Anticipate your glucose screening, usually scheduled between 24 and 28 weeks. This routine test screens for gestational diabetes, affecting 2 to 10 percent of pregnant women. After consuming a sugary drink, a blood draw will assess glucose levels. While not diagnostic, the results will guide whether further testing for gestational diabetes is necessary.

24 weeks pregnant bellies

Your uterus has now expanded to approximately the dimensions of a soccer ball, and its upper part extends beyond your belly button. In the second trimester of your pregnancy, it’s important to attend to changes in your skin by ensuring that your skincare products are safe for this stage. Steer clear of retinols, and moderate the use of salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids in makeup and skincare items. If you have any concerns about caring for your skin during pregnancy, always consult your healthcare provider. It’s advisable to apply pregnancy-safe sunscreen daily, even on days when you’re not exposed to much sunlight. You may observe the emergence of stretch marks on your stomach, thighs, and breasts. While it’s challenging to prevent these “badges of motherhood,” they often diminish over time.