At the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy, the baby continues its active development. The condition of the expectant mother improves significantly, drowsiness and toxicosis remain behind. During this period, almost every woman already senses the fetal movements quite well and feels a close relationship with him. This time is great for planning a children's room or buying the first things for the baby.
Child development at 24 weeks gestation
Every day the child more and more resembles a newborn. Its body and face are rounded as a result of accumulation of subcutaneous fat. The cilia and eyebrows of the baby become noticeable, and the skin of bright red gradually becomes already gently pink. It is at this time that the fetal body begins to actively produce the hormone responsible for growth and weight. The kid hears, sees, feels pain and touch. The brain continues its development, which leads to a significant enrichment of reactions caused by external stimuli. Gradually, the fetus begins to prepare for childbirth, and substances are formed in the pituitary gland of the little man that are responsible for the development of the mother's labor activity. At this time, the fetal heartbeat is excellently heard. The baby's height reaches thirty centimeters, the average weight is six hundred grams.
Changes in the female body at 24 weeks of gestation
Due to sprains and dry skin, pregnant women often itch, especially in places where stretch marks form. These skin defects are at greater risk of acquiring women who quickly gain weight while expecting a baby. However, the main factor influencing the appearance of stretch marks or, as they are also called striae, is still heredity. Occasionally, women can feel sharp stabbing pain in the side of the abdomen - this is the uterus training and stretching to prepare for childbirth.
Risks of pregnancy complications
At week 24, there is still a high risk of anemia in pregnant women. During this period, the volume of the liquid part of the blood increases significantly, which in turn causes its irritation. Even if before the amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells was normal, now anemia can develop. Symptoms of this disease are pallor of mucous membranes and skin, weakness, drowsiness, flickering in front of the eyes and tinnitus. Often, a low hemoglobin content in the mother’s blood can lead to fetal oxygen starvation and developmental lag.
Late toxicosis, which is called preeclampsia in medicine, can be dangerous to the health of mothers and children. High blood pressure, swelling and protein in the urine can testify to this complication of pregnancy.
Discharge from the genital tract at this time should be light, moderate, uniform and have a slightly sour smell. A change in their nature or the appearance of mucous, curdled or purulent discharge may indicate an inflammatory process that occurs in the mother's body and requires mandatory treatment.
Dangerous symptoms at week 24
It is very necessary to take liquid watery or yellowish discharge from the genital tract, they can mean the beginning of premature labor. In this case, you need to immediately call an ambulance and go to a medical facility. Even a small amount of watery discharge is an occasion for an urgent visit to the gynecologist. A sign of placental abruption may be spotting. This condition threatens not only the health, but also the life of the woman, but it is also very dangerous for the unborn child, and requires mandatory hospitalization.
Nutrition of a pregnant woman
In the process of pregnancy development, the need of the female body for nutrients and microelements is constantly increasing. To reduce the risk of anemia, it is advisable to eat more foods containing iron: beef, liver, fish, sour apples, egg yolk, buckwheat, bell peppers, currants, cherries and seaweed. You need to eat regularly, in small portions, five to six times a day. Avoid spicy, salty, smoked and fatty foods. If pregnant women have a tendency to edema, it is necessary to strictly control the amount of fluid consumed (more about proper nutrition during pregnancy)
Tests in the second trimester
At the described stage, the time comes for the next ultrasound examination, during which the specialist will study the structure of the child’s body, determine the presence or absence of malformations of the internal organs, evaluate the amount of amniotic fluid, and indicate the place of attachment of the placenta and its real state. A clinical blood test is also required, which is prescribed in order to find out the level of hemoglobin in the blood of a pregnant woman, as well as the likelihood of anemia. Before the next visit to the gynecologist, it is necessary to pass a general urine test to assess the functioning of the kidneys. During the appointment, the doctor will necessarily measure the blood pressure and the height of the bottom of the female uterus, and also listens to the fetal heartbeat.
Weekly Pregnancy Calendar:
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