24 weeks of pregnancy refers to the last month of the 2nd trimester. So 24 weeks means the 6th month of pregnancy. After this period, the 3rd trimester begins and the birth is getting closer and closer. For this reason, both the development of the baby and the changes experienced by the expectant mother have become quite evident in this week.
24 Weeks of Pregnancy Changes in the Mother
By the 24th week of pregnancy, the expectant mother’s abdomen is well and truly enlarged. Since this will change the center of gravity of the body, one of the most common changes in the expectant mother is increased dizziness. At the same time, changes in the circulatory system can also trigger these dizziness. The growth in the abdomen can make it difficult for the expectant mother to lie comfortably and therefore to fall asleep. In such cases, using lumbar supportive pillows and sleeping on the side can often help the expectant mother. Leg cramps are also common in the 24th week of pregnancy. In order to reduce the discomfort of these cramps, it will be very useful to relax the muscles with stretching exercises.
In the 24th week of pregnancy, some changes are also observed in the skin of expectant mothers. With the change in hormones, dark spots can be seen on both the face and the rest of the body parts. This is due to the more intense production of melanin pigment at this stage of pregnancy. Avoiding the sun will be very effective to reduce the formation of these spots. These spots usually disappear spontaneously after delivery.
24 Weeks Pregnancy Considerations
For both a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, expectant mothers are expected to pay the same attention to issues such as nutrition and exercise in the 24th week of pregnancy as they have paid attention to until this time. However, at 24 weeks, in addition to all these, there are other important issues to be considered. One of the most important of these is the sugar loading test. This test, also known as an oral glucose tolerance test, is usually performed between weeks 24 and 28. The purpose of the test is to diagnose gestational diabetes, which may occur in the expectant mother due to pregnancy. Failure to diagnose gestational diabetes carries serious risks for the health of mother and baby. Expectant mothers with gestational diabetes may experience serious complications during the birth process and the health of the baby may be adversely affected after birth. For this reason, this test should be performed between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy at a time deemed appropriate by your doctor.
In addition, a mother-to-be who has reached the 24th week of pregnancy should start planning her birth by talking to her doctor. Deciding whether the birth will be normal or cesarean is important for the expectant mother to make preparations accordingly.
24 it is also very important for expectant mothers to do pregnancy exercises and pay attention to their nutrition so as not to strain themselves during the week .
24 Weeks Pregnancy Mother’s Belly
The abdomen of an expectant mother in her 24th week of pregnancy is now clearly visible. The growing weight of the baby and the development of its internal organs cause the mother’s abdomen to grow as well. 24. during the week, the uterus continues to grow above the belly button and is about the size of a soccer ball.
Abdominal Pain at 24 Weeks of Pregnancy
With the entry into 24 weeks of pregnancy, pains called “Round Ligament Pain” begin to be seen. These pains are usually felt in the abdomen and hip area. These pains, which are felt unilaterally or bilaterally, are often described as stabbing pains. Round ligament is a structure that holds the uterus in place. The growth of the baby in the uterus causes this structure to regress and the pain is usually caused by this. To relieve this pain, it is often helpful to change position slowly.
Abdominal Stretching at 24 Weeks of Pregnancy
In 24-week pregnancies, the condition described as abdominal stretching is round ligament pain. Although this situation worries expectant mothers, it is the natural process of pregnancy and is not a dangerous situation. However, if this pain becomes increasingly severe and is accompanied by conditions such as fever and bleeding, it is necessary to go to a doctor urgently.
24 Weeks of Frequent Urination in Pregnancy
The uterus, which is about the size of a soccer ball in the 24th week of pregnancy, continues to increase its pressure on the internal organs. Expectant mothers feel this pressure most in their bladder, which causes them to urinate more frequently in the 24th week of pregnancy. The desire to urinate frequently increases from 24 weeks until the birth. In this case, expectant mothers can usually reduce their fluid intake to reduce the frequency of going to the toilet. However, this can have very dangerous consequences as it will cause the amniotic fluid to decrease. You should accept frequent urination during pregnancy and continue to drink water regularly, knowing that this will end after birth.
24 Weeks Baby Image
At 24 weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s face is almost fully developed. The baby’s hair, eyelash and eyebrow development is also complete. However, since the pigments in the baby’s skin and the fatty tissues under the skin are not fully formed, the skin is transparent and the baby’s blood vessels and bones can be seen with a detailed ultrasound.
24 Weeks Pregnancy Ultrasound Images
Ultrasound examinations are also performed at 24 weeks of pregnancy. It is possible to see the baby clearly during these examinations. If the baby is not asleep during the ultrasound examination, it is possible to observe its facial expressions and movements.
24 Weeks of Pregnancy: Position of the Baby
In the 24th week of pregnancy, the baby is about 4-5 centimeters above the belly button in the womb. At this stage, the baby may change position frequently to find a suitable position. The position of the baby’s head up or down is not an indication for labor at this week.
24 Weeks of Pregnancy with a Baby Below
24. if the baby is lower than normal during the week, it can put pressure on the vagina and cervix. However, if there are no other risks in addition to this situation, there is no danger of the baby being lower down. However, with the doctor’s assessment, this situation may also pose a risk of premature birth. Positioning the baby lower than it should be can be among the risks of 24 weeks of pregnancy in terms of premature birth. In such a case, the obstetrician will make the most accurate assessment.
24 Weeks Pregnancy Baby Movements
At 24 weeks gestation, the baby weighs around 600 grams and is around 30 centimeters long. As the baby grows and the muscle mass develops, expectant mothers begin to feel their babies’ movements more intensely from the 24th week. The movements of the babies become more intense at certain times of the day. At certain time periods during the day, it may decrease even more depending on sleep.
24 Weeks Decrease in Baby Movements
The 24th week of pregnancy is the time when baby movements can be felt most clearly. However, some expectant mothers feel a decrease in baby movements during this week and this can be worrying. The decrease in the baby’s movements in the womb is usually experienced when the baby is asleep. However, if the baby remains still for a long time or if no movement is felt at all during this week, an obstetrician should be consulted immediately.