Congratulations! You are now in week 24 of your pregnancy — 22 weeks from conception. You may feel like you’ve been pregnant forever already, or that baby is still forever away. Or you may feel both of these things! (Feeling all the things is totally normal!) So, let’s take a look at what’s going on with you and baby this week!
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Table of contents
Week 24 Pregnancy: The Bump
At 24 weeks, your little one has reached a crown-to-heel length of 11.2 – 12 inches. She weighs about 1 lb, 10 ounces (3). Or, in our beloved farmers-market terms, your baby is about the same length as an ear of corn!
The bump is growing, too! Your uterus is now at the height of about 1 1/2 to 2 inches above your belly button, which means things are getting pretty crowded in your abdomen. And, the fundal measurement is almost 10 inches from the pubic symphysis to your naval.
Week 24 Pregnancy: Fetal Movement
Anterior Placenta
Your ability to feel fetal movement may depend on the position of your placenta. The placenta is typically located at the top of the uterus. However, an anterior placenta is located at the front of the uterus instead. If you have an anterior placenta, most of the fetal movement — your baby’s kicks and punches — may be hidden behind the placenta (5). In this case, it may take a little longer for you to be able to feel baby’s first movements.
Home Doppler
When there’s concern about fetal movement, home doppler units have become a popular way to check baby’s heartbeat. However, these are not recommended as a tool to self-monitor the health of your baby. If you have any concerns about fetal movement, it’s best to reach out to your healthcare provider, because they can perform a complete assessment and because they are best qualified to interpret your baby’s heartbeat.
Week 24 Pregnancy: Baby’s Development
Week 24 is full of exciting changes for your little one! For example:
- Alveoli are beginning to form in the lungs (3)
- Respiratory movements are beginning to occur
- The hair on baby’s head is growing long. Also, eyebrows & eyelashes have formed.
- Baby has a reflex hand grip, also called a grasp reflex
Week 24 Pregnancy: Symptoms
Swelling
Fun fact: 75% of all pregnant women experience swollen fingers, ankles, and feet (1). The causes of this swelling are increases in blood and fluid volume during pregnancy. A handful of lucky women won’t be troubled by swelling. However, if swelling is a problem for you, you can try some of the following tips:
- Avoid standing for long periods of time
- Wear supportive tights or prescription compression stockings, especially if you need to be on your feet
- Eat foods high in potassium; for example raisins and bananas
- Flex your feet and ankles regularly when sitting
Check back in soon to learn about all about week 25 of your pregnancy! And if you haven’t done so, catch up by looking back at week 23.
Kopa Birth’s online birthing classes allow you to prepare for natural childbirth in the comfort of your own home, 24/7. Enroll today in our free online childbirth class to learn more about preparing for natural childbirth.
References:
- Glade, B.C., Schuler, J. (2011). Your Pregnancy Week by Week, 7th edition. First Da Capo Press.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2010). Your Pregnancy and Childbirth Month to Month, 5th edition.
- Ladewig, P.A., London, M.L., Davidson, M.R. (2006). Contemporary Maternal-Newborn Nursing Care, 6th edition. Pearson Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle River, NJ.
- Retrieved at http://parentingpatch.com/how-big-is-your-baby-week-week-food-comparisons/
- Retrieved at http://spinningbabies.com/learn-more/baby-positions/anterior-placenta/
Week 23 Pregnancy: Weight Gain, Baby Movements
