Pregnancy Week 24
Learn how your baby is developing in week 24, plus what common pregnancy-related skin problems you may experience in the coming weeks.
How Big is Baby?
Your baby is as long as an ear of corn. Her nostrils are opening now for "practice breathing"; she'll go through the same motions of real breathing but inhale amniotic fluid instead of air.
Baby's Length: 11.81in.
Baby's Weight: 1.32lb.
Mom's Changing Body
The only thing shrinking right now may be your libido—so it's totally okay if your cravings for french fries outweigh your desire to do the deed. Many pregnant women report that their libidos are all over the map throughout these nine months. But especially now, as a growing belly translates to feeling more tired and achy, sex may become less and less desirable as your pregnancy drags on. But other women report a big, can't-get-enough surge in their third trimester. If you're one of 'em, more power to you!
Baby's Development
You might notice that your baby at 24 weeks is very busy during the next few weeks. Right now she's small enough to have plenty of room to move and groove in your belly. She may even respond to your soothing voice or the rubbing of your belly by calming down, while loud sounds or a tap on your belly could cause her to become alert. Also, because the balance-controlling inner ear has developed, your baby can finally tell if she's upside down or right side up, so moving around takes on new meaning.
Weekly Tip
Sleeping may be tough now and chances are it'll only get tougher as your belly grows. If you're struggling with insomnia, experiment with a few natural sleep remedies such as meditation, hot milk before bed, or with your doctor's okay, more exercise during the day to wear yourself out by bedtime.
Week 24 Ultrasound
The image on the left shows a magnified view of the four chambers of the baby-to-be's heart. The image on the right show's blood flowing from the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) into the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles). The walls of the ventricles are more muscular than the atria, because they have to pump blood to the baby's lungs and the rest of the body.
Credit:
American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine - AIUM.org
What Week 24 of Your Pregnancy Is Really Like
Pregnancy Confidential Podcast
Checking Off Your Before-Baby Bucket List
Before things get even busier in your third trimester, Week 24 is a great moment to take stock of what you appreciate in your life and put together a list of quality things to do with your partner, or kids, before you bring a (rather disruptive) new life into your world—whether this means scheduling that camping trip your daughter's been pining for, or getting a reservation at that hot new restaurant, having a pre-baby list of to-dos is a fun way to bond with your soon-to-be growing family. Of course a baby doesn't mean you have to change everything about your life, but there are a few things that may get put on hold over the next year, so now's the time to do 'em!
This Week's To-Do List
This Week's FAQs
Must-Reads
-
Sciatica During Pregnancy: What Expectant Mothers Need to Know
Hip pain or numbness in the legs can happen as your baby grows during pregnancy. Find out what causes it and how to feel better. -
The Modern Baby Shower: Things You Need to Know
Good news for mamas-to-be: Today's baby showers are less traditional and more focused on fun – for you and your guests. -
7 Tips for Buying a Newborn Car Seat
There's only one way to bring baby home from the hospital, and that's in a car seat. From deciding between an infant car seat or a convertible to features you should look out for, here's how to buy the right one. -
How Prenatal Mindfulness Can Help With Anxiety & Morning Sickness During Pregnancy
Three women share how mindfulness meditation helped them cope with the physical and emotional challenges that pregnancy brings. -
13 Tips for Having a Successful Non-Medicated, Low-Intervention 'Natural' Birth
Birthing your child without drugs isn't easy, but it’s usually possible. Follow these guidelines to create a “natural birth” plan with minimal interventions.
