24-Week Pregnancy

Welcome to the 24th week of your pregnancy! Your baby continues to grow and develop. This week, your baby’s lungs are continuing to mature and practicing breathing.

Size and Weight:
At 24 weeks, your baby is approximately 30 cm long and weighs around 600–700 grams. You can think of it as the size of an ear of corn.

Organ Development:
Your baby’s organs continue to mature. The lungs are developing and beginning to produce a substance called surfactant. Surfactant helps the lungs open and fill with air after birth. This week, your baby starts practicing breathing movements, drawing in and expelling amniotic fluid. This is an important exercise for lung development.

Sensory Development:
Your baby’s senses are rapidly developing. They can hear sounds more clearly and distinguish between different noises. They respond to sounds in the womb, music, and even the voices of you and your partner. They can perceive light, opening and closing their eyes. Taste buds are developed, allowing them to taste the amniotic fluid. The sense of touch is also developing, and your baby can feel the uterine wall, umbilical cord, and their own body.

Movements:
At 24 weeks, your baby’s movements are stronger and more coordinated. You can feel kicks, nudges, turns, and hiccups more clearly. Feeling your baby move is both exciting and reassuring. Sharing these movements with your partner can strengthen your bond.

Appearance:
Your baby’s skin is still thin and wrinkled but covered with a white, creamy substance called vernix caseosa. This protects the skin from the effects of amniotic fluid and acts as a lubricant during birth. Fine hairs called lanugo also cover your baby’s body. Their hair and eyebrows are becoming more defined.

Your baby’s gender may have already been identified in earlier ultrasound scans. If you haven’t learned it yet and your baby is in a suitable position, the ultrasound performed at 24 weeks of pregnancy can reveal the gender.

Routine ultrasound is generally not performed at 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, your doctor may request an ultrasound to evaluate your baby’s development or check for any issues.

At the 24th week of your pregnancy, it is important to take certain precautions for your health and your baby's development.

Signs of Preterm Labor:

Pregnancy at 24 weeks is still a period with a high risk of preterm labor. It is important to pay attention to the following signs of preterm labor and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of them:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Water breaking
• Regular contractions (every 10 minutes or more frequently)
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Back pain
• Pelvic pressure
• Changes in vaginal discharge

Braxton Hicks Contractions:

Braxton Hicks contractions are preparatory contractions of the uterine muscles. These contractions are generally irregular, painless, and short-lived. Braxton Hicks contractions are not a sign of preterm labor, but if they become regular and painful, you should contact your doctor.

Gestational Diabetes:

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy or is first diagnosed during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can be risky for both mother and baby. Therefore, screening for gestational diabetes is important. If diagnosed, diet, exercise, and medication if necessary are applied to keep blood sugar levels under control.

Preeclampsia:

Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein leakage in the urine during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is serious for both mother and baby and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms of preeclampsia include headache, visual disturbances, swelling in the face and hands, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Other Recommendations:

• Avoid lying on your back: Your growing uterus can press on major blood vessels when you lie on your back, disrupting blood circulation and causing dizziness and fainting.
• Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothing can impair circulation and cause discomfort.
• Pay attention to shoe choice: Prefer comfortable, flat shoes instead of high heels or pointed shoes.
• Moisturize your skin: Skin dryness and itching are common during pregnancy. It is important to moisturize your skin regularly.
• Pay attention to dental health: Pregnancy hormones can make gums sensitive. Brush your teeth regularly and use dental floss.
• You can continue sexual intercourse: Unless your doctor indicates otherwise, you can continue sexual activity during pregnancy.
• Monitor your baby's movements: Once you start feeling your baby's movements, it is important to monitor them. If you notice a decrease or change in movements, contact your doctor immediately.
• Participate in pregnancy exercises: Pregnancy exercises help you prepare for birth and stay fit during pregnancy.
• Take childbirth education: Childbirth education helps you learn about the birth process and prepare for delivery.
• You can start buying baby items: Purchasing baby items is both exciting and contributes to the preparation process.
• Start preparing the baby's room: It is important to prepare a safe and comfortable environment for your baby.

A Life Health Group has a team of experienced obstetrics and gynecology specialists who are experts in pregnancy follow-up. We provide personalized pregnancy follow-up services for expectant mothers and their babies using the latest technology and methods.

Our Services:

• Obstetrics and gynecology specialist examination
• Ultrasonography (including detailed ultrasound scans)
• Prenatal tests (such as first-trimester screening, triple test, glucose tolerance test)
• Pregnancy education and counseling
• Childbirth preparation courses
• Labor and postpartum services
• Breastfeeding counseling
• Baby care education

Experience a healthy pregnancy with A Life Health Group!