The second trimester of your pregnancy is about to end and you are now on the verge of the third trimester. baby growth is progressing well and your growing belly is the most obvious proof of that, now let`s understand them in detail!

Baby Growth

Much of a baby`s weight is the result of its muscles, bones, fat and growing organs. The baby`s face is extremely small but approaches full formation, with hair, eyebrows and eyelashes revealing its beautiful appearance. Your baby`s hair has not yet been colored, as the pigments have not yet emerged. Your baby`s skin is very sensitive and very transparent. A closer look at it will also reveal bones, blood vessels and organs. This week, the tiny baby becomes aware of whether it is upside down or straight in the amniotic sac. This is because the inner ear, which provides the balance of the body, is developed.

Babies born at 24 weeks have a greater than 50% chance of survival, and this probability increases with each passing week. However, serious complications are common.

So, what are your baby`s movements like?

1. One of the most frequently asked questions about kicking at 24-week pregnancy is, “My baby kicks nonstop some days, some days it`s very quiet, is that normal?”. Let`s not forget that fetuses are human beings also, so some days they feel active and alive just like us, they kick more, they say I`m here, some days they want to stay calm.

1. 24-week pregnancy movements balance yourself depending on your activity. When you have an active day, your baby calms down with your rhythm, and when you have a quiet day, this time it takes action.

1. After eating, you may observe that your baby takes action in response to the rise in blood sugar. Or, when you are nervous or excited (as your adrenaline response is stimulating it), you may feel the increase in its movements.

1. Although the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy are the most active periods, there is no harm in kicking irregularities. After the 28th week, it would be healthier to monitor the kicks and control them day by day.

1. In addition, sometimes your baby kicks so hard that it hurts, you feel like your ribs are going to crack. That`s because as your baby matures in the womb, it gets stronger and harder, and the movements that once felt like butterflies are getting harder. A kick to the ribs, a blow to the abdomen or cervix can hurt. Such situations can cause groin pain at the 24th week of pregnancy. If your baby attacks you badly, you can try to distract it by changing positions. This change can destabilize the little boxer and temporarily dodge the attack.

Baby Size

You are very eager to find out how your baby is growing. At 24-week pregnancy, baby size is now almost the size of an ear of corn, i.e. about 30 cm and 600 g, when measured from head to toe. Your baby is currently preparing for the real world by breathing through its nostrils. However, instead of air, it is now inhaled amniotic fluid.

Common Body Changes

Many bodily changes that you will experience as you enter the 24th week may tire you, but be patient, they will pass. The area around the abdomen and breasts becomes dry and itchy as the skin is stretched. Your uterus will also feel tight due to Braxton Hicks contractions during this period.

Pregnancy Symptoms

You`re more likely to experience the following symptoms as you enter week 24 of your pregnancy, so read on:

1. Backaches: This symptom has probably been present from earlier and is getting worse as the days go by. Your uterus grows in the same way as your baby, and this pushes the uterus against your spine, thus stretching it. Also, remember that your back has to work a lot harder to carry the growing baby, which causes pain.

1. Backaches: This symptom has probably been present from earlier and is getting worse as the days go by. Your uterus grows in the same way as your baby, and this pushes the uterus against your spine, thus stretching it. Also, remember that your back has to work a lot harder to carry the growing baby, which causes pain.

1. Swelling of the feet: This is a common symptom at this time of pregnancy and is caused by excess fluid in the body. Swelling usually occurs in the ankles, feet, and hands. However, you should pay attention to whether the swelling has spread to other parts of the body such as the face, hands and fingers. It can be a sign of preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication.

1. Cramps: Leg cramps can be a sign of dehydration, so drink plenty of water throughout the day, stretch your legs often, and go for a walk to keep them flexible. Cramps can also be caused by a nutritional deficiency.

1. Uterine opening: An insufficient cervix means that the cervix opens without pain. But after the 26th week, a painful version can also be observed. It can also result in premature birth. The enlargement of the cervix is not noticed by the woman until the birth of the baby. It often occurs without warning signs. It can be detected by a doctor with a vaginal ultrasound. If you have had such a problem in your previous pregnancies, be sure to share it with your doctor. It will be healthier for you to talk to your doctor in detail about what you have in mind about this issue.

1. Premature birth: Probably starting from the 22nd week of pregnancy, the uterus and muscle mass are exercised to prepare for labor and birth. These are occasional painless contractions. The reason for the complaint of uterine pain at the 24th week pregnancy may be that the upper part of the uterus or the lower abdomen and groin feel as if they are being tightened. Sometimes normal complaints of pregnancy such as uterine contractions (with or without pain), pain in the lower abdomen, backache, cramps, change in vaginal discharge can be mistaken for premature birth. When you feel these, do not be afraid to think that there is a risk of premature birth. Because now doctors are doing fetal fibronectin test to detect the risk of preterm birth. Fetal fibronectin is a protein found in the amniotic sac and fetal membranes. This protein is not normally found in a pregnant woman between 22 and 38 weeks. The presence of this protein in the vaginal secretions of a pregnant woman after the 22nd week of pregnancy and before the 38th week increases the risk of preterm delivery. Be sure to talk to your doctor about such concerns, it will put your mind at ease.

1. Sexuality: Generally, women experience one of 2 attitudes towards their sexual life while pregnant. One is that desires decrease in the first and third trimesters and increase in the second trimester. The second is that desires gradually decrease as pregnancy progresses. In the second trimester, which includes 24 weeks of pregnancy, some women`s desire for sexuality increases. Perhaps for the first time, they can experience multiple orgasms. This is due to increased hormonal activity and increased blood flow in the pelvic area.

1. As the pregnancy progresses, you may realize that different positions are required. Your stomach starts to feel uncomfortable in many positions. From the 16th week until the birth of the baby, it is not recommended to lie face down. Because the weight of the uterus suppresses circulation. You can try lying on your side or try top positions.

Abdomen

During the 24th week of pregnancy, you will experience slightly stronger and more pronounced kicks than before. Your partner can also feel the baby moving and kicking. You will need to control the weight gain for a healthy pregnancy, it is normal to gain 6 to 7 kilos in week 24. Sudden weight gain is the reason that you should be of concern and should call your doctor.

Ultrasound and Tests

At this time of pregnancy, your doctor will recommend an ultrasound test and you will see how the fat buildup begins the process that turns your baby`s skin opaque. Because of this, internal organs and blood vessels will no longer be visible. However, an oral glucose tolerance test or a glucose screening test will also be scheduled to check for the presence of gestational diabetes due to high levels of pregnancy hormones.

What to Eat?

There are enough theories and misconceptions to confuse you about what your 24-week pregnancy meal should be, so read on to get a clear idea.

1. Include many high-fiber foods in your diet, such as bulgur, whole grain bread, fresh fruits and dried fruits/nuts.

1. Don`t forget to drink water so that it is absorbed by the fibers and helps to overcome constipation.

1. Carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes and spinach are excellent sources of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene and should be a part of your diet during this time.

1. When eating at restaurants, be mindful of the loaded sugars, calories, and fats hidden in regular foods. The best way is to have some food at home so you don`t come to the restaurant hungry and succumb to the tempting treats. It is ideal to eat a handful of nuts or a slice of your favorite fruit before eating out.

Tips and Care

1. Keep feet lifted while sitting to reduce swelling of the feet.

1. Establish a light exercise routine, such as a short walk, to maintain good posture and keep back pain at bay.

1. For itchy and dry eyes, use eye drops after consulting your doctor.

1. Among the cooking methods, you should prefer steaming or grilling instead of frying.

Don’ts

1. Do not use stretch marks, hair dye or skin moisturizers without consulting your doctor.

1. Lying on your back for a long time is not recommended as it can put pressure on your main blood vessels, it is recommended to lie on your sides, preferably to the left.

Shopping

As you enter week 24 of your pregnancy, there are a few things to start shopping for. Maternity wear should now be at the top of your shopping list, as your enlarged belly may not fit in with old dresses and pants. You can take earplugs and eye patches at home because they can help you sleep better. If you`re planning a nursery, start buying things slowly and steadily and decorate the room before announcing its arrival.

Each day and each week will be different for the expectant mother, and the 24th week will bring its own challenges and little worries. However, keep waiting for your little one with confidence and great happiness, this excitement and strong love will help you overcome temporary problems.