Week 24

Your Body

Your fundus (top of the uterus) reaches just above your navel! You are now aware of your baby’s movements and may even be able to tell the sleep/wake cycles of your little one. It is important to recognize the signs of premature labour. Premature labour is actually more common in the summer months, thought to be caused by dehydration in some women, so continue drinking lots of water! Call your practitioner if you have any of the signs of premature labour.

An important prenatal test, glucose screening, is usually performed sometime during weeks 24 to 28. The glucose screening test checks for gestational diabetes, a temporary type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and can cause problems in the new-born, such as low blood sugar. Gestational diabetes may also increase the chances that a woman would need a caesarean section because it can lead to the growth of very large babies.

During the glucose screening test, you’ll drink a sugary solution and then have your blood drawn. If your blood sugar levels are too high, you’ll have further tests, which your health care provider will discuss with you. Gestational diabetes usually can be controlled by eating a well-planned diet and getting regular exercise, but sometimes medication, such as daily insulin, will be needed during the pregnancy.

Your Baby’s Development

Your baby is almost completely formed, and is beginning to deposit brown fat on his or her body. This weight is in muscle, bone mass and the growing organs and tissues. The purpose of the brown fat is to retain body heat. New-borns are bad at regulating body temperature at first.

Babies born at this point have some chances of survival with very special care. They will be in the Intensive Care Unit, probably for many months. A major problem with premature babies is lung development.
Taste buds form and lungs continue to develop as baby practices breathing. Lines on the palm develop and rapid eye movement (REM) begins to occur during sleep.

Baby measures approximately 11.8 inches (30 cm) and weighs 1.3 pounds (600 grams) this week.