How Big Is My Baby At 24 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby has gained more weight and is about the size of a cantaloupe. The baby is about 11.81 inches and weighs about 1.32 pounds.

Baby Development

• Bone marrow starts to produce blood cells.
• Taste buds develop on your baby’s tongue.
• Footprints and fingerprints have developed.
• Real hair starts to grow on your baby’s head.
• If your baby is a boy, his testicles start moving from the abdomen into the scrotum.
• If your baby is a girl, her uterus and ovaries are in place, and a lifetime supply of eggs have developed in the ovaries.

24 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Linea Nigra:  Linea nigra is the dark line that runs between your belly button and pubic area. This happens due to the same pregnancy hormones causing other skin discolorations around your body. These skin changes will disappear in a few months after delivery.

Braxton Hicks Contractions:  You may feel irregular and less painful contractions as your uterus becomes tight and prepares for labor. These miniature contractions are perfectly normal at this point of your pregnancy. They normally disappear when you change positions. Call your doctor if contractions persist.

Bleeding Gums:  If you have you noticed your gums bleeding after brushing, it could be pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy hormones can make your teeth more vulnerable to plaque, leaving you with swollen, bleeding gums.

Heartburn & Indigestion:  Heartburn occurs when stomach acids move upwards to the esophagus. This happens due to the relaxation of the valve between the stomach and esophagus. Indigestion occurs due to the relaxed digestive system caused by pregnancy hormones.

Breathlessness:  You may have trouble breathing freely. This happens as your baby grows and your uterus expands, other organs will get compressed to make room for her.

Backache:  Backache is a chronic symptom of pregnancy. This happens because your growing baby puts a lot of pressure on your inner muscles.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):  If you feel pain or burning sensation while urinating, it could be due to UTI. The other symptoms of UTI are foul-smelling urine, pain in the pubic area, blood in the urine, and frequent urination. Fever and chills may also accompany the condition. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to help flush the infection out.

Increased Appetite:  Your appetite increases a lot in this week. You will feel a lot hungrier because your baby is growing and demands more nourishment. Eat small meals whenever you are hungry.

Bloating And Constipation:  Bloating occurs as the progesterone hormone relaxes the gastrointestinal tract, causing slowing of the digestive process. This also results in constipation in half the pregnant women. This is a normal and ongoing pregnancy symptom.

Hemorrhoids:  Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy and almost half of the pregnant women get hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed, and bulging veins in the rectum and anus. They can cause discomfort, itching, pain, and bleeding. An increased volume of the blood during pregnancy can cause veins to swell and enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins in the rectum. Constipation can worsen hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids usually improve after giving birth.

Tingling Hands:  You may feel numbness, tingling sensation, and pain in the wrists. This is the symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. This happens due to pressure exerted by swelling in your by on the nerves of the wrists.

Protruding Belly Button:  If you have an innie belly button, it may pop up during pregnancy. This happens due to your expanding belly. It is normal and will go back inside after delivery.

Swollen Legs And Feet:  You may notice swelling of your feet and ankles. This happens because of poor blood circulation in your legs. This can also happen due to excess fluid retention in your body. This is normal, and there is no cause for worry. Avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time and popping your feet up high will help.

24 Weeks Pregnant: Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

• Continue to follow good prenatal habits like eating healthy food and taking folic acid and prenatal vitamins daily.
• Wear a good supportive bra to help you feel more comfortable.
• Wear breathable loose clothes and a supportive bra to feel comfortable.
• Include healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean meat, cereals, and dairy products in your diet.
• Eat small meals or snacks at regular intervals for better digestion and to prevent heartburn.
• Keep yourself adequately hydrated by drinking a lot of water.
• Take plenty of rest and sleep at least 8 hours a day.
• Avoid long and strenuous physical activity, exercises involving jerky or sudden movements.
• Don’t take any medication or herb without your doctor’s clearance.
• Spend time or keep in touch with family, friends, and other loved ones and share your feelings. This will help you to cope with stress and anxiety and stay calm and relaxed.