Pregnancy Calendar Week 24

At this point in your pregnancy, your baby’s taste buds are developing. The branches of his/her lungs are also beginning to form and produce the cells responsible for creating surfactant. The purpose of surfactant is to allow the air sacs to inflate more easily.

Your Changing Body

During pregnancy calendar week 24, you may begin to feel Braxton Hick Contractions. These brief contractions help your uterine muscles prepare for childbirth. They usually last between 15 and 30 seconds. Generally, Braxton Hicks contractions are either completely painless or mildly uncomfortable. They do not indicate real labor and are not a cause for concern unless they are accompanied by back, abdominal, or pelvic pain and vaginal discharge.

During the second trimester of pregnancy, some women start to experience fatigue, nausea, frequent urination, and/or unusual thirst. These symptoms should be reported to your healthcare provider, since they may be signs of gestational diabetes. At your next prenatal appointment, your healthcare provider will likely perform a glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes. During pregnancy, the placenta produces large levels of hormones that contribute to insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes affects about five percent of all pregnant women and can be treated with diet, exercise, or medication. Symptoms of gestational diabetes usually disappear after the baby’s birth, although the condition may increase your risk of developing diabetes later in life.

At this point in your pregnancy, it’s a good idea to be aware of the signs of premature labor. While most women who experience premature labor have previously identified risk factors, it is possible for a woman with an otherwise uneventful pregnancy to deliver a preterm infant. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

• Swelling or puffiness of the face or hands
• Severe or continuous vomiting
• A sudden gush of amniotic fluid from your vagina
• A low, dull backache
• Pain during urination
• Sharp or prolonged pain in your stomach
• More than 5 contractions or cramps in one hour
• Bright red blood from your vagina
• Intense pelvic pressure

Setting up Your Baby’s Nursery

Pregnancy calendar 24 is a good time to set up your baby's nursery. This can be a fun way for you and your partner to prepare for your new bundle of joy. Many couples report that browsing through discount, department, or consignment stores is a fun bonding experience As you’re selecting your nursery décor, just remember that babies like to look at bright colors and bold patterns.

If you are on a tight budget, the amount of baby equipment available may seem overwhelming. Fortunately, most items are not truly necessary. At a minimum, you’ll need to find a safe place for your baby to sleep, an area for changing diapers, and a convenient way to store his/her clothes. Other items can be added on an as-needed basis.

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