24 Weeks Pregnant | pregnancy signs and symptoms
What happens to your baby in week 24 of your pregnancy?
When you are 24 weeks pregnant, it becomes even more important to be in a calm, stress-free environment. Your baby can hear everything during this week because his or her hearing is fully developed. Your baby will therefore react to loud noises and may even get startled.
At 30.1 cm and a weight of 614 grams, your baby is as big as a papaya, as heavy as a pair of jeans, and capable of supporting life.
If you are 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is viable
At 24 weeks of your pregnancy you and your baby have reached an important milestone. According to doctors, the baby can survive alone after week 24 if he or she is born. The next few weeks in your belly are mainly important for the growth of your baby and the growth of the lungs.
What happens to you and your body when you are 24 weeks pregnant?
When you are 24 weeks pregnant, your uterus is about the size of a handball or football. Due to its size, the uterus has grown in your body to the top of your navel. Even though the belly is getting in the way more and more now, make sure you still get sufficient movement. With good fitness and strong muscles you will get through your pregnancy more easily.
Symptoms in week 24 of your pregnancy
Varicose veins from week 24 of pregnancy
In week 24 you could also suffer from varicose veins. Pregnancy hormones cause the walls of the blood vessels to slacken. The blood vessel will expand, causing varicose veins to become visible. You can prevent varicose veins by moving around a lot and sitting with your legs up.
Hard bellies and abdominal pain when you are 24 weeks pregnant
Abdominal pain this week can be caused by your uterus taking up more and more space. Intestinal problems can also cause abdominal pain. Your intestines become a bit 'lazy' as the pregnancy hormones cause them to work less. As a result, you may have constipation or diarrhea.
Hard bellies are a normal occurrence during this period of pregnancy. These practice contractions prepare your body for childbirth. Although hard bellies feel uncomfortable, they shouldn't be painful.
Your weight when you are 24 weeks pregnant
Being overweight can be harmful to your pregnancy and to your baby. Make sure that you continue to eat healthy and exercise enough. Your baby will thank you! The weight can also increase because your body retains water. It sounds a bit strange, but a good remedy for water retention is drinking plenty of fluids. This way you ensure that your kidneys continue to work, so that your body’s waste products leave your body with your urine.
Do if you are 24 weeks pregnant: still on holiday!
This is one of the last moments to take a break. Especially if you want to go on a flying holiday, because soon you will no longer be allowed to fly. Maybe you and your partner would like to go out for a couple of days. Get a breath of fresh air in the Alps, or relax on the beaches of Mallorca. This is an ideal period for that!