WEEK 24
How does the baby grow?
The baby is growing steadily, has increased by more than 100 grams since last week and now it has weighed about 600 grams. The body is quite thin and long (about the size of an ear of corn), but he is slowly growing and will soon fill up. The baby’s brain is also developing rapidly and the taste buds are also continuing to grow. The lungs are developing the branches of the bronchial tree as well as the cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the lungs breathe air as soon as the baby contacts with the outside world. Baby skin is still thin and transparent, but will soon change.
Changes occurring in the mother’s body during the 24th week of pregnancy
Over the past few weeks, the top of the uterus has risen above the navel and is now about the size of a soccer ball. Most women have a glucose challenge test (also called a glucose test or GCT) between this week and the 28th week. This test to check for gestational diabetes, which increases the risk of difficult births or cesarean section and other complications like hypoglycemia soon after birth.
This is also the time to detect the signs of preterm labor. While there are some factors for preterm birth, such as urogenital infections, placental problems, or cervical insufficiency, in many other cases no one knows the reason for preterm birth. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to learn about the signs of early labor to know what to do if it happens to moms.
