You know the saying “practise makes perfect”? Remember it, because now that you’re 24 weeks pregnant, your body will soon start practising for delivery. You may be feeling Braxton-Hicks contractions from this week.
24 weeks pregnant – development guide
Your body
It is usually around this time that you may start to experience Braxton-Hicks contractions. These harmless and usually painless contractions are just your uterus practising for delivery. As the ‘tightening’ occurs, the muscles are practising what they will need to do in labour, and they cause no discomfort or harm to the baby. Changing your position or what you are doing may ease the pressure. If you find that you are experiencing more than four contractions in a one-hour period and they are painful, contact your healthcare provider immediately as this may be a sign of preterm labour.
Your healthcare provider will also send you for glucose tolerance test (week 24 – 28 window). This test screens for gestational diabetes which, if left unattended, can put you and your baby at serious risk.
Your baby
Sized at approximately 21-22cm (head to rump) or 30cm from head to toe, your baby now weighs approximately 570-700g.
Your baby can now open their eyes and their lungs have developed enough that they could sustain life outside the womb – although a baby born this early would need a lot of assistance and care.
3 things to do when you’re 24 weeks pregnant
Learn about baby car seat safety and the law
You will need to organise a baby car seat a few weeks before your due dute to make sure it is ready for baby’s trip home from hospital. There’s a bit to know about baby car seats – which to buy and how to install them correctly. To make sure your baby is safe check out our Ultimate Guide to Baby and Child Car Restraints.
Shop for organic pregnancy products online
Check our directory of local shops selling organic pregnancy products online, natural skin care products and organic products for mums and babies within Australia.
Read about gestational diabetes and other pregnancy complications
Usually around this time your doctor will ask you to do a screening test for gestational diabetes. You should also read up on some of the other pregnancy complications.
This content is meant as a guide only. If you find anything worrying or unsettling, or experience any bleeding or spotting, contact your local GP, obstetrician or an emergency healthcare provider immediately.