Hitting the 24 weeks pregnant mark feels a bit special, doesn’t it? You’re right in the sweet spot. You have an obvious bump, and your baby is kicking strongly. Suddenly, everything from the way you sleep to how you breathe feels different. Some days your skin is glowing, while on others you’re even scared to sneeze out loud.
But overall, this stage is quite special. Because you’re officially closing your 2nd trimester milestone. And your baby is almost fully developed.
So if you’re at this point and wondering what’s normal, what’s new and what’s next, you’ve got to dive right in!
Baby’s Milestone at 24 Weeks
Around this time, your baby measures roughly 30 cm lengthwise. That is about the size of a corn on the cob! Moreover, their brain is growing at a rapid rate. And the lungs are becoming more complex and efficient every day, gradually beginning to produce branches and special cells.
Also, now their entire body is in proportion (unlike earlier, when the head was disproportionately larger). But the size is still smaller compared to a fully developed baby.
However, even if born at this stage, there is a chance that your baby will make it. Such babies are called premature babies, and they are usually kept in special neonatal care units, which help them breathe, feed, keep warm and fight infections.
That was about your baby. Now let’s find out more about the signs and symptoms which you as a mother, should expect around this stage.
Pregnancy Symptoms At 24 Weeks
Here’s a list of a few common pregnancy symptoms which women experience in their 24th week of pregnancy:
- A Growing Belly
By week 24, your uterus stretches upwards around 2 inches from your belly button. Studies have attributed this rapid growth to the fetus gaining fat and muscle. And this creates that very noticeable pop on your belly.
- Larger Breasts
The peaking hormones around your 24th week cause the milk ducts and glands to expand in preparation for childbirth. This accelerated breast-tissue enlargement makes many women feel fuller, heavier and often uncomfortable in their 24th week of pregnancy.
- Itchy Skin Around Belly And Breasts
The skin around your belly and breasts is stretching rapidly. As a result, it tends to get dry and itchy. If this happens and you feel uncomfortable, do not hesitate to use a pregnancy-safe moisturiser or lotion that soothes your skin and keeps it hydrated for long.
- Discomfort In The Eyes
Eyes may feel dry, irritated, or blurrier than usual. Pregnancy hormones can affect your tear production and even the shape of your cornea slightly. It’s temporary and usually settles after delivery. But if it feels annoying, you can use artificial tears, which help to keep your eyes moist.
- Lower Back Pain
Your growing belly shifts your posture, pulling your lower back forward. Muscles and ligaments work harder to support the extra weight, which leads to aches. It’s one of the most common 24-week symptoms and often feels worse after standing or walking.
- Braxton Hicks Contractions
These are “practice” contractions which happen before the actual labour, just like a rehearsal. They feel like a tightening of the belly that comes and goes without a pattern. They’re usually painless but can feel odd. It’s your uterus preparing early for the real thing.
- Changes In The Skin
Pregnancy hormones can offset your melanin production. Which means your body starts producing more of this colour-impacting pigment. The result? Dark patches on the skin, also known as melasma.
You may also notice a dark line going down their belly, called the linea nigra.
Another common pregnancy change that starts showing on your skin includes stretch marks. These are scars or tears that form on your skin when it undergoes rapid stretching (or shrinking).
Some women also experience tiny visible veins beneath their skin surface. Due to their appearance, they’re called spider veins.
- Dental Problems
The pregnancy hormones can also make your gums more sensitive. They become soft and tender, and often bleed easily. This condition is known as pregnancy gingivitis and usually goes away after your baby is born.
- Changes In The Nose
You may feel stuffy or notice more mucus than usual. Again, due to the pregnancy hormones that swell the tiny blood vessels inside your nose, giving a blocked or runny feeling. It’s called “pregnancy rhinitis” and tends to appear out of nowhere.
- Lightheadedness
A sudden dizzy spell can happen when you get up too quickly. That’s because during pregnancy, your blood pressure drops at times. And your body may take a second to adjust. It’s normal, but sitting or standing slowly can help prevent those brief lightheaded moments. Also, if this concerns you, it’s always best to get it checked with a doctor.
Summing Up
The 24th week of pregnancy can be considered a big milestone. At this point, your baby is growing fast, and your body is busy keeping up. A rounder belly, itchy skin, light aches, mild dizziness, or changes in your eyes, nose, and gums can all show up during this phase.
Most of these are normal and even easily manageable with simple tips and tricks. And having the right knowledge about these can make you more relaxed and better prepared for what’s coming next.