Fetal development 24 weeks of pregnancy • hello healthy

Embryo growth

How is the development of the fetus at 24 weeks of gestation?

Reporting from the Baby Center page, at 24 weeks of gestation the baby in your stomach is the size of a corn. Baby is almost 30 cm long and weighs about 113 grams compared to last week.

Here are some fetal developments at 24 weeks of gestation that need to be known:

The fetus's lungs are progressively developing

Indeed, as long as the development of the fetus is still in the stomach, the baby still receives oxygen through the placenta, including at 24 weeks of gestation. However, after birth, his lungs will start to activate and automatically fill with oxygen.

So that the lungs can immediately function, while in the uterus the organ will start producing surfactant substances.

Surfactants are substances that prevent leakage of the air sacs in the lungs and protect them when exhaling.

Fetal ears are getting perfect

Apart from the lungs, the fetus's sense of hearing is also growing at this time. The inner ear organs are getting perfect so that your little one's balancing ability is also getting better.

This allows him to know where he is in the uterus at that time, whether it is upside down or upright.

Changes to the Body

How are changes in the body of pregnant women at 24 weeks gestation?

At 24 weeks of gestation, of course the mother's body is experiencing along with the development of the fetus in the womb. Some of the conditions are:

Udel position of pregnant women changes

When the mother's stomach gets bigger, the position of the navel or udel of the pregnant woman also changes. No longer protruding inward, but he was getting wider and more prominent.

But there is no need to worry because this condition is normal during pregnancy at 24 weeks, even until the end of the development of the fetus in the womb.

Feeling tingling in the wrist

If you've experienced tingling in your wrists while pregnant, it's carpal tunnel syndrome.

Tingling in the wrist, even to this uncomfortable numbness, is associated with repetitive movements that use the hand more.

What to Expect states that tingling is a very common condition during pregnancy, due to fluid accumulating in one place.

To overcome this, often rest your hands by stretching. Although it does not interfere with fetal development, you need to be careful because this makes the pregnant woman's body uncomfortable.

Itchy skin

Various disorders at 24 weeks of pregnancy for each woman are different. In some cases, fetal development makes the mother's skin red and itchy. Usually itching and redness is on the palms of the hands and feet.

This occurs due to unstable hormonal changes in pregnant women. However, if you feel uncomfortable and worry that the fetus will be disturbed, consult a doctor immediately.

You can work around this by soaking your hands and feet in cold water or using ice water compresses for a few minutes over a span of several days.

What should I watch out for at 24 weeks pregnant?

As previously mentioned, during the 24 weeks of pregnancy fetal development, it is possible that the pregnant woman's stomach will feel itchy.

This happens because the moisture on the mother's skin begins to dissipate so that the skin becomes drier and itchier. Try not to scratch it as this will make you feel more itchy and can irritate your skin.

Using a moisturizer can temporarily withstand the itching. For that, use a moisturizer regularly. Anti-itch lotions such as calamine or an oat milk bath can help relieve itching.

However, if you feel itchy without dry or sensitive skin or a rash appears on your stomach, go to your doctor right away for a more careful examination.

This action needs to be done so that the development of the fetus at 24 weeks of gestation goes well.

Visit to Doctor / Midwife

What should I discuss with my doctor to help develop the fetus at 24 weeks gestation?

At 24 weeks pregnant this, your uterus may have started practicing contractions for labor. Small contractions will start to appear to "train" the uterus so it can push the baby out.

These contractions are called Braxton Hicks or false contractions. These painless contractions will generally be felt in the upper uterus or lower abdomen and groin.

Braxton Hicks contractions are also known as sham labor because they are very different from actual labor contractions. There is no need to worry because this condition does not interfere with the development of the fetus at 24 weeks of gestation.

Braxton Hicks contractions occur at a very long time and of different intensity than labor contractions.

These contractions can become longer, stronger, and closer together. Braxton Hicks contractions and labor contractions can actually be confusing for pregnant women.

Call your doctor if, during the 24 weeks of pregnancy, you have contractions that worry you.

Especially if the contractions are painful or more than 6 times an hour. The biggest difference between birth contractions and Braxton Hicks is their effect on your cervix.

With Braxton Hicks contractions, your cervix will not turn like real labor contractions until it starts to open up.

You may need to consult a doctor to determine and identify the type of contractions that are occurring. The goal is to monitor the development of the fetus at 24 weeks of gestation.

What tests should I find out at 24 weeks pregnant?

You still need to see a doctor at 24 weeks of gestation. Here are some possible tests:

Measure body weight and blood pressure
Check glucose and protein levels in the urine
Check fetal heart rate
Measure the size of the uterus with external palpation (external touch) to see how it correlates with the date of birth
Measure the height of the lower position (top of the uterus)
Check for swelling of the hands and feet
Check for varicose veins in the legs
Checking the symptoms you are experiencing, especially symptoms that are not normal

At 24 weeks of gestation, it is important for pregnant women to carry out a glucose screening test to determine fetal development.

This test is generally started at weeks 24 to 28. This blood sugar test can help your doctor diagnose whether you have gestational diabetes or not.

Gestational diabetes is a health problem that can occur during pregnancy and can cause problems with fetal development such as hypoglycemia.

Gestational diabetes can increase a mother's chances of having a cesarean section due to the large size of the baby as a result of this condition.

In this glucose-checking test, you will be checked and then blood drawn. If your blood sugar is too high, you are advised to adopt a good diet, exercise regularly, and sometimes have to take medications such as insulin.

Also prepare a list of questions or problems that you would like to discuss with your doctor at each visit.

Health and Safety

What do I need to know to maintain the health of the fetus at 24 weeks of gestation?

There are several things that need to be known so that the health and safety of the fetus at 24 weeks of pregnancy continues to run well. The following include:

It is permissible to take stomach acid medicine if needed

During this pregnancy, pregnant women can take stomach acid medication. You can take acid reflux drugs as long as you don't use excessive doses. Use as stated on the label or doctor's instructions.

If you take too much stomach acid medicine, it is feared that it can cause constipation in pregnant women.

Delay doing waxing

At 24 weeks pregnant, maybe pregnant women want their bodies to stay awake so they do waxing so that the hairs on his body are not too thick.

However, when you plan to waxing body and face, preferably the baby is postponed until delivery. Why?

Waxing can cause small blood vessels in the body to burst. It does not interfere with the development of the fetus at 24 weeks of gestation, but bacteria and dirt can easily enter through the pores.

Considering that the immune system of pregnant women is weak and prone to illness, this activity should be avoided.

The development of the fetus at 24 weeks has already been discussed. So next week, in what symmetry will the fetus grow?

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment