Week 24: Hello, Viability!
Your baby is now about the size of an ear of corn.
Avg. Length: 30 cm
(Crown to Heel)
Your Baby This Week
Week 24 is cited by the University of Utah Health and NHS, as the threshold of 'viability.' This means they have a chance of survival with intensive medical intervention if born now. Their lungs continue to mature, and their skin is thin and wrinkled, appearing pinkish as tiny blood vessels are visible just beneath the surface.
Your Body This Week
Feeling tingly? Swelling can pinch the nerve in your wrist, causing carpal tunnel-like pain. Try stretching your wrist every half hour for relief. You might also feel extra hungry, but remember, every bump grows differently, so don't worry about size. No extra calories are needed just yet.
Tips for Your Partner
Screening for gestational diabetes typically occurs between weeks 24 and 28. Go with her for support and remind her to fast if needed. Help ease swelling by propping up her feet. Also, try to avoid super loud places, as sudden, harsh noises can be unsettling for both mom and baby.
References
[1]
When Is It Safe to Deliver Your Baby? - University of Utah Healthhttps://healthcare.utah.edu/womens-health/pregnancy-birth/preterm-birth/when-is-it-safe-to-deliver
[2]
24 weeks pregnant guide - Best Start in Life - NHShttps://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-24/
[3]
Fetal development: The second trimester - Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20046151
[4]
Fetal Development: Week-by-Week Stages of Pregnancy - Cleveland Clinichttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
[5]
Carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS) in pregnancy - South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusthttps://www.southtees.nhs.uk/resources/carpel-tunnel-syndrome-cts-in-pregnancy/#:~:text=What%20is%20it?,or%20out%20of%20the%20bed.
[6]
Glucose challenge test - Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/glucose-challenge-test/about/pac-20394277
[7]
Swollen feet during pregnancy: Causes and treatment - Medical News Todayhttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/swollen-feet-pregnancy#summary
[8]
When can a fetus hear? Everything you want to know - Medical News Todayhttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324464#can-the-fetus-hear-music