Week 24 of pregnancy | Second Trimester

You have reached week 24 of your pregnancy already, which means you are six months pregnant – can you believe it? This week we’re going to take a look at your fundal measurements, as well as how Baby is preparing for life outside the womb by becoming more insulated.

MOM
During a routine visit to your doctor, he or she may test your baby’s position by feeling your abdomen. A tape measure might also be used in order to gauge your fundal (the top of your uterus) height. This gives a good indication as to your baby’s size and continued growth. At this stage, there is a fair amount of variation from pregnancy to pregnancy in the size of both Mom and Baby, so don’t be alarmed if your sister or best friend was slightly bigger or smaller during their pregnancy.

By now your baby bump is probably making you a little uncomfortable, especially whilst you are sleeping. It is recommended that you sleep on your left side during pregnancy, as this allows for the maximum blood flow as well as nutrients to reach your placenta, and also allows for better kidney function.

A word of advice to all expectant moms is to keep properly hydrated. Dehydration has been found to be a possible cause of premature labour, so be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

BABY
This week your baby is preparing for life outside the womb by developing a layer of fat all over the body, which will help to insult against the cold once he or she is born. Another development is that the lungs have begun to secrete surfactant. This substance keeps the inside of the lungs moist and stops the tissue from sticking together. Your baby will also start practicing breathing by now.

Though not the optimal situation, if your baby was to be born from now on in – despite having to spend some time in ICU for a short while – he or she would stand a very good chance of survival, as most of the body functions are in place and in working order.

The following image is courtesy of standupgirl.com

DAD
You may have become an expert photographer by now while trying to capture Mom’s pregnant belly from all angles. This is a great bonding experience for the both of you, and will be a wonderful way for you both to remember all the stages of pregnancy in the future.

That’s it for week 24 of your pregnancy. At six months pregnant, you will need to get plenty of rest, so go on and put your feet up for a while…  We’ll see you again next week!