At weeks 24 and 25, women are in their pregnancy 6th month. The relaxed phase of gestation during the second trimester is behind as the bodies of both women and fetuses undergo further changes to prepare for the last trimester. 24 weeks is also the time when a prematurely born fetus can be kept alive in a neonatal unit.
What happens during week 24 of pregnancy?
The pregnancy week 24 baby size is about 25cm long and weighs a little over 600g. The brain continues to develop rapidly, and the senses such as eyesight, hearing and even taste develop further. The fetus can hear sounds from outside and even respond to light. The lungs are in a steady growth phase, getting filled with a surfactant that helps keep them inflated after birth. All the organs and systems in the body have developed enough to allow a premature baby at 24 weeks to survive. However, they need to be delivered at a hospital and placed inside a neonatal unit under expert care. The downside to premature babies born at this point is that they have a high chance of developing a disability such as blindness or cerebral palsy.
Women by 24 weeks can easily feel the movement of the fetus by placing their hands over the belly. The pregnant abdomen at this point is clearly visible, and the uterus is just above the belly button. Braxton hicks contractions would have become a familiar experience for many women as they can feel their uterus tighten and become hard. However, it is still important to talk to the doctor about how to recognize a medical emergency and distinguish it from the Braxton hicks.
Between weeks 24 and 28, most women will be offered a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) to screen for gestational diabetes. If the test is positive for the condition, it is important to make changes to diet and lifestyle along with additional care for the rest of the pregnancy.
What happens during week 25 of pregnancy?
By week 25, the fetus would have gained more weight and reached about 700g. They would also be close to 30cm long and take up most of the space in the uterus. They will open their eyes for the first time around this week as the brain begins to regulate the movements of the eyeballs and eyelids. The rest of the senses have also developed well while the digestive, respiratory and nervous systems are still catching up. Premature babies born around this time still have about an 80% survival rate when kept in a neonatal unit.
Pregnant women by 25 weeks might still experience discomfort brought about by the expanding uterus. Some of the common complaints include heartburn, indigestion, leg cramps and back pain. It is important to consult the doctor to rule out more serious conditions such as preeclampsia in the event symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion continue to get worse.
Wrapping Up
By weeks 25, preterm babies can survive inside a neonatal unit. As the 6th month of pregnancy comes to a close, the fetus has fully formed senses, and most organ systems are functional. It is important to screen for medical conditions such as gestational diabetes at this stage.
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