Twenty Four Weeks Pregnant
Now that you and baby are growing more rapidly, it may be a good time to get some projects done before life changes forever.
From this point on in the pregnancy, unforeseen complications could drastically alter plans. From week 24 to 28, women typically undergo a glucose challenge test (GCT) to determine whether or not they have gestational diabetes--an obstacle that could put you and baby at risk. Even if you've never had issues with diabetes in the past, you could be susceptible of gestational diabetes, which can increase the chances of a larger baby, which in turn could increase the risk of a cesarean birth (C-section).
Another possible unforeseen difficulty could be preterm delivery. It is important that baby develop fully (and that your body has time to prepare for the birthing process). At this point, his or her lungs are not functional, along with other crucial body parts. Forty weeks is the goal, and babies are not considered to be full-term until 37 (although 37 is still too early for optimal development). Make sure that you understand the warning signs of preterm labor and what you should do in case you experience them:
- Contractions (tightening of abdominal muscles every 10 minutes or more frequently)
- Low, constant backache
- Cramping without gastrointestinal issues
- Unusual or alarming vaginal discharge (bleeding or constant, thin fluid)
- Low pelvic pressure
If these symptoms or anything else alarming occurs, call your healthcare practitioner immediately or go to your nearest hospital.