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🌿Second Trimester•Weeks 14-27
Week 24 of Pregnancy
Your baby is the size of cantaloupe
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Length
11.8 inches
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Weight
1.3 pounds
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Size Comparison
Cantaloupe
👶 Baby Development
- •Baby reaches viability - could potentially survive with intensive medical care if born now
- •Lungs are producing surfactant, a substance that prevents air sacs from collapsing
- •Taste buds are maturing and baby can distinguish sweet from bitter
- •Footprints and fingerprints are completely formed and permanent
- •Brain is growing rapidly with distinct sections developing
- •Skin is becoming less transparent as fat accumulates underneath
- •Baby is gaining about 6 ounces per week from this point forward
💭 Common Symptoms
- •Glucose screening test (1-hour glucose challenge) typically done this week
- •Rapidly growing belly that may cause balance issues
- •Possible carpal tunnel syndrome from fluid retention compressing nerves
- •Significantly increased appetite requiring 300-500 extra calories daily
- •Possible vision changes from fluid retention affecting eye shape
- •More frequent and noticeable baby movements
- •Possible stretch marks appearing or intensifying
🥗 Nutrition Tips
- •Monitor sugar and carbohydrate intake before glucose screening test
- •Eat complex carbohydrates like whole grains, oats, and quinoa instead of simple sugars
- •Include 75-100g of lean protein daily from varied sources
- •Stay hydrated with water throughout the day
- •Eat balanced meals with protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats
- •Include foods rich in vitamin B6 for carpal tunnel relief
- •Avoid excessive sugary snacks and processed foods
✅ To-Do This Week
- •Complete the 1-hour glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes
- •Continue attending childbirth education classes
- •Finalize your baby registry with all essential items
- •Research and interview at least 2-3 pediatricians
- •Begin thinking about circumcision if having a boy
- •Start practicing pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) daily
- •Consider taking a hospital tour
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Did You Know?
Your baby reaches viability this week, meaning if born now, they could potentially survive with intensive medical care! This is a major milestone. Survival rates improve dramatically with each passing week.