24 weeks pregnant
Length: 30 cmWeight: 600 g
Baby development
The lungs continue to develop and the airways are taking on a more recognisable form.
Of all the organs in my body, the lungs take the longest to reach full development. However, that doesn’t stop me from practising with them by sucking my thumb.
I'm still quite tiny and my body is covered with hair that helps keep me warm in the belly. When I am born, most of the hair will be gone, but some children may have little tufts in the beginning. White blood cells designed to fight infections have begun to form as part of my immune system. I also receive some of the antibodies from my mother via the placenta. Once I am born, I will receive additional antibodies via breast milk, if mum can/chooses to breastfeed.
Mothers development
Prepare yourself for a new wave of pregnancy symptoms - some less pleasant than others.
Swelling of the feet, irritating heartburn after a meal, the appearance of stretch marks, a sluggish stomach as well as trickles of urine slipping out when you laugh or cough as a result of a stretched pelvic floor.
It can feel very confusing, but there are ways to remedy most of the symptoms. Use support socks and keep your legs in an elevated position whenever possible. Avoid spicy foods and large portions at meals. Drink a lot of water, eat fibre-rich food and keep active. Regular exercise is healthy for both you and the child: it does not have to be intensive, a walk a day may be enough. Perform daily Kegel exercises to keep your pelvic floor muscles strong. As a bonus, pelvic floor exercises also provide a more enjoyable sex life.
Co-parent
Considerable time has passed since the positive test and the realisation you will be a parent, which should have given you some time to settle into the new reality.
The due date is closing in and many thoughts are likely circulating in your mind. Be sure to talk and share a lot of your thoughts with your partner. Also, listen to her needs and if you have any family members or friends you can confide in, now is the time to take advantage of the support system available to you.
Something that you can put down and plan for is purchasing. Have you looked into buying a pram? A car seat for the baby? Cot? Baby Clothes? It's easy to get lost in thought about things needed and the expenses, but with careful planning and the realisation you still have time on your side, it should all come together in the end.
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