The ultimate HerFamily guide to your pregnancy: Week 24
Week 24 – You're in the 2nd Trimester! Read more about trimesters here.
This week....
Your baby
Is about 30cm — the size of that bottle of wine you’re not drinking — but still has room to somersault around your womb. Weight is around 600g.
There will be lots of practice breathing this week to help the lungs develop, but they won’t be ready to breathe unassisted until around 37 weeks.
You
As your muscles relax in preparation for labour, expect increasing back and pelvic pain.
Unfortunately the relaxation of muscles in the urinary tract has also made urinary tract infections more likely. UTIs in pregnancy need to be treated so always tell you midwife and doctor if you’re feeling unwell or if it burns when you pee. Urine tests at every antenatal visit help spot UTIs and other pregnancy-related conditions including pre-eclampsia.
By the way, that dark line running down your belly to your pelvis is called the "linea nigra." It will fade after birth.
Nursery dreams
OK, so it might be a while before the nesting thing really kicks into full force, but that doesn't stop a mama making some plans, no? If you already have a room in your house picked for the nursery, now might be a good time to start thinking about what you need in there once the baby makes his (or her!) arrival.
This was one of my favourite parts about the entire pregnancy, I literally threw myself into decorating like there was no tomorrow!
We love the trend of very neutral and unisex nurseries – even if you do indeed know what you are having!
READ: 10 Gender-Neutral Nurseries You Will LOVE
Make time for some romance
Yes, that's right, mamas. It can be easy to get completely wrapped up in your growing belly these days, but now can also be a good time to schedule a week – or weekend – away with your significant other before the big arrival. Yes, you still have a good few weeks to go before that, but trust us on this: You are not going to want to go anywhere those last couple of weeks, so seize the moment now that you are feeling great and filled with energy!
READ: 5 Insanely Romantic Irish Hotels Perfect For A Relaxing Break
