Pregnancy Week 24

Week 24! Things are progressing steadily now and rapid changes in your body and in your baby's body are picking up pace! This week your little one is about 8 1/2 inches long and weighs about 1 1/2 pounds. He is also gaining weight steadily at a rate of about six ounces per week!  While you might not notice this increase, it's due in large part, to your baby accumulating baby fat (cute little rolls!), and from growing organs, bones, and muscles. That's right, this week you're growing he-man in your belly!!!  In addition to putting on more weight and filling out some rolls, his tiny ears are getting sharper and can hear very loud sounds.  Feel free to talk to your belly as much as possible, it promotes bonding for you, and as your little one's ears become sharper they will be able to hear lower decibels and get to know your voice!  Encourage daddy and any siblings to do the same, it's never too early to introduce the family!!!  One of my daughter's favorite things is to tell her little brother stories...and roar at him, because that gets him moving. LOL.

Along with all that (I told you we're picking up the pace this week) your little one's face is almost fully formed, complete with eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair...if you want to do a 4D ultrasound this would be the earliest I would suggest doing it, so your little love bug actually LOOKS human.

Just like every other week, your body is in for a lot of changes as well.  One of the more noticeable changes is with your belly button! Don't be surprised if you're in the majority of women whose belly button pops out...and don't worry if your innie never becomes and outie, that's normal too.  The reason for the button change is due to your swelling uterus pushing on everything in its path...including your belly button!  Again, if your innie stays and innie, that's okay too. This may be due to the placement of your uterus, the size of your belly button (how much is actually 'in', as well as how you are carrying.  If you do make the belly button change, reset assured everything should go back to normal after delivery, but don't be surprised if your belly button (and other parts of your body) might look a little stretched compared to before.  But remember, in the long run it's all worth it for that smiling little bundle!

Another fun update this week, don't be surprised if you are experiencing numbness in your wrists, and fingers.  This is likely due to carpel tunnel syndrome, but don't worry, the sensation will go away after you give birth...do you see a trend happening here?  Some other 'wonderful' symptoms you may be experiencing are constipation, headaches, lower abdominal achiness, backaches, leg cramps, vision changeless, and mild swelling of the feet and ankles.  Not everyone will have these symptoms, and remember if you're ever concerned about them, don't hesitate to contact your health care provider.  If you are experiencing any, or all, of these symptoms try to sit back and relax and let your muscles unwind; remember they are under a lot of stress.  As for the constipation. DO NOT STRAIN!  Straining to "go" can lead to hernias and hemorrhoids...not fun. Wheat germ added to oatmeal is great at...moving things along. I would also recommend drinking lots of water and eating a lot of fruits and vegetables to help keep things...soft. Get used to it, this is the kind of talk you are going to be experiencing for a LONG time once baby comes!

Week 23
Week 25