Your second trimester is almost at its end! Welcome to week 24 of pregnancy baby development, where your baby’s development is almost complete. Here is a guide on what to expect in your sixth month of pregnancy.

Congratulations! Your second trimester is ending soon and any fears you may have can finally subside. Your baby has finally graduated from a fruit seed into an ear of corn in size, approximately almost 8 inches long. You may notice that your baby is now kicking and has become more active inside your belly, most especially when you are about to sleep. There is no need to be concerned if your baby is not as active as the other babies you read about online. Bear in mind that every pregnancy is different.

By week 24 of pregnancy baby development, your baby’s head has grown comparatively larger, which is now matched with the perfect set of eyebrows and eyelashes.

The baby’s respiratory system is also maturing as well, with a surfactant beginning to coat the lungs and the air sacs further developing.

At this point, your baby’s muscles have more shape and tone. And while the kicking continues, there are other progressions to note. Your baby at week 24 of pregnancy baby development is starting to grow ears, which provide him the balance he needs inside your belly. Your baby’s lungs are starting to form this week, but bear in mind that the lungs are only fully functional by the 26th week or so.

Don’t worry if you have gained some weight between 10 to 15lbs. This is the time to start wearing a maternity belt, now that your belly is starting to really grow in size. There are maternity pants you could also buy, which have sewn-in maternity support for your growing belly.

Maintain your healthy diet and moderate exercise (if permitted by your doctor or health care provider), which will allow you to lose weight easier after giving birth.

Some of the most common symptoms experienced during week 24 of pregnancy baby development are:

• Difficulty sleeping. Now that your belly is rounder and bigger than usual, you may find it hard to sleep as you try to find the “perfect” spot in bed. If it helps, try to put a pillow in between your legs to relieve some back pain, or you may try to purchase pregnancy pillows that are J or U shaped. These pillows are designed for pregnant women to help them sleep.
• Waddling. Again, with your growing belly, you might find yourself walking like a penguin as you try to gain your balance and footing. Be careful when trying to stand up from a lower surface. Always make sure that you have ample support or that someone is there to lend you a helping hand.
• Changes in your skin. By week 24 of pregnancy baby development, you may notice that some parts of your skin are starting to change in color and are turning a shade darker. You may notice it particularly around the skin of your neck and armpits (for some). Stretch marks also begin to show. These may be a little itchy, so you can apply some body butter or moisturizing lotion specifically formulated for pregnant women to combat the stretch marks. It is an additional step you may want to incorporate into your daily pampering routine, but you will thank yourself later.

Because your belly is growing continuously on week 24 of pregnancy baby development, your ankles and lower body may need some time to adjust to the weight gain. You may notice some pain in your ankles or lower back as you walk, so make sure to wear clothes that provide ample support when doing physical activities. Also be extra careful when moving around.

What tests should I know about?

By your week 24 of pregnancy baby development, your doctor will also check if you have gestational diabetes. You will be asked to undergo glucose screening to determine if you are at risk of acquiring gestational diabetes.

Women are more at risk of gestational diabetes if they are:

• Over 35 years old at time of pregnancy
• Have short stature (<1.5m)
• Overweight or obese
• Gain excessive weight during pregnancy
• Have excessive central body fat deposition
• Have a family history of diabetes
• Have polyhydramnios
• Have hypertension or preeclampsia
• History of miscarriage
• Lead a sedentary lifestyle
• Suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome

With gestational diabetes, the baby may grow larger than normal and make it more difficult for a natural delivery. Expectant mothers who have gestational diabetes are usually recommended to deliver their baby via cesarean section. Gestational diabetes may also cause premature birth, which occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy.

Women with gestational diabetes are also at risk of developing high blood pressure, polyhydramnios, and/or pre-eclampsia.

Since you are now on week 24 of pregnancy baby development, this is the best time to ask your doctor what you can expect in this last stage of your pregnancy with regards to your diet and level of activity. You may also want to revisit your vacation plans as women who are 28 weeks pregnant may be restricted to fly and travel long distances.

You may also consult your OB-GYN regarding maintaining intimate relations with your partner and what positions are safe for you and the baby. With your growing belly, it might get tricky, but this should not be a basis for concern.

To ensure that you and the baby are healthy in preparation for birth, try the following tips:

• Stay hydrated. Drink 8-10 cups of water each day.
• Communicate with your partner and your family regularly. If you can take trips to the doctor with a companion, all the better. Having someone with you while you consult your doctor is helpful.
• Maintain a healthy diet and moderate exercise, if given the green light to do so. This will not only improve how you are physically but mentally as well.
• Still keep wary of pregnancy myths. For example, dark patches of skin on your neck and armpits do not necessarily mean that you will have a boy.

This is an exciting time for you as your baby reaches the final stages of pregnancy. On week 24 of pregnancy baby development, do not forget to get enough sleep, keep yourself healthy, and avoid food that does not add nutritional value to your diet to avoid gestational diabetes.