Pregnancy calendar - week #24

Pregnant mothers - week #24

Stretch marks and the women who hate them.

Unfortunately for many pregnant women, aquiring stretch marks comes with the pregnancy territory. Some sources say that between 75 and 90% of women get stretch marks during pregnancy, and there's a big chance you'll fall into that demographic.

But is there something to do to prevent them? We know that genetics play a big part in whether or not you get stretch marks, so if your mom got stretch marks during pregnancy, you're apt to as well. But there are things to do to try to lessen them:

• You'll hear it again and again and again. Eat healthy during pregnancy. As for stretch marks, gaining the recommended 25-30 pounds during pregnancy gradually, will keep the skin from stretching suddenly.
• Massage areas prone to stretch marks with a washcloth, loofa, or body brush. This will increase circulation to those areas.
• Drink water! Staying hydrated is excellent for the skin.
• Take vitamins. Also a treat for the skin.
• Keep skin hydrated with special stretch mark prevention creams. Look for brands that contain cocoa butter, wheat germ oil, and lanolin.

If you're scheduled for another prenatal appointment, your doctor will likely administer a glucose screening. This test checks for gestational diabetes, which is a type of diabetes that only occurs during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes affects the way your body reacts to sugars (glucose.) This can often mean very high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This disease can sometimes result in the necessity of a c-section, as gestational diabetes can result in very large babies.

The good news is that this type of diabetes is managable with a healthy pregnancy diet. The other good thing is that gestational diabetes usually subsides after pregnancy.

Another thing to keep in mind during this time of pregnancy: premature labor. Any delivery before 37 weeks is considered premature. Be mindful of the warning signs:

• Increased vaginal discharge, especially if it changes consistency or becomes bloody.
• Abdominal cramping, sometimes accompanied by diarrhea.
• Cramping, feeling like menstrual cramps.
• Ache in lower back.
• Pressure on pelvis, like baby is pushing.

If you experience these symptoms and think you're in premature labor, contact your doctor right away. Also, empty your bladder immediately, drink water and/or fluids, and lie on your left side.

Baby and fetal development - week #24

Lung power: a crucial stage.

As the carrier of this little being, you may notice that she is moving all around, having fun 'playing' in your womb. Around week 24, as the inner ear is completeing it's development, your little one might be able to recognize being upside down, or in another position.

In premature babies, oftentimes the most troublesome underdeveloped organ is the lungs. Premature lungs often cannot produce enough surfactant, which allows the lungs to expand. Right about now, baby's little body is preparing for breathing outside of the womb. Through the placenta, he or she is receiving oxygen. Later in pregnancy, surfactant will be produced to keep baby's lungs from collapsing and attaching together while exhaling.

In week 24, baby weighs approximately 1 pound, 4 ounces. She is about 11.8 inches long.

Pregnant dads - week #24

But what about Arnold Schwarzenegger?

If you're like us, you've heard rumours of male pregnancy. (And for the record, we're not talking about Couvade Syndrome, where expectant fathers take on pregnancy symptoms from being with their partner.) Yeahbaby.com's crack investigative staff has been busy investigating the rumors of 'male pregnancy'. Enjoy!