Your Baby in week 24
Your Baby in week 24:
Your baby is still receiving oxygen through the
placenta. But once birth occurs, his or her lungs
will start taking in oxygen on their own. In
preparation for that, your baby's lungs are
developing the ability to produce surfactant.
Surfactant is a substance that keeps the air
sacs in our lungs from collapsing and sticking
together when we exhale, allowing us to breathe properly.
Because the inner ear — which controls balance
in the body — is now completely developed, your
baby may be able to tell when he or she is upside
down or right side up while floating and making
movements in the amniotic fluid.
What's going on with You:
An important prenatal test, glucose screening,
is usually performed sometime during weeks 24
to 28. The glucose screening test checks for
gestational diabetes, a temporary type of
diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and
can cause problems in the newborn, such as
low blood sugar. Gestational diabetes may
also increase the chances that a woman would
need a cesarean section because it can
lead to the growth of very large babies.
During the glucose screening test, you'll
drink a sugary solution and then have your
blood drawn. If your blood sugar levels are
too high, you'll have further tests, which
your health care provider will discuss with
you. Gestational diabetes usually can be
controlled by eating a well-planned diet
and getting regular exercise, but sometimes
medication, such as daily insulin, will
be needed during the pregnancy.
next week 25
|
