Week 24
Baby
By the end of this week, baby will weigh nearly 2 pounds and be 14 inches long. Last week
we discussed that baby is starting to practice her breathing motions.
Although she won't
actually use her lungs to breathe oxygen until after her birth, her lungs are beginning to
develop the ability to produce surfactant, which is
a substance that is necessary for the
air sacs to inflate easily. When babies are born prematurely, often these cells have not
had enough time to develop, which can cause
breathing problems in a premature infant.
She is continuing to gain weight in her muscles, major organs, and fat cells. These fat
cells will be crucial to her
once she is born to help regulate her body temperature in the
outside world.
Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. The information
listed on this site is designed to give you a general idea of your baby’s current development.
Mommy
Now that your belly is rounded out in full force, you will notice more and more strangers seem to be attracted and want to touch it. For some reason, they seem to think that this gesture is polite, or even acceptable. If you are uncomfortable with it, don't be afraid to tell the person, though I suggest doing so calmly. A simple, "Please do not touch my stomach, without at least asking me first," will do. Some women don't mind, and are glad to share this joy with other people. But for some mothers, it may make them very uncomfortable, and it is just fine to let that person know so. After all, if you weren't pregnant, would they walk up and place their hands all over your belly? I think not!