Pregnancy at week 24

quote from : http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/Pregnancy/calendar/twins/20-24



At 20 weeks, each of your babies will weigh approximately one pound! By 24 weeks, they will have gained another half pound and will be approximately 12 inches long! The babies are continuing to grow and have produced some fat under the skin. Lanugo-soft, furry hair-covers their skin and you will most likely notice this at birth. The babies are also starting to be covered with a cheesy substance called the vernix caseosa coating. The twins are in constant contact and kick and nudge at one another for space. The membrane that separates them still is amazingly elastic! Every joint in their bodies are flexed. The chin is at the chest and their elbows are tucked at their sides. Their legs are often brought up to their chest and the feet are tucked under their bottoms. On ultrasound, you will often see that they like to have their hands up near the face. During periods of awake time, they will stretch out and move around. 

You should be feeling your babies move around every day. You might not be able to tell which one is which though. You may only be able to feel it one side occasionally and that is OK. It may be that both sets of legs are stretching out in the same direction. 

Edema is not uncommon during any pregnancy, especially when carrying multiples. Sometimes the extra accumulation of fluid can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a tingling or numbness in part of the palm and fingers caused by excessive compression of the bones and nerves. If you are experiencing this, try to rest as much as possible and drink lots of water. You can also purchase carpal tunnel wrist guards at a local drugstore. Symptoms usually go away after delivery. 

You may be noticing that you are warmer than everyone else in the room. Your resting metabolic rate is increased during pregnancy and causes you to feel overheated. It does not mean you have a fever. Drink extra fluids to replace any fluids that you are losing through perspiration. 

Many pregnant women also begin to experience leg cramps at this point of their pregnancy. It can be a sudden and extremely painful feeling. Because you are carrying multiples, you are at increased risk for experiencing leg cramps. You are carrying extra passengers and they can be very greedy when it comes to getting the mineral they need for good nutrition. You may be suffering from a shortage of calcium. Ask your doctor to help you find a way of getting enough for your and your babies. 

It is not uncommon for mothers of multiples to go in to labor early. Pay close attention to any changes in your pregnancy and inform your caregiver at once if you experience any signs or symptoms of preterm labor. 

Ongoing Symptoms

Nasal stuffiness 
Sensitivity to sun 
Bleeding gums 
Constipation 
Round ligament pain 
Leg cramps 
Anemia 
Leakage from nipples 
Glow of pregnancy 
Change in sexual desire 
Hearty appetite 
Sleep changes 
Expanding uterus 
Fatigue 
Headaches 
Heartburn 
Swelling feet 
Stretch Marks 
Spine curving 
Vaginal discharge 
Decrease in urination 

To Think About This Month

Obtaining baby care essentials 
Birth preparation classes 
Birthing options and plans 
Work arrangements if not already done 
Childcare arrangements if needed