It’s here 24th week of pregnancy, baby’s weight at 26 weeks (week of amenorrhea) is on average 650 g and it measures 30 cm.

The fetus at 24 weeks pregnant reacts to noise, recognizes his mother’s voice. On his hands and feet, the nails are present. He begins to half-open his eyelids, and regularly opens his mouth to swallow amniotic fluid. When he swallows too much, he may have hiccups, perceived by the mother by small jerks in the belly.

He grows and gets fat well and despite the size of the fetus at 24 weeks gestation, he moves a lot, taking advantage of the place that still remains in his mother’s womb. But at the rate it grows, space will soon start to run out. These movements allow him to develop harmoniously, to strengthen his muscles and his joints, but also to exercise his sense of touch.

His lungs continue to develop: the pulmonary alveoli are formed and the respiratory channels continue to subdivide. In the 2nd trimester, they are still filled with amniotic fluid. Pseudo-respiratory movements, rapid or deeper, are more frequent. They do not allow him to breathe – they will only do so at birth – but contribute to the harmonious development of his rib cage and prepare him for ectopic breathing.

At 24 weeks pregnant, the fetal brain continues to develop. For two weeks, synaptogenesis (formation of synapses) began: each neuron develops branches and dendrites in the direction of other cells. At the point of contact, synapses are formed. This process will extend over several years after birth. Cells and dendrites that are not used will waste away: this is programmed cell death.

The baby has been viable for 25 weeks.

Five months pregnant, the belly continues to grow as it moves up into the abdomen. The scale shows an average of 6 kg more.

With the uterus starting to compress the various organs of the abdomen and the hormones of pregnancy that cause smooth muscle sagging, gastric emptying and intestinal transit are slowed down, promoting acid reflux and constipation.

Back pain, heavy legs, varicose veins and hemorrhoids may appear or persist for this 2nd quarter – and generally, until the end.

AT 26 SA, physiological changes in pregnancy weaken the gums: progesterone and estrogens secreted by the placenta lead to hypervascularization and an edematous and congestive state of periodontal tissues (all the supporting tissues of the tooth). Progesterone also has an immunosuppressive action on oral tissues, promoting the proliferation of bacteria. The acidification of saliva during pregnancy also weakens periodontal tissues. These are all factors that promote the onset of pregnancy-induced gingivitis, which manifests as swollen gums, which tend to bleed easily (1).

It is not uncommon at 6 months of pregnancy to feel your belly tighten and harden: it is indeed a contraction. As long as they are painless, brief and few in number over the day (less than 10), there is no need to worry, they are physiological contractions. On the other hand, as soon as these contractions are painful and repeat themselves, rest is essential. If they do not pass, we consult your practitioner who will check, with a vaginal examination, if these contractions modify the cervix.

The brain of the fetus at 24 weeks pregnant is developing at high speed. The future mother can provide him with omega 3. Omega 6 is also an important fatty acid for the general development of the baby. These two essential fatty acids are brought into the body through food, the human body not being able to synthesize them. The unborn baby therefore needs omega 3 and 6 to ensure its growth and the proper development of its brain and eyes. If the mother-to-be has an omega 3 deficiency, a supplement can be prescribed to her by the doctor. In prevention and to have a sufficient stock of omega 3 and 6, the pregnant woman must ensure to have a healthy diet rich in good fats from the beginning of the pregnancy. 2nd quarter. She can eat fatty fish (herring, salmon) twice a week and should avoid eating large fish (swordfish, shark) because of the mercury, which can be bad for the baby, if eaten regularly. Nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts) contain omega 3 and 6 in good quantity. It is advisable to take a handful per day, in case of hollow, for example. Oils (olive, sunflower) can also provide these essential fatty acids. In addition, a sufficient intake of omega 3 would promote an increase in iron levels in the placenta. As a reminder, iron carries oxygen from the mother’s cells to the baby. The trace element also allows the pregnant woman to avoid being anemic. 

• screen for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks old, for mothers-to-be considered at risk: overweight (BMI greater than 25), aged 35 and over, with a family history of first-degree diabetes (father, mother, sister), previous pregnancy with a large baby (over 4 kg) or with a history of gestational diabetes. This screening is not compulsory but strongly recommended in the presence of one of these risk factors. The so-called one-step method, or OGPO (Hyperglycemia Caused by Oral Seeing), is now recommended. This test is carried out in three stages: a first blood sample is taken on an empty stomach (H0), a second 1 hour after ingesting 75 g of glucose (H1), then a third 2 hours after ingestion of glucose (H2). If the blood sugar reaches or exceeds one of the following 3 values, the diagnosis of gestational diabetes is made: H0: 0,92 g sugar / l of blood; H1: 1,80 g / l; H2: 1,53 g / l (2). Support ranging from a simple diet accompanied by sports practice adapted to insulin injections will then be implemented;
• the 24th week of pregnancy is the right time to go to the dentist for a check-up, a scaling and treat gingivitis and cavities if necessary. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a bacterial infection of the supporting tissues of the tooth. However, various studies (3, 4, 5) have shown that periodontal disease is a potential risk factor for prematurity and low birth weight, but also for pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure. A pregnant woman with periodontitis would therefore have a three times higher risk of giving birth to a premature child.

Five months pregnant, to avoid constipation, be sure to consume enough fiber (gradually increasing the dose) and to drink enough water throughout the day. Unless there is a medical contraindication (threat of premature childbirth in particular), a physical activity adapted to pregnancy – walking, swimming, gentle gymnastics – also helps to promote transit. It is also an excellent preventive action against venous disorders.

Manual manipulation technique aimed at restoring the mobility of the various tissues of the body to restore its good balance and functioning, osteopathy is an interesting natural medicine in the five month pregnant woman. By helping the body to adapt to its new bodily balance, osteopathy can help fight against various pregnancy ailments: lower back pain, sciatica, tailbone pain, acid reflux, heavy legs, constipation, etc. It is possible to consult at any time during pregnancy, except in cases of contraindication (threat of premature delivery in particular). A visit in the 8th month of pregnancy is recommended to rebalance the pelvis for childbirth. Consult a state-certified osteopath (6) or an osteopath specializing in the care of pregnant women and children (7).