Week 24

A common complaint during pregnancy is carpal tunnel syndrome. It is a condition caused by the compression of nerves within the wrist that can cause pain, numbness and tingling.^1,2 It is common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume, fluid retention, oedema (swelling), and increased nerve sensitivity.²

Fortunately, carpal tunnel syndrome can be managed with different strategies, including wrist splints, corticosteroid injections, physical exercises targeting the nerves, and deep tissue massage.²

• Constipation
• Pelvic girdle pain and back ache
• Lower abdominal aches
• Oedema (swelling, particularly hands and ankles)
• Tingling hands or carpal tunnel syndrome
• Leg cramps
• Migraines
• Blurred vision
• Skin changes (such as skin tags appearing, and red, itchy palms and soles)
• Bleeding gums
• Foetal movement

Measuring around 29–30 cm and weighing approximately 590 g, your baby is starting to increase in weight from accumulating more fat.¹

At 24 weeks gestation, the permanent incisors and canines start to develop below the gums. However, it will be a long time until they appear!³

• Consistently taking folic acid is recommended,⁴ or if you haven’t already, consider taking a prenatal supplement that has the recommended amounts of vitamin A and D, iron and calcium⁵ which will also help support your oral health⁶
• Book your routine dental check up to help support your oral health during pregnancy⁶
• Staying active and keeping a healthy weight can help support overall health⁷
• Try to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking – both are known as risk factors for miscarriage^8,9
• Nourish your body with pregnancy-safe foods. Try to avoid foods high in mercury, such as mackerel and tuna, raw seafood, undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, unpasteurised foods and cheese with a mould rind such as brie, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and any type of herbal tea¹⁰
• Limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day¹¹   
  As a guide:   
  1 mug of coffee contains 100 mg of caffeine   
  1 mug of tea contains 75 mg of caffeine   
  1 can of cola contains up to 40 mg of caffeine   
  1 bar of chocolate contains up to 50 mg of caffeine
• Between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy, you may be offered glucose screening to test for gestational diabetes.¹ Try and maintain a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy to support overall health¹⁰