Pregnancy Guide

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Admin2025-11-18
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4.3m

Weeks 21-24: Rapid Fetal Development ​

This stage is a critical period for rapid fetal development. Weight and length will increase significantly. It is also an important period for gestational diabetes screening.

Fetal Development ​

Physical Development ​

  • Length: About 25-30 cm
  • Weight: About 500-600 g
  • Body Type: More proportionate, subcutaneous fat begins to deposit
  • Skin: Still wrinkled, but gradually becoming fuller

Important Development Characteristics ​

Brain Development ​

  • Sulci and gyri begin to appear on the brain surface
  • Neuron connections increase rapidly
  • Sleep cycle begins to establish
  • Memory and learning abilities sprout

Lung Development ​

  • Bronchi and alveoli continue to develop
  • Start practicing breathing movements
  • Surfactant begins to be produced
  • Prepare for breathing after birth

Sensory System ​

  • Hearing: Can hear clearer sounds
  • Vision: Can perceive light and dark
  • Touch: Whole body touch is sensitive
  • Taste: Can perceive changes in amniotic fluid taste

Important Checkup Items ​

Gestational Diabetes Screening (24-28 Weeks) ​

Screening Reasons ​

  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy may lead to insulin resistance
  • Timely detection and intervention are important for maternal and infant health
  • High blood sugar may affect fetal development

Checkup Process ​

  • Fasting Blood Glucose: Draw blood after fasting for 8-12 hours
  • Oral Glucose: Drink 75 g glucose water
  • 1 Hour After: Draw blood to test blood sugar
  • 2 Hours After: Draw blood to test blood sugar

Result Interpretation ​

  • Normal: Fasting <5.1, 1 hour <10.0, 2 hours <8.5
  • Abnormal: Any indicator exceeding the standard requires further examination
  • Gestational Diabetes: Diet control and blood sugar monitoring required

Routine Prenatal Checkup ​

  • Measure fundal height and abdominal circumference
  • Monitor fetal heart sounds
  • Check weight gain
  • Blood pressure and urine protein check

Maternal Changes ​

Physical Changes ​

Abdomen and Weight ​

  • Fundus of uterus is about 1-2 finger widths above the navel
  • Total weight gain about 4-6 kg
  • Abdomen bulges significantly
  • Stretch marks may appear

Other Changes ​

  • Fetal movement is obvious and powerful
  • Breasts may secrete colostrum
  • Skin pigmentation may worsen
  • Slight edema is normal

Emotion and Psychology ​

  • Full of expectations for fetal movement
  • Start to have substantial consideration for delivery
  • Mood is relatively stable but may have anxiety
  • Start preparing baby products

Life Guidance ​

Diet Management ​

Blood Sugar Control Suggestions ​

  • Staple Food: Choose whole grains, avoid refined rice and flour
  • Protein: Have high-quality protein at every meal
  • Vegetables: Eat more green leafy vegetables and beans
  • Fruit: Moderate amount, avoid high-sugar fruits

Specific Dietary Advice ​

  • Small frequent meals, 5-6 meals a day
  • Avoid excessively long fasting time
  • Control total calorie intake
  • Avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods

Exercise Suggestions ​

  • Walk 15-20 minutes after meals
  • Prenatal Yoga or Pilates
  • Swimming or water exercises
  • Stretching exercises

Blood Sugar Management Exercise ​

  • Start exercise 30 minutes after meals
  • Moderate exercise intensity
  • Last for 20-30 minutes
  • Regularly monitor blood sugar changes

Daily Care ​

Abdominal Care ​

  • Massage with pregnancy cream
  • Avoid overstretching
  • Wear breathable maternity clothes
  • Keep abdomen clean

Breast Care ​

  • Use maternity bras
  • Clean with warm water, avoid using soap
  • Gentle massage to promote blood circulation
  • Use breast pads if there is discharge

Prenatal Education Suggestions ​

Multi-sensory Stimulation ​

  • Hearing: Play beautiful music, talk to the fetus more
  • Touch: Gently touch the abdomen, let the fetus feel the touch
  • Vision: Activities in sunny places
  • Emotion: Maintain a happy mood

Father-Fetus Interaction ​

  • Dad participates in prenatal education activities
  • Tell stories or sing to the fetus
  • Pat the abdomen gently to interact with the fetus
  • Establish early parent-child relationship

Possible Problems ​

Common Discomforts ​

  • Back pain: Use cushions, avoid sitting for a long time
  • Heartburn: Small frequent meals, avoid spicy food
  • Constipation: Drink more water, eat more fiber
  • Edema: Elevate legs, reduce salt intake

Symptoms to Watch Out For ​

⚠️ Seek medical attention in time:

  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Abnormally reduced fetal movement
  • Persistent abdominal pain
  • Severe headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Obvious edema

Next Week Preview ​

In weeks 25-28 you will experience:

  • Fetal weight exceeds 1 kg
  • Enter the preparation stage for the third trimester
  • May need to start preparing hospital bag
  • Childbirth classes or other prenatal courses

Friendly Reminder: Gestational diabetes screening is important. Even if the result is abnormal, don't worry too much. Through diet control and exercise management, blood sugar can be well controlled in most cases.