pregnancy | week by week

A banana

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Week 24: Baby’s Balancing Act

Your baby’s inner ear -- and sense of balance -- is developing now.

During your 24th week of pregnancy, your baby probably is continuing to become more active. This is helpful, as your baby’s movements show your doctor that your baby is in good health. His movements also help stimulate muscle growth, keep joints flexible and strengthen bones. Other notables at 24 weeks of pregnancy:

• Your baby’s face is almost completely formed, down to his tiny eyelashes.
  
• When you’re 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 8 inches long, close to the length of a banana, and weighs about 1 1/2 pounds.
  
• Which way is up? Your baby probably knows, now that his inner ear -- which controls balance -- has finished developing. Baby might be able to tell whether he’s upside down or right-side up inside your amniotic sac.
• The baby’s lungs may be producing a substance called surfactant, which allows the lungs to inflate and deflate without collapsing or sticking together (though in some babies, surfactant isn’t produced until week 30).
• Your baby is probably gaining about 6 ounces each week by the 24th week of pregnancy.

Dining out While Eating for Two

Helpful tips for moms-to-be.

Going out can be convenient, especially when you’re pregnant and extremely busy. Consider these healthy tips when dining out during pregnancy to help keep any hidden restaurant calories, unhealthy fats and sugars off your plate:

• Don’t arrive famished. It’s the best way to ensure that you don’t overeat. Try to eat a piece of fruit, vegetables, crackers or a handful of nuts before you go.
  
• Ask about preparation methods, and make special requests. You can almost always substitute grilled options for fried foods, or steamed veggies for fries.
• Smaller is better. Because restaurant portions are often larger than recommended serving sizes, plan to share a meal, or immediately box half of it to bring home for another meal.