Your baby's weight is over one pound, about 550 grams, and he is over 8 inches long now crown-to-rump length.
His hearing is becoming more refined and exacting, and he is beginning to recognize your voice. He will also recognize the voices of people who frequently talk to, your favorite songs or other sounds around you. After he is born, your newborn will show will a clear preference for your voice over all others, proof of his recognition after weeks of listening to you.
The baby's nostrils are open now and the aveoli or air sacs of the lungs, are starting to develop. They are not yet mature enough to support breathing outside the womb, but the air sacs are rapidly increasing in numbers to prepare for birth.
The fetal heart tones are growing stronger week by week as the baby grows larger. Usually around week 24 of the pregnancy, your baby's heart tones will be audible by using a stethoscope or old-fashioned fetal trumpet. Ask your doctor or midwife if you prefer them to use the stethoscope to listen to the heart tones.
What the Mother Feels During the Twenty-Fourth Week
The increase swelling of the tissues in your body can make your sinuses feel congested. If you were to get a cold, you might even find some bleeding from the blood vessels in your nose when you blow hard or often.
Take care what medications you use for a cold or congestion during your pregnancy. Many decongestants have alcohol or other chemicals that could be harmful to your baby. Be sure to check with your doctor or midwife before taking any medications, even if they are available over-the-counter.
Many parents like to play music for their baby before he's born. There are many benefits to music, of course, and your baby may show signs of recognizing particular songs after his birth. You could try playing some of your favorites now and see what, if any, response you get.
Resources:
The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month by Dr. Sears
Your Pregnancy Week by Week by Lesley Regan
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
