Pregnancy Care Planner

Nutrition Tips for Week 24

Focus on iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans, and leafy greens to support your baby's growing blood supply.

Calcium is essential now for your baby's bone development. Include dairy products, fortified plant milks, or calcium supplements.

Stay hydrated! Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily to support amniotic fluid and prevent constipation.

Foods to Avoid

Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood

High-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish)

Unpasteurized dairy products and juices

Excessive caffeine (limit to 200mg per day)

Exercise Guidelines for Week 24

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (about 30 minutes, 5 days a week).

Listen to your body and adjust intensity as needed. You should be able to talk while exercising.

Stay hydrated before, during, and after exercise. Wear comfortable, supportive clothing.

Focus on maintaining good posture to reduce back strain as your center of gravity shifts.

Activities to Avoid

Contact sports or activities with high risk of falling (skiing, horseback riding)

Exercises that require lying flat on your back after the first trimester

Hot yoga or exercise in very hot, humid conditions

Deep twists, full inversions, or movements that strain the abdominal muscles

Stop exercising and contact your healthcare provider if you experience dizziness, chest pain, headache, muscle weakness, calf pain/swelling, vaginal bleeding, or contractions.

Upcoming Scan

In 2 weeks

Growth Scan

Week 26 (May 28, 2023)

City Women's Health Center

10:00 AM

Preparation Instructions

Drink 32 oz (1 liter) of water 1 hour before your appointment
Do not empty your bladder until after the scan
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Bring your partner or support person if desired

Previous Scans

Anatomy Scan

Week 20 (April 30, 2023)

All measurements normal

Dating Scan

Week 8 (January 15, 2023)

Heartbeat detected: 160 bpm

Scan Timeline

Week 8

Dating Scan Completed
Week 12

NT Scan Completed
Week 20

Anatomy Scan Completed
Week 26

Growth Scan Scheduled
Week 32

Growth Scan Not scheduled
Week 36

Position Scan Not scheduled

Today's Medications

May 14

Prenatal Vitamin

1 tablet

With breakfast

Morning

8:00 AM

Iron Supplement

1 tablet

With dinner (not with calcium)

Evening

7:00 PM

Vitamin D

1 tablet

With lunch

Afternoon

1:00 PM

Take your iron supplement at least 2 hours apart from calcium-rich foods or supplements for better absorption.

Weekly Schedule

Medication	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Prenatal Vitamin
Iron Supplement
Vitamin D

Medication Information

Prenatal Vitamin

A comprehensive multivitamin specifically formulated for pregnant women. Contains essential nutrients including folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and DHA.

Take with food to reduce nausea

Best absorbed in the morning

Iron Supplement

Helps prevent iron deficiency anemia, which is common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and the baby's iron needs.

Take with vitamin C to enhance absorption

Avoid taking with dairy, calcium supplements, coffee, or tea

May cause constipation - increase water and fiber intake

Vitamin D

Supports calcium absorption and bone development for both mother and baby. Also important for immune function.

Fat-soluble vitamin - take with a meal containing some fat

Can be taken at the same time as calcium supplements

Baby's Development at Week 24

Size: Ear of corn Weight: ~1.3 lbs Length: ~11.8 inches

Your baby's face is fully formed with eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair.

Brain growth is rapid, and taste buds are developing.

Lungs are developing and producing surfactant, preparing for breathing.

The heart is beating strongly and can be heard with a stethoscope.

Fingerprints and footprints are fully formed.

Your Body This Week

Growing Belly

Your uterus is about the size of a soccer ball and extends about 2 inches above your belly button.

Weight Gain

By now, you've likely gained between 12-15 pounds. Expect to gain about a pound per week for the rest of your pregnancy.

Swelling

Mild swelling in your ankles and feet is normal due to increased blood volume and pressure from your growing uterus.

Heartburn

As your uterus pushes on your stomach, you may experience more frequent heartburn or indigestion.

Self-Care Tips for Week 24

Sleep Position

Try sleeping on your left side with pillows between your knees and under your belly for support. This improves circulation to your baby.

Comfortable Clothing

Invest in supportive maternity bras and comfortable clothing. Consider a belly band if you're experiencing lower back pain.

Skin Care

Keep your skin moisturized to help with itchiness and stretch marks. Use pregnancy-safe products without retinoids or salicylic acid.

Mental Health

Practice mindfulness or gentle yoga to reduce stress. Connect with other expectant mothers through classes or online communities.

This Week's To-Do List

Start researching childcare options

Even if you plan to stay home, it's good to have backup options
Sign up for childbirth classes

Classes often fill up quickly, so register early
Create a baby registry

Include items at various price points
Take a hospital tour

Familiarize yourself with the labor and delivery unit
Start planning your maternity leave

Discuss options with your employer and review policies