At 24 weeks pregnant, you're reaching an exciting milestone! Your belly is getting bigger, and you can feel your baby moving more often, which is a thrilling experience.
For your baby, this week is special because their facial features are becoming more defined, so they look more like the baby you'll soon meet. Their eyes, nose, and mouth are taking shape, making them even more unique.
Let’s explore what else is happening for both you and your baby at this stage, from changes in your body to your baby’s rapid development.
Your Baby at 24 Weeks
At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a corn on the cob. They measure around 8 inches (210 millimeters) long from head to bottom and weigh more than 1 1/3 pounds (630 grams).
You might be feeling those kicks and movements more than ever now, and they’re only going to get more frequent.
Baby’s Face is Formed
At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby's face is almost fully formed, complete with eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. If you could see your baby now, you'd almost be able to tell what they look like.
Right now, their hair is white because it doesn't have any pigment yet. Their skin is still very thin and transparent, so you could see their organs, bones, and blood vessels, but this will change as they continue to grow and develop.
Kicking and Punching
Your baby is getting stronger, and you’re probably feeling those kicks and punches more clearly now. It’s like your baby is saying, “Hey, I’m here!” These movements are a sign that your little one is building muscle and staying active.
Developing Senses
Your baby’s senses are really starting to come to life. Their little ears are picking up more sounds, and they might even recognize your voice. Their sense of touch is also developing, and they’re busy exploring by touching their face and body.
Gaining Weight
Your baby is gaining more fat now, which will help them stay warm after birth. This is an important part of their growth, and it’s helping them get ready for life outside the womb. Their skin is also becoming less see-through as they gain more fat.
Tiny Lungs at Work
Your baby’s lungs are growing and getting ready for their first breath. Right now, they’re practicing breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid, which helps the lungs develop. It’s amazing to think that these tiny lungs are getting ready for their big debut!
Your Body At 24 Weeks Pregnant
Your Growing Bump
Your bump is probably getting more noticeable each week, and you might even feel like it’s growing overnight! Your uterus is now about the size of a soccer ball, and it’s pushing against your organs, which might make things like breathing a bit harder.
Feeling Out of Breath
With your growing bump, you might start to feel a little more out of breath, especially when you’re moving around a lot. This is normal because your baby is taking up more space, and your lungs have a little less room. Just take it slow and listen to your body.
More Braxton Hicks Contractions
You might notice more Braxton Hicks contractions this week. These are those practice contractions where your belly feels tight for a few seconds. It’s your body’s way of getting ready for labor, even though it’s still a while away. Staying hydrated can help if these become uncomfortable.
Skin Changes
With your belly stretching, you might notice some stretch marks appearing. These are totally normal, and most of them will fade after pregnancy. Keeping your skin moisturized can help with any itching as your belly grows.
Pregnancy Symptoms at 24 Weeks
At 24 weeks pregnant, one unique symptom you might notice is Braxton Hicks contractions. These are mild, irregular contractions that can start to happen as your body prepares for labor.
They are usually not painful and can feel like a tightening in your abdomen. Braxton Hicks contractions are your uterus practicing for the real thing, helping to strengthen the muscles for childbirth.
Common Pregnancy Symptoms:
- Backaches: As your belly grows, it puts more strain on your back muscles, causing discomfort.
- Swollen Feet and Ankles: Extra fluid in your body and the pressure from your growing uterus can cause swelling.
- Increased Appetite: Your baby is growing quickly, which means you might feel hungrier than usual.
- Frequent Urination: Your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder, making you need to pee more often.
- Heartburn: Hormonal changes can relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, causing stomach acid to leak and create a burning sensation.
Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy at 24 Weeks
Stay Active with Prenatal-Friendly Exercises
Continuing safe, gentle exercises can be highly beneficial for both your physical and mental health. Walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga can help manage weight, improve circulation, and reduce common discomforts like back pain and swelling. Always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routines to ensure they are safe for you and your baby.
Practice Good Posture
As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts, which can lead to posture-related discomfort or strain. Focus on standing and sitting with a straight back, shoulders relaxed, and pelvis slightly tucked. Supportive shoes and a maternity support belt may also provide added comfort, especially if you’re on your feet often.
Take Essential Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are still crucial at 24 weeks, supporting your baby’s development and your health. Key vitamins and minerals to consider include:
- Folic Acid: Continues to support neural development and may reduce the risk of birth defects.
- Iron: Helps prevent anemia by supporting the increased blood volume needed during pregnancy.
- Calcium: Essential for fetal bone and teeth development as the baby grows rapidly.
- Vitamin D: Aids calcium absorption and supports bone health for both you and the baby.
Discuss with your doctor to ensure you’re taking the appropriate vitamins and dosage.
Regular Doctor Consultations
Staying up-to-date with prenatal check-ups at 24 weeks is vital. Here are some key areas to discuss with your doctor:
- Fetal Movement: You may start to feel the baby moving more often. Discuss what is normal and how to track fetal movement.
- Blood Pressure and Weight: Monitoring these helps identify potential pregnancy complications, like preeclampsia.
- Symptoms: Mention any unusual symptoms, such as severe headaches or vision changes, which may need closer examination.
- Vaccinations and Supplements: Ask about any recommended vaccinations (like the flu shot) and whether you need any additional supplements.
Testing to Consider at 24 Weeks
Some tests may be suggested around 24 weeks to monitor your health and the baby’s development:
- Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): This blood test checks for gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. You’ll fast for 8–12 hours, drink a glucose solution, and then have your blood drawn 1–2 hours later. If your blood sugar is high, you might need more tests. Gestational diabetes can be managed with diet, exercise, and sometimes medication.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This blood test checks for iron deficiency anemia, which can make you feel tired and weak.
- Rh Status and Rh Antibodies: This blood test checks your Rh status and for any Rh antibodies to ensure compatibility between your blood and your baby's blood.
- Ultrasound: This procedure uses sound waves to create an image of your uterus and baby. A Doppler ultrasound can also check blood flow to the placenta and baby.
- Optional Screening for Birth Defects: Your doctor may offer screening for birth defects, especially if you have a family history of birth defects or are over age 35.
Your healthcare provider will advise on whether these tests are necessary based on your medical history and pregnancy progress.
How to Relieve Common Pregnancy Symptoms?
- Back Pain: Consider gentle stretching exercises, support belts, or a pregnancy pillow to help alleviate back pain. Check out our collection of Pregnancy Pillow for Back Pain.
- Heartburn: Eat smaller, more frequent meals, avoid lying down immediately after eating, and steer clear of trigger foods like spicy or acidic items.
- Leg Cramps: Stay hydrated, stretch your legs frequently, and consider magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens and nuts to reduce cramps.
- Swelling: Elevate your legs when sitting, wear supportive shoes, and reduce salt intake to manage swelling.
What to Eat and Avoid
- What to Eat: Focus on balanced, nutrient-rich meals. Foods rich in protein (like lean meats, beans, and eggs) help with fetal growth. Fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support digestion, and calcium-rich foods (like dairy products) support bone development. Also, omega-3-rich foods, such as salmon, are great for brain and eye development.
- What to Avoid: Avoid raw or undercooked meats, high-mercury fish (like swordfish), unpasteurized dairy products, and highly processed foods. Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol, as these can affect fetal health and development.
What To Expect Next
As you move into the next week, your baby will keep growing and getting stronger. You’ll feel those kicks getting even more powerful, and your bump will continue to grow.
Now is also a great time to start thinking about what you’ll need when your baby arrives—like a baby monitor, baby carrier, and other baby essentials.
Check out Momcozy for baby essentials and maternity gear to help you get ready. Preparing now can make those first weeks with your little one a bit easier and less stressful!
Featured Products from MomCozy:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 24 weeks pregnant 7 months?
At 24 weeks pregnant, you are about six months along. Pregnancy is typically counted in weeks, and 24 weeks falls into the end of the sixth month. You will reach seven months at around 28 weeks.
What is important at 24 weeks pregnant?
At 24 weeks pregnant, it's important to monitor your baby's movements and attend regular prenatal check-ups. Your baby is growing rapidly, and their facial features are becoming more defined. It's also a good time to start thinking about your birth plan and preparing for the baby's arrival.
Are babies fully developed at 24 weeks?
At 24 weeks, babies are not fully developed but are making significant progress. Major organs like the lungs and brain are continuing to mature, and the baby is gaining weight. While they still need more time to develop fully, babies born at this stage have a chance of survival with medical support.
What is the position of the baby at 24 weeks pregnant?
At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is usually positioned with their head upward and feet downward, but they still have plenty of room to move around. The baby can change positions frequently, so you might feel kicks and movements in different areas of your belly. As they grow, they will gradually move into a head-down position in preparation for birth.
