Around 24 weeks into your pregnancy, your baby bump is growing noticeably, and the gentle movements from your little one are becoming more pronounced as they grow bigger and stronger.
In this article, we will explore the experiences you may encounter during this stage of pregnancy, including the development of your baby and the changes in your body.
Additionally, we will provide tips on maintaining your well-being and ensuring your comfort during this period.
Related Blog: 23 Week Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips and Baby Development
In this Article
24 Week Pregnant – Baby Development
- At 24 weeks, the baby is about the size of corn and weighs around 1.3 pounds.
- Fetal movements become stronger and more noticeable, with frequent fetal kicks and pokes.
- The baby’s inner ear is fully developed, which helps them maintain balance and orientation in the womb.
- You may notice times when the baby’s movements increase, such as before bedtime, and other times when they seem to move less, possibly when they are sleeping.
- The baby is rapidly gaining weight, around 3 to 6 ounces per week, with the addition of fat to regulate temperature and retain body heat.
- The branches of the baby’s lungs are forming, and surfactant production is underway, but the lungs are still immature at this stage.
- The eyelids have separated and are taking their final shape.
24 Weeks Pregnant Is How Many Months?
At 24 weeks pregnant, you are approximately 5 and a half months into your pregnancy. Pregnancy is typically calculated based on a 40-week gestation period, which is divided into three trimesters. Each trimester lasts about 13 weeks, so at 24 weeks, you are in the middle of the second trimester.
24 Weeks Pregnant Bump
During the 24-week mark of your pregnancy, it’s common to have gained around 10 to 15 pounds, and your belly continues to expand gradually. An interesting correlation is that your fundal height, measured in centimetres, often aligns with the number of weeks you have been pregnant. Therefore, at 24 weeks, the space from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus will typically be approximately 24 centimetres, with a slight margin of plus or minus 2 centimetres.
Related Blog: 22 Week Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips and Baby Development
24 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
- Stretch marks
Red streaks on your belly, buttocks, and breasts as your skin stretches. They can fade over time.
- Skin changes
Dark patches (chloasma) and a linea nigra may appear on your face and abdomen due to hormonal changes.
- Round ligament pain
Common abdominal or hip pain is caused by strained ligaments. Gentle stretching and changing positions can help.
- Trouble sleeping
Your growing belly may make it difficult to find a comfortable position. Pillows for support can help.
- Loss of balance and dizziness
Weight distribution changes and circulatory changes can cause dizziness. Move slowly and stay hydrated.
- Leg cramps
Painful calf or foot muscle contractions may occur. The cause is unknown, but stretching can provide relief.
- Swollen ankles and feet
Elevate your feet and walk regularly to reduce swelling. Unusual or severe swelling could indicate preeclampsia, so inform your doctor.
Related Blog: 8 Surprising Things Unborn Babies Usually Do In The Womb
24 Weeks Pregnant – Tips to Follow
- Discuss sex during pregnancy with your healthcare provider and partner to determine what is safe and comfortable for you.
- Safely fasten seatbelts with the lap strap under your abdomen and the shoulder strap across your chest.
- Drink about 10 cups of fluid a day, primarily water. Use reminders or apps to track intake.
- Start conversations with your healthcare provider and birth partner to plan for your ideal birth.
- Use your energy in the second trimester to babyproof your home, and revisit safety measures as needed.
- Fetal movement counting remains crucial for tracking regular patterns and ensuring the baby’s health.
- Understand vivid dreams and “pregnancy brain” by reading our articles on the topics.
- Consider the outside support you’ll need after childbirth and start narrowing down options.
- Use this time to set up the nursery, including furniture, colour scheme, and safety measures.
- Schedule a glucose-screening test between 24 and 28 weeks to assess for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
- To combat dry skin, opt for short showers in warm water and use mild cleansers.
- Cook in bulk and freeze nutritious meals for convenient and healthy eating.
- Insufficient weight gain can have pregnancy-related complications, so consult your doctor for guidance.
- Good dental hygiene can reduce the risk of gum inflammation, which is linked to premature birth and preeclampsia.
Related Blog: 21 Week Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips and Baby Development
Takeaway at Twenty-Four Weeks Pregnant
At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby continues to grow and develop. They are now the size of corn and weigh around 1.3 pounds. Fetal movements become stronger and more frequent, and their inner ear is fully developed, allowing them to sense balance. You may experience symptoms such as skin changes, stretch marks, backaches, and swollen ankles.
Tips for this week include preparing for the glucose screening, considering a doula for support, and doing meal prep. For comprehensive care during your pregnancy, consider visiting Queen’s Gynecology. Ensure a healthy and comfortable pregnancy journey with our specialized care.
Summary
During 24 weeks pregnant, your baby bump is growing, and fetal movements are stronger. Baby development includes weight gain and lung and eyelid development. Symptoms like stretch marks, skin changes, and leg cramps may occur. Tips include discussing sex during pregnancy, proper seatbelt usage, staying hydrated, and planning for childbirth. Other tips involve babyproofing, nursery set-up, glucose screening, and self-care. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
| Week | Pregnancy Symptoms | Tips and Advice | Baby Development |
| Week 1 | – Missed period | – Take a home pregnancy test | – Fertilization occurs |
| Week 2 | – Tender breasts | – Begin taking prenatal vitamins | – Blastocyst implants in the uterus |
| Week 3 | – Fatigue | – Schedule your first prenatal visit | – Embryonic development begins |
| Week 4 | – Morning sickness starts | – Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine | – Neural tube forms |
| Week 5 | – Increased urination | – Eat a balanced diet | – Heart starts beating |
| Week 6 | – Mood swings | – Stay hydrated | – Brain and head development |
| Week 7 | – Constipation | – Start gentle exercise | – Limb buds form |
| Week 8 | – Food cravings | – Get plenty of rest | – Webbed fingers and toes develop |
| Week 9 | – Weight gain begins | – Avoid raw or undercooked foods | – Tail disappears, now considered a fetus |
| Week 10 | – Visible baby bump | – Wear comfortable clothing | – Organs continue to develop |
| Week 11 | – Darkened areolas | – Practice relaxation techniques | – Baby can swallow and produce urine |
| Week 12 | – Reduced nausea | – Consider prenatal classes | – Sex organs distinguishable |
| Week 13 | – Increased energy | – Continue regular check-ups | – Baby’s fingerprints form |
| Week 14 | – Less frequent urination | – Plan for maternity leave | – Baby’s facial muscles develop |
| Week 15 | – Quickening (baby moves) | – Do pelvic floor exercises | – Baby can make facial expressions |
| Week 16 | – Round ligament pain | – Stay active with low-impact exercises | – Develops sense of hearing |
| Week 17 | – Nasal congestion | – Consider a prenatal massage | – Baby’s skeleton starts hardening |
| Week 18 | – Belly button changes | – Stay well-hydrated | – Vernix caseosa covers the skin |
| Week 19 | – Braxton Hicks contractions | – Eat small, frequent meals | – Baby’s kicks become stronger |
| Week 20 | – Leg cramps | – Begin monitoring baby’s movements | – Baby is covered in lanugo (fine hair) |
| Week 21 | – Shortness of breath | – Sleep on your side | – Eyebrows and eyelashes appear |
| Week 22 | – Linea nigra (skin darkens) | – Practice relaxation techniques | – Rapid brain development |
| Week 23 | – Backache | – Consider prenatal yoga or swimming | – Baby can recognize your voice |
| Week 24 | – Swollen ankles | – Elevate feet when sitting or lying | – Lungs continue to mature |
| Week 25 | – Increased appetite | – Continue regular prenatal check-ups | – Baby may respond to loud noises |
| Week 26 | – Heartburn | – Sleep with extra pillows for support | – Eyes open for the first time |
| Week 27 | – Braxton Hicks intensify | – Pack your hospital bag | – Baby can hiccup |
| Week 28 | – Trouble sleeping | – Monitor blood pressure | – Baby’s kicks become more regular |
| Week 29 | – Shortness of breath | – Avoid lifting heavy objects | – Baby’s bones fully developed |
| Week 30 | – Swollen hands | – Stay hydrated and avoid salt | – Baby may be head-down in preparation for birth |
| Week 31 | – Increased vaginal discharge | – Take childbirth classes | – Baby’s immune system develops |
| Week 32 | – Hemorrhoids | – Practice perineal massage | – Baby’s toenails and fingernails grow |
| Week 33 | – Trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep | – Rest and nap when possible | – Baby’s bones start to harden further |
| Week 34 | – Frequent urination | – Prepare for maternity leave | – Baby’s central nervous system matures |
| Week 35 | – Braxton Hicks increase | – Avoid prolonged standing or sitting | – Baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled |
| Week 36 | – Pelvic pressure | – Finalize birth plan | – Baby continues to gain weight |
| Week 37 | – Lightening (baby drops) | – Stay active with walking | – Baby’s head positions for birth |
| Week 38 | – Fatigue increases | – Do pelvic exercises | – Baby’s lungs are fully mature |
| Week 39 | – Cervix effacement | – Rest and conserve energy | – Baby’s immune system continues to develop |
| Week 40 | – Contractions begin | – Monitor contractions | – Baby’s digestive system is ready for breast milk |
| Week 41 | – Dilation of cervix | – Stay calm and patient during labor | – Baby’s head molds to fit through the birth canal |
Please note that every pregnancy is unique, and symptoms and developments may vary from person to person. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care during pregnancy.
