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24 weeks pregnant: baby, body and what to expect

Trimester 2 of 3About 5.5 months16 weeks to go
Week 24 of pregnancy: baby is about the size of a ear of corn
Week 24 at a glance

At 24 weeks, a baby is often about 11.8 inches (30 cm) long and weighs around 1.3 pounds (600 g), roughly the size of an ear of corn. Surfactant production begins, which helps keep the lungs from sticking together.

24 weeks pregnant is about 5.5 months. You are in month 6 of pregnancy and the second trimester.

Your baby at 24 weeks

Baby's Lungs Begin Making Surfactant

At 24 weeks, an important process begins: surfactant production starts. Surfactant is a substance that helps keep the lungs from sticking together.

What surfactant does

Surfactant helps the tiny air sacs in the lungs stay open between breaths. Its production increases gradually over the coming weeks, and it is one of the key steps in preparing the lungs for breathing after birth.

  • Surfactant helps the air sacs stay open between breaths.
  • The lungs keep maturing, even though the baby does not breathe on their own yet.
  • Many people feel the baby moving clearly by this point.
Around this time, the baby may move in bursts and change position often. Less movement during one part of the day is often due to sleep. Many providers recommend tracking movements and calling if you notice a clear change.

How this week may feel

By 24 weeks, the belly is usually clearly larger, and some people notice stronger kicks. Heartburn, evening swelling in the feet and ankles, a heavy feeling in the lower back, or shortness of breath with activity can all happen.

Call your provider right away if you have bleeding from the vagina, fluid leaking from the vagina, severe pain, fever, regular or painful contractions, burning with urination, sudden swelling of the face or hands, a severe headache, or vision changes. Also call if the baby's movements suddenly slow down after you had been feeling them regularly. Do not wait for your next appointment.
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Your body at 24 weeks

What to Expect

What is the glucose test?

The glucose screening test is a routine part of prenatal care in the US. It shows how well your body handles sugar during pregnancy. Your provider may use a 1-hour glucose challenge (a sugary drink followed by one blood draw) or a longer 2- or 3-hour glucose tolerance test if the first result is high.

During pregnancy, placental hormones make your body less responsive to insulin. This is a normal change. In some people, though, the pancreas cannot make enough extra insulin, and blood sugar rises too high. This is called gestational diabetes.

How is the test done?

  1. A blood sample is taken to check your fasting blood sugar (for the longer test).
  2. You drink a glucose solution. The amount is often 50 grams for the first screening and 75 to 100 grams for the longer test.
  3. Blood is drawn again at set times, usually 1 and 2 hours later.
Preparation depends on which test you have. The 1-hour challenge usually does not require fasting. The longer test usually requires fasting for at least 8 hours beforehand, with no food or sugary drinks. Ask your provider what to do before your appointment.

Why does it matter?

Finding gestational diabetes early lets you and your provider plan treatment. This often starts with changes to diet and exercise, and sometimes includes blood sugar monitoring or medicine. Treatment can lower the risk of problems such as a larger than average baby, a difficult delivery, and low blood sugar in the baby after birth.

Warning signs: when to contact your provider

  • Very strong thirst that does not go away.
  • Urinating much more often than usual.
  • Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or fingers, or a sudden weight gain.
  • Vaginal bleeding, or fluid leaking from your vagina.
Call your provider right away if you have severe weakness, dizziness, chest pain, trouble breathing, a severe headache, or vision changes. For a medical emergency, call 911.

Common symptoms at 24 weeks

Backache

A sore lower back is common as your belly grows and your posture shifts. Gentle stretching, good supportive shoes, and resting with pillows under your belly or between your knees when lying down can help.

Heartburn

Burning in your chest or throat can happen as the uterus presses on your stomach. Smaller meals, staying upright after eating, and avoiding very spicy or fatty foods may ease it.

Leg cramps

Sudden calf cramps, often at night, are a frequent part of pregnancy. Stretching your calves before bed and staying hydrated may help, and your care team can talk with you if cramps are severe.

Stretch marks

Itchy, pink or purple lines may show up on your belly, breasts, or hips as your skin stretches. Moisturizing with a lotion you like can ease itching, though it does not prevent all stretch marks.

Shortness of breath

You may feel winded with activity because your growing uterus pushes up on your diaphragm. Moving at a slower pace and taking breaks can help. Let your care team know if breathing problems feel sudden or severe.

Swelling in feet and ankles

Some puffiness in the feet, ankles, or fingers is common by late pregnancy. Raising your legs, walking short distances often, and wearing comfortable shoes may help.

Your week 24 checklist

Tests and appointments

  • Glucose screening. This blood sugar test, usually done between 24 and 28 weeks, checks whether your body is handling sugar in a typical way during pregnancy. Your care team will share the results and next steps with you.
For your partner: You can offer to go along to prenatal visits or the glucose test, and help keep track of appointment dates and questions. Helping with meals, errands, or a gentle back rub can also make daily life feel lighter.

Questions about week 24

How many months is 24 weeks pregnant?

24 weeks pregnant is about 5.5 months. You are in month 6 of pregnancy and the second trimester.

What trimester is 24 weeks?

Week 24 is in the second trimester. The first trimester runs through week 13, the second from week 14 to 27 and the third from week 28 until birth.

What is happening with the baby at 24 weeks?

At 24 weeks, a baby is often about 11.8 inches (30 cm) long and weighs around 1.3 pounds (600 g), roughly the size of an ear of corn. Surfactant production begins, which helps keep the lungs from sticking together.

What does the glucose test drink taste like?

The drink is a sweet, orange-flavored or fruity liquid that is very sweet. Some offices offer different flavors or a smaller-volume option. You may be asked to sit quietly during the test, and your blood will be drawn about an hour later.

Can I still exercise at 24 weeks?

Many people can stay active at this stage, with walking, swimming, and stationary cycling being common choices. Your care team can tell you what is right for your health, so check with them before starting or changing your routine.

Is my baby able to hear at 24 weeks?

Hearing is developing at this stage, and your baby may respond to loud sounds or your voice. Talking, singing, or playing soft music is a gentle way to connect, and there is no need to worry about doing it perfectly.

Safe or not?

LimitCan I go in a hot tub while pregnant?LimitCan you eat blue cheese while pregnant?Ask your doctorCan you get a massage while pregnant?LimitCan I eat brie while pregnant?

Guides for this stage

Mental healthFeeling Less Attractive in Pregnancy: Learning to Accept a Changing BodyMedical careCervical length check in pregnancy: what the test showsHealthManaging chronic conditions during pregnancyFeedingColostrum Leaking in the Second Trimester: What's Normal and What to Do
Coming up next weekWeek 25: Spine Strengthens and Fists Begin to ClenchRead week 25 →
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General information only; it does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife.