Week 24 of Pregnancy

Pregnancy Week 24 marks an important milestone, often referred to as the point of viability, as your baby's lungs continue important development. Healthcare providers calculate pregnancy from the first day of your last menstrual period, and by week 24 your baby is often compared to the size of an ear of corn or a cantaloupe.

Understanding week 24 of pregnancy can help you know what is happening in your body as your glucose screening often takes place during this stage.

What Happens During Week 24 of Pregnancy?

During week 24, your baby's lungs continue developing branching airways and begin producing a substance called surfactant, which helps the lungs function after birth. Your baby's face is also now fully formed, including eyelashes.

As your baby continues to gain weight, the skin gradually becomes less translucent and slightly more opaque this week.

What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy in Week 24?

Pregnancy symptoms in week 24 often reflect a growing bump and continued changes in circulation and digestion.

• Backache

As your bump continues to grow, mild back discomfort can persist.

• Swollen Feet or Ankles

Increased blood volume and fluid retention can lead to mild swelling in the feet or ankles.

• Occasional Heartburn

The growing uterus can continue to put pressure on the stomach, leading to mild heartburn.

• Braxton Hicks Contractions

Mild, irregular tightening of the uterus can continue to occur occasionally during this stage.

• Itchy Abdomen

Stretching skin can continue to feel itchy as your bump grows.

Baby Development in Week 24

• Lungs Produce Surfactant

Your baby's lungs begin producing surfactant, a substance that helps the lungs expand properly after birth.

• Face Fully Formed

Your baby's face is now fully formed, including eyelashes, though features will continue to refine.

• Weight Gain Continues

Your baby continues gaining weight, and the skin gradually becomes less translucent.

How Does Your Body Change During Week 24?

Week 24 is mainly characterised by continued uterine growth and important prenatal screening.

• Uterus Continues Rising

Your uterus continues growing steadily above the level of your belly button.

• Weight Gain Continues

Steady, healthy weight gain often continues as your baby grows.

• Increasing Blood Volume

Your body continues producing more blood to support your baby's development.

What Should You Eat During Week 24 of Pregnancy?

A nutrient-dense diet remains important in week 24, especially as your baby's lungs continue important development.

• Choose Iron-Rich Foods

Iron supports your rising blood volume and helps prevent fatigue. Good sources include lean meat, beans, chickpeas, lentils and spinach.

• Include Protein in Your Diet

Protein supports your baby's rapidly developing organs and tissues. Eggs, fish, chicken, paneer, tofu, beans and lentils are useful sources.

• Choose Fibre-Rich Foods

Fibre from fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help support digestion and ease heartburn.

• Limit Added Sugars

Being mindful of added sugars can support balanced blood sugar levels ahead of your glucose screening.

• Stay Hydrated

Adequate water intake can help ease swelling and support increasing blood volume.

What Foods and Substances Should You Avoid?

As your baby's lungs and organs continue maturing, avoiding certain substances and foods remains an important part of a healthy pregnancy.

• Alcohol and Tobacco

Avoid alcohol and smoking completely, as they can affect your baby's developing brain and organs.

• Excessive Caffeine

Keep caffeine intake within the limits recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Raw or Undercooked Foods

Choose properly cooked foods and follow good food-safety practices, avoiding raw or undercooked meat, eggs, unpasteurised dairy and high-mercury fish.

• Highly Processed Foods

Limit foods high in added sugars, excess salt and unhealthy fats, and focus instead on a varied, nutrient-rich diet.

Exercise During Week 24 of Pregnancy

Gentle movement can help ease backaches and support circulation, though it is important to listen to your body and rest when needed.

Choose activities that are comfortable for your fitness level, and avoid suddenly starting strenuous exercise without appropriate guidance.

• Walking and Gentle Exercise

Walking is a simple, low-impact way to stay active and can help support circulation and reduce swelling.

• Stretching and Yoga

Gentle stretching and suitable prenatal yoga practices can support flexibility, relaxation and help ease back discomfort.

How Can You Prepare for a Healthy Pregnancy?

Week 24 is a good time to prepare for your glucose screening and continue building healthy habits.

• Schedule Your Glucose Screening - This test, typically performed between weeks 24 and 28, checks for gestational diabetes.
• Continue Prenatal Vitamins - Keep taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid as recommended by your doctor.
• Moisturise Your Skin - Keeping skin moisturised may help ease itchiness as your bump continues to grow.
• Get Adequate Rest - Continue prioritising sleep and rest as your body adjusts to a growing bump.
• Manage Stress - Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, gentle yoga or deep breathing.

What Tests and Checkups Are Useful During Week 24?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of tests around this stage to confirm your baby's development and monitor your health.

• Glucose Screening Test

This test, typically performed between weeks 24 and 28, screens for gestational diabetes.

• Routine Prenatal Check-Up

Regular check-ups continue to monitor your health and your baby's growth.

• Blood Pressure and Urine Checks

Routine monitoring continues to track your overall health throughout the second trimester.

Week 24 Pregnancy Care Tips

A few simple habits can help you manage symptoms and support your baby's development this week:

• Continue taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid.

• Eat balanced, nutritious meals with mindful sugar intake.

• Stay well hydrated throughout the day.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Avoid alcohol, smoking and unapproved medications.

• Schedule your glucose screening test.

• Manage stress with relaxation techniques.

• Avoid self-medicating without consulting your doctor.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

Some symptoms should not be dismissed without medical evaluation. Speak with a healthcare provider if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, high fever, severe dizziness or fainting, severe vomiting, or unusual vaginal discharge.

If you have an existing health condition or take regular medication, discussing your health with a healthcare provider early in pregnancy is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Week 24

• How big is my baby at week 24?

Your baby is typically about the size of an ear of corn or cantaloupe at week 24, with lungs beginning to produce surfactant.

• What does viability mean at week 24?

Week 24 is often referred to as a point of viability, meaning a baby born at this stage may have a chance of survival with intensive medical care, though every pregnancy is different.

• What is the glucose screening test?

The glucose screening test, typically performed between weeks 24 and 28, checks for gestational diabetes.

• What should I eat during Week 24?

Focus on iron, protein and fibre-rich foods, while being mindful of added sugars ahead of your glucose screening.

• Can I exercise during Week 24?

If you are healthy and have no medical restrictions, gentle activities such as walking and prenatal yoga can support overall fitness during this stage.

• When should I see a doctor during Week 24?

Seek medical advice for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, high fever, severe dizziness or fainting, severe vomiting, or other unusual or concerning symptoms.