Week 24 of Pregnancy
Learn about your baby's development and what to expect at 24 weeks pregnant.
Baby's Size This Week
Baby Development at Week 24
- ● At week 24, your baby is approximately 30.0 cm and weighs around 600g.
- ● This is the threshold of viability — babies born at 24 weeks have a meaningful chance of survival with intensive NICU care, with odds improving rapidly each day.
- ● The lungs are producing increasing amounts of surfactant, and the air sac (alveolar) structures essential for breathing are actively forming.
- ● Your baby's face is nearly fully formed, with eyebrows, eyelashes, and a layer of fine hair (lanugo) covering the body to regulate temperature.
- ● The brain is growing rapidly, and the cerebral cortex — responsible for thought, sensation, and voluntary movement — is becoming more complex.
- ● Your baby's inner ear is now mature enough to detect changes in balance, meaning they can sense when your body position changes.
Your Body at Week 24
- ● At week 24, your growing belly may cause backaches and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position.
- ● Braxton Hicks contractions (mild, irregular practice contractions) may become more noticeable; they are a normal part of the second trimester.
- ● Heartburn and indigestion are common as the growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach.
- ● You may begin to notice that your feet and hands swell more noticeably, especially in warm weather or after prolonged activity.
- ● The glucose challenge test is typically scheduled between weeks 24–28 to screen for gestational diabetes — your provider will advise on the exact timing.
- ● Your uterus is now about the size of a soccer ball and sits just above your belly button, which may contribute to increased back and round ligament pain.
Week 24 Checklist
- ☐ Complete the glucose challenge test to screen for gestational diabetes (typically at weeks 24–28).
- ☐ Sign up for childbirth education classes if not already enrolled — popular classes book weeks in advance.
- ☐ Create or update your birth preferences/birth plan and discuss it with your healthcare provider.
- ☐ Discuss with your partner roles and support during labor and delivery.
- ☐ Research cord blood banking options and decide whether to donate publicly or bank privately.
- ☐ Begin planning your maternity leave: review your employer's policy and discuss your timing preferences with HR.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect at 24 weeks pregnant?
At 24 weeks pregnant, you are in the second trimester and have reached the threshold of viability. Your baby is about the size of a Corn (30.0 cm) and is developing lung tissue, brain complexity, and sensory functions. Common experiences this week include heartburn, Braxton Hicks contractions, back pain, and increased swelling. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
How big is my baby at 24 weeks?
At week 24, your baby is approximately 30.0 cm in length and weighs around 600g — roughly the size of a Corn. These measurements are averages based on WHO fetal growth charts; individual babies vary naturally in size.
What does the glucose challenge test at 24 weeks involve?
The 1-hour glucose challenge test (GCT) is a screening test for gestational diabetes. You drink a 50g glucose solution, and your blood is drawn one hour later. No fasting is required. If your result is above the threshold (typically 130–140 mg/dL depending on your provider), a 3-hour glucose tolerance test is done for confirmation. Gestational diabetes, if present, is manageable with diet, exercise, and sometimes medication.
What is the viability milestone at 24 weeks?
Week 24 is widely considered the threshold of viability in obstetrics — the point at which a baby born prematurely has a meaningful chance of survival with NICU care. Survival rates at 24 weeks range from approximately 40–70% depending on the facility and individual factors. Each additional day in the womb significantly improves outcomes.
Is cord blood banking worth considering at 24 weeks?
Cord blood banking involves collecting stem cells from the umbilical cord at birth for potential future medical use. Public cord blood banks accept donations for free and make units available to anyone who needs a match. Private banking stores cord blood exclusively for your family at a cost. ACOG recommends discussing the decision with your provider, as clinical evidence for private banking is still evolving.
Track Your Exact Pregnancy Week
Use our free Pregnancy Week Tracker to find out exactly how far along you are based on your last menstrual period or due date.
Track My Pregnancy →Sources
- ACOG
- WHO Fetal Growth Charts
- Mayo Clinic
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your pregnancy.