Pregnancy Week 24
Your baby is growing steadily and becoming more responsive this week. The lungs continue developing, the brain is growing rapidly, and your baby is gaining more body fat. Movements may also become stronger and easier to recognize.
Your Baby This Week
Lung Development
At week 24, your baby’s lungs continue to mature. The airways are developing further, and the lungs are beginning to produce increasing amounts of surfactant, a substance that helps keep the tiny air sacs open after birth.
The lungs are still immature and require more development before your baby is ready to breathe independently.
Rapid Brain Development
Your baby’s brain continues developing rapidly during this stage. The nervous system is becoming more sophisticated, helping coordinate movement and responses to different sensations.
More Body Fat
Your baby is beginning to accumulate more fat beneath the skin. This fat will become increasingly important for energy storage and temperature regulation after birth.
The skin may still appear thin and somewhat wrinkled, but it will gradually become smoother as more fat develops.
Responding to Sounds
Your baby’s hearing continues to mature. Your baby may respond to familiar sounds, including your voice, heartbeat, and other sounds from the surrounding environment.
Growing & Maturing
Your baby is about the size of a cantaloupe. The lungs and brain continue developing while your baby gains more body fat and becomes increasingly responsive to sounds.
Your Body This Week
Your body continues adapting as your pregnancy progresses into the second half.
Stronger Baby Movements
Your baby's movements may become stronger and easier to recognize. You may notice kicks, rolls, stretches, and changes in position.
Growing Belly
Your uterus continues expanding as your baby grows. You may notice that everyday activities and certain sleeping positions are becoming less comfortable.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Some people begin experiencing occasional Braxton Hicks contractions, which are irregular tightening sensations of the uterus. They are generally not painful and do not follow a regular pattern.
Leg Cramps
Leg cramps can continue during the second trimester, particularly at night. Gentle stretching and regular movement may help.
Tips for week 24
- Continue taking your prenatal vitamin every day.
- Eat a varied and balanced diet.
- Include protein-rich foods at your meals.
- Choose iron-rich foods regularly.
- Include calcium and vitamin D sources to support bone development.
- Eat foods containing healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Continue pregnancy-safe physical activity if approved by your healthcare professional.
- Stretch gently if you experience leg cramps.
- Take regular breaks if you spend long periods sitting or standing.
- Get enough rest and sleep.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs.
- Limit caffeine to 200 mg or less per day during pregnancy.
- Keep your prenatal appointments and recommended screenings.
- Ask your healthcare professional about glucose screening if it has not yet been scheduled.
Nutrition This Week
Your baby’s brain, lungs, bones, and rapidly growing body continue requiring a variety of nutrients.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Iron Rich Foods
Calcium Sources
Protein Rich Foods
Folate Rich Foods
Healthy Fats
Fruits & Vegetables
Whole Grains
Stay Hydrated
Nutrition Tip
Iron needs remain important as your blood volume continues to increase. Pair plant-based iron sources such as beans and lentils with foods rich in vitamin C to help your body absorb iron.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is my baby at Week 24?
Your baby is approximately the size of a cantaloupe. Exact measurements can vary depending on the timing of development.
What is developing during Week 24?
Your baby’s lungs and brain continue developing, the nervous system becomes more mature, and the body begins accumulating more fat beneath the skin.
Can my baby hear me at Week 24?
Yes. Your baby’s hearing system is becoming more developed, and your baby can detect sounds and vibrations from the surrounding environment.
Are my baby's movements supposed to be stronger now?
As your baby grows and becomes stronger, movements may become easier to recognize. You may notice kicks, rolls, stretches, and other movements.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular uterine tightenings that can occur during pregnancy. They are often described as the abdomen becoming temporarily firm or tight.
If contractions become regular, painful, increasingly frequent, or are accompanied by bleeding, fluid leakage, or pelvic pressure, contact your healthcare professional promptly.
What is glucose screening?
Glucose screening checks how your body processes glucose during pregnancy and helps identify gestational diabetes. It is commonly performed during the second trimester, often around 24–28 weeks, depending on your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Is Week 24 an important milestone?
Week 24 is an important stage because your baby’s lungs and other organs are continuing to mature. However, every week of pregnancy contributes significantly to development, and babies born very prematurely require specialized medical care.
Week by Week
Explore your pregnancy journey week by week.
Join Our Newsletter
Get weekly pregnancy tips, updates and exclusive content.
We respect your privacy
