24 Weeks Pregnant: Your 6-Month Milestone and What's Next

Welcome to the six-month mark! At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is not only growing bigger but also more responsive. You may feel them kick to a favorite song or move when you caress your belly.

To help you understand the changes happening now, here’s a guide to your baby’s growth, your pregnancy symptoms, and what to expect this week.

Your Baby’s Development at 24 Weeks

This week’s fetal development helps prepare your little one for the world outside the womb.

Size and weight

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), your baby may weigh about 0.68 kg (1.5 lbs.) and measure around 30 cm (12 in) in length (like the standard ruler!)

Position in the womb

At 24 weeks pregnant, the baby's position may be head-up (breech), sideways (transverse), or head-down. They’ll still change positions many times before settling into a final head-down position closer to your due date.

Lung, senses, and movement

According to the American Pregnancy Association, the lungs are a focus of baby development this week, as they begin to produce surfactant. This substance is crucial for helping their air sacs stay open and allowing them to breathe independently after birth.

At 24 weeks, your baby’s sense of smell activates as their nostrils open, combining with taste to create their first real experience of flavor. A study in Psychological Science showed ultrasounds of babies making smiling faces in response to a carrot flavor and crying faces in response to kale in their mother’s diet.

In addition to this sensory development, baby movements at 24 weeks pregnant may also feel more distinct, such as kicks and pokes, as their coordination and strength improve.

Common Symptoms at 24 Weeks Pregnant

At 24 weeks pregnant, the baby bump itch is real! Use a gentle moisturizer to hydrate and soothe it.

As your body works hard to support your baby, you'll likely notice some new physical changes.

Growing belly and itchy skin

As your uterus expands above your belly button to accommodate your growing baby, your skin stretches, causing it to feel tight and itchy.

Moisturize regularly and avoid using hot water and harsh soaps, as they can exacerbate dryness and itchiness. Consider using a cool compress to soothe the area instantly.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Although Braxton Hicks contractions are most commonly felt during the third trimester, you may start to feel this mild tightening in your abdomen now. These are practice contractions that usually don’t follow any pattern, nor do they increase in intensity.

Changing your position, drinking a glass of water, or having a warm bath can help these contractions subside.

Backaches and leg cramps

The extra weight from your baby and your growing uterus can strain your back muscles, while changes in circulation may lead to leg cramps, especially at night.

A recent study on leg cramps in pregnant women reveals that the most effective relief comes from a combined approach. Try pairing gentle stretches with staying well-hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium.

Swollen ankles and feet

During pregnancy, your body retains more fluid, leading to swelling. You can help reduce foot and ankle swelling by elevating your legs and doing gentle exercises throughout the day.

Fueling Your Body at 24 Weeks Pregnant

To support your health and your baby’s development, focus on a balanced diet based on the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) guidelines. Here are some key food groups to include:

• Fill up with leafy greens, such as spinach and kangkong, which are rich in essential iron and vitamins.
• Choose lean proteins for your baby's muscle and tissue growth, such as eggs, chicken, fish, and lentils.
• Include dairy or alternatives like yogurt and milk to provide the calcium your baby needs for strong bones and teeth.
• Opt for whole grains for sustained energy and helpful fiber from oats and brown rice.
• Enjoy fruits like bananas, which are a great source of potassium and can help with leg cramps.
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

For more inspiration, consider these pregnancy meal plan ideas.

Tips for Your Comfort and Well-Being

Gentle stretches can help relieve common back pain caused by your shifting center of gravity and growing belly.

As your body continues to change, try these simple strategies to help you feel more comfortable.

• Move gently every day. A daily walk and other light exercises during pregnancy can help ease backaches and boost your mood.
• Improve your sleep. The Sleep Foundation recommends sleeping on your left side with legs slightly curled to promote blood flow to the heart, kidneys, and uterus.
• Track baby's movements. Pay attention to your baby's unique pattern of kicks and wiggles as a way to bond.
• Check in with your feelings. It's common to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety; talk about your feelings with your partner, a friend, or your doctor.

Urgent Signs: When to Call Your Doctor

While many symptoms are typical, these pregnancy signs require you to contact your doctor or hospital right away.

• Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain or contractions
• A significant decrease in your baby’s movements
• Severe swelling in your hands, face, or around your eyes
• A severe headache that won’t go away or vision problems

FAQs About Being 24 Weeks Pregnant

What is a typical belly size at 24 weeks?

There is no typical belly size at 24 weeks. Everybody is different, and factors like your height, build, and whether this is your first pregnancy all affect how you look. Your doctor will measure your fundal height (your uterus size) to ensure your baby is growing at a healthy rate.

What is the glucose screening test I might have soon?

The glucose test is a routine screening performed between 24 and 28 weeks to detect gestational diabetes. The test is simple: you'll drink an extra sweet liquid that you may find unpleasant, wait for an hour, and then have your blood drawn to check your blood sugar levels.

Can my baby survive if I give birth at 24 weeks?

A baby born at 24 weeks has a chance of surviving if they receive proper medical care, according to the UK-NHS. They would require immediate and intensive care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to help them with everything from breathing to staying warm. Every extra week in the womb is crucial for their development.

Being 24 weeks pregnant means your body and baby are going through big changes. By staying informed about your baby's progress and listening to your body, you can approach this week with greater confidence.

Join the ParentTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group and share your tips and stories about being 24 weeks pregnant with other parents.