Week by Week Pregnancy: 24 Week Pregnant

At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 30 cm long from head to toe and approximately the size of an ear of corn. During this stage of the second trimester, your baby's body is becoming increasingly proportionate while growth and development continue.

Week 24 is also an important stage in pregnancy because babies born this early may have a chance of surviving with specialist neonatal intensive care. However, a baby born at 24 weeks is extremely premature and would usually require substantial medical support, particularly with breathing, feeding, maintaining body temperature and protection from infection.

Your baby's movements may also be becoming easier to recognise. Most people first feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. If you have not felt your baby move at all by 24 weeks, contact your midwife or maternity team.

Key development at 24 weeks:
Your baby is around 30 cm long from head to toe. Movements may be becoming easier to recognise, and your baby's body continues to develop and become more proportionate. If you have not felt any movement by 24 weeks, contact your midwife or maternity team.

Contents

• What Does Being 24 Weeks Pregnant Mean?
• How Is Your Baby Developing at 24 Weeks?
• How Big Is Your Baby at 24 Weeks?
• What Does Your Baby Look Like at 24 Weeks?
• Can a Baby Survive if Born at 24 Weeks?
• What Are Baby Movements Like at 24 Weeks?
• What If You Have Not Felt Your Baby Move by 24 Weeks?
• What Happens to Your Body at 24 Weeks Pregnant?
• Is Increased Appetite Normal at 24 Weeks?
• Are Aches and Pains Normal at 24 Weeks?
• What Are the Symptoms of Being 24 Weeks Pregnant?

24 Weeks Pregnant at a Glance

Topic	At 24 Weeks
Pregnancy stage	24 weeks
Trimester	Second trimester
Baby's length	Around 30 cm from head to toe
Approximate size	About the size of an ear of corn
Body proportions	Becoming increasingly proportionate
Movements	Kicks, turns and wriggles may become easier to recognise
Movement awareness	Becoming familiar with your baby's usual pattern is important
Your body	Aches and discomfort may increase as your bump grows
Appetite	You may notice an increase

What Does Being 24 Weeks Pregnant Mean?

At 24 weeks pregnant, you are still in the second trimester and your baby continues to grow and develop. Your baby is now around 30 cm long from head to toe, and their overall body proportions are becoming more balanced.

Week 24 is particularly relevant when it comes to baby movements. Most people first feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. Early movements can feel like fluttering, swirling or gentle nudges before becoming easier to identify as kicks, turns and wriggles.

As your pregnancy progresses, it becomes increasingly important to recognise what is normal for your baby. There is no single number of movements that every baby should make each day; each baby has their own pattern.

Question	At 24 Weeks
Are you in the second trimester?	Yes
How long is the baby?	Around 30 cm from head to toe
How big is the baby?	Approximately the size of an ear of corn
Are body proportions changing?	Yes
Can movements be felt?	Usually, although timing varies
Is recognising the movement pattern important?	Yes

How Is Your Baby Developing at 24 Weeks?

At 24 weeks, your baby's body continues to mature while their movements become increasingly noticeable. Your baby can kick, turn, wriggle and change position inside the womb.

Your baby's lungs are continuing to develop, although they are not yet mature enough to function in the same way as those of a full-term newborn. Your baby continues to practise breathing movements in the womb but receives oxygen through the placenta and umbilical cord rather than breathing air.

Your baby's senses and nervous system also continue to develop. Periods of activity and rest may become more noticeable, although these will not necessarily match your own sleeping and waking routine.

You can explore how your baby changes throughout pregnancy in our Baby Development in the Womb guide.

Development	What Is Happening at 24 Weeks?
Length	Around 30 cm from head to toe
Body proportions	Continuing to become more balanced
Lungs	Continuing to develop
Breathing movements	Baby continues to practise breathing movements
Movements	Kicks, turns and wriggles may be increasingly noticeable
Activity	Periods of movement and rest may become more recognisable

How Big Is Your Baby at 24 Weeks?

At 24 weeks, your baby is around 30 cm long from head to toe and approximately the size of an ear of corn.

These measurements are averages rather than targets that every baby must match. Babies grow at slightly different rates, so measurements taken during an ultrasound scan do not necessarily correspond exactly with figures given in week-by-week pregnancy guides.

Baby size at 24 weeks:
Around 30 cm from head to toe. Your baby's individual growth is assessed through your antenatal care when clinically necessary.

What Does Your Baby Look Like at 24 Weeks?

At 24 weeks, your baby's body is becoming increasingly proportionate. Earlier in pregnancy, the head was relatively large compared with the rest of the body. As the second trimester progresses, the body catches up and the overall proportions become more balanced.

Your baby is still much smaller and less developed than a full-term newborn. Over the weeks ahead, they will continue growing, gaining weight and developing the organs and systems needed for life after birth.

Can a Baby Survive if Born at 24 Weeks?

Some babies born at 24 weeks can survive with specialist neonatal intensive care, but this is still an extremely premature birth. Outcomes vary considerably and depend on several factors, including the baby's individual condition, birth circumstances and the specialist neonatal care available.

A baby born this early may require substantial support with breathing, feeding, maintaining body temperature and reducing the risk of infection. Long periods of specialist neonatal care may be necessary.

Survival at this stage should therefore not be interpreted as meaning that development is complete. Every additional week of pregnancy can be important for continued growth and organ development.

“Viable at 24 weeks” does not mean a baby is ready to live independently outside the womb.
Birth at 24 weeks is extremely premature and requires specialist neonatal assessment and care.

What Are Baby Movements Like at 24 Weeks?

At 24 weeks, your baby's movements may feel like kicks, turns, wriggles, nudges or sudden small movements. Sensations that initially felt like gentle fluttering may now be easier to recognise as your baby moving.

The strength and frequency of movements can vary throughout the day. Babies have periods when they are more active and periods when they are resting. The position of your placenta can also affect how strongly you feel movement. An anterior placenta may cushion some movements.

There is no set number of movements that every baby should make each day. The important thing is to become familiar with your baby's own usual pattern as your pregnancy progresses.

If your baby is moving less than usual, you can no longer feel movement or there is a clear change in your baby's usual pattern, contact your maternity unit immediately.
Do not wait until the next day or your next routine antenatal appointment.

What If You Have Not Felt Your Baby Move by 24 Weeks?

Most people first feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. If this is your first pregnancy, it may take until after 20 weeks before you clearly recognise the movements.

However, if you have reached 24 weeks and have never felt your baby move, contact your midwife or maternity team. They can check your baby's heartbeat and arrange further assessment if needed.

Do not rely on a home Doppler to check your baby's wellbeing. Even if you can hear a heartbeat, this does not reliably show that your baby is well.

At 24 weeks, movement becomes an important part of recognising your baby's wellbeing.
Contact your maternity team if you have never felt movement by this stage. If you have previously felt regular movements and they become reduced, stop or clearly change, contact your maternity unit immediately.

What Happens to Your Body at 24 Weeks Pregnant?

As your uterus and baby continue to grow, you may notice increasing physical changes throughout your body. Changes to your posture and centre of gravity, together with the effects of pregnancy hormones on your muscles and ligaments, can contribute to discomfort around your back, pelvis, abdomen and ribs.

Your bump may now be clearly visible, although its size and shape vary considerably between pregnancies. The appearance of your bump is not a reliable way to judge your baby's size or wellbeing.

You may also notice an increased appetite. Backache, heartburn, indigestion, leg cramps, sleep difficulties and increased vaginal discharge may continue from previous weeks.

Change	What You May Notice at 24 Weeks
Pregnancy bump	Continues to grow
Appetite	May increase
Back	Backache may occur
Pelvis	Pelvic discomfort may occur
Ribs	Discomfort may develop
Digestion	Heartburn and indigestion may continue
Sleep	Finding a comfortable position may become more difficult
Baby movements	May become increasingly noticeable

Is Increased Appetite Normal at 24 Weeks?

Yes. You may notice that you feel hungrier during the second trimester. However, an increased appetite does not mean you need to double your portions or “eat for two”.

Continue focusing on a balanced and varied diet containing fruit and vegetables, fibre-rich carbohydrate sources, pregnancy-safe sources of protein, and dairy products or suitable alternatives.

Rather than substantially increasing portion sizes, concentrate on the nutritional quality and variety of your meals while following pregnancy food-safety guidance.

Are Aches and Pains Normal at 24 Weeks?

Aches around your back, pelvis, sides of your abdomen or ribs can occur at 24 weeks. Your growing uterus, changing centre of gravity and pregnancy-related changes to muscles and ligaments can all contribute.

Mild discomfort that changes with movement or position can be common. Severe, persistent or worsening pain, however, should be assessed.

In particular, seek prompt medical advice if severe pain just below your ribs is accompanied by a severe headache, changes to your vision, vomiting, sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet, or feeling very unwell. These can be symptoms of pre-eclampsia.

What Are the Symptoms of Being 24 Weeks Pregnant?

At 24 weeks, familiar second-trimester symptoms may continue while your growing uterus and baby can introduce new physical changes.

Common symptoms and changes can include tiredness, difficulty sleeping, backache, stretching discomfort around the sides of your abdomen, heartburn, indigestion, headaches, leg cramps, piles and increased vaginal discharge.

Bleeding or sensitive gums, nosebleeds and stretch marks can also occur during pregnancy.

Symptom	Can It Occur at 24 Weeks?
Baby movements	✔ Yes
Tiredness	✔ Yes
Difficulty sleeping	✔ Yes
Backache	✔ Yes
Stretching discomfort in the abdomen	✔ Yes
Rib discomfort	✔ Can occur
Heartburn and indigestion	✔ Yes
Headaches	✔ Can occur
Piles	✔ Can occur
Stretch marks	✔ Can occur
Bleeding gums	✔ Can occur
Nosebleeds	✔ Can occur

In Part 2:
We'll cover what you may see on an ultrasound scan at 24 weeks, baby movements, abdominal and pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, swelling, possible signs of preterm labour and pre-eclampsia, nutrition, exercise, sleep and gestational diabetes testing.

What Can You See on an Ultrasound Scan at 24 Weeks?

At 24 weeks, an ultrasound scan can show your baby's head, face, spine, heart, arms and legs in considerable detail. Depending on your baby's position, you may also see movements such as kicking, turning or bringing their hands towards their face.

If an ultrasound scan is carried out for a clinical reason, measurements of your baby's head, abdomen and long bones may be taken to assess growth. The position of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid may also be assessed when appropriate.

If your 20-week screening scan has already been completed, you would not usually have another detailed screening scan simply because you have reached 24 weeks. Additional scans may be recommended depending on your pregnancy, or if all the required views could not be obtained during an earlier scan.

During the Scan	What May Be Seen or Assessed?
Head and brain	Physical structures may be assessed
Face	The profile and some facial structures may be visible
Heart	Heart structures and activity may be assessed
Spine	The structure of the spine may be examined
Arms and legs	Limbs and movements may be visible
Growth	Fetal measurements may be taken
Placenta	Its position may be assessed
Amniotic fluid	May be assessed when clinically appropriate

How Big Is Your Baby at 24 Weeks?

At 24 weeks, your baby is around 30 cm long from head to toe and approximately the size of an ear of corn. Your baby will continue to grow and gain weight throughout the remaining weeks of pregnancy.

These figures are averages rather than targets. Individual babies grow at different rates, so measurements taken during an ultrasound scan may not correspond exactly with the figures given in week-by-week pregnancy guides.

Feature	At 24 Weeks
Length	Around 30 cm from head to toe
Approximate size	About the size of an ear of corn
Growth	Baby continues to grow and gain weight
Body proportions	Becoming increasingly balanced
Movements	Kicks, turns and wriggles may become easier to recognise

What Are Baby Movements Like at 24 Weeks?

At 24 weeks, your baby's movements may be becoming much easier to recognise. You may feel kicks, turns, wriggles, nudges or sudden small movements.

The strength of these movements can vary depending on your baby's position and where your placenta is located. An anterior placenta, where the placenta is attached to the front wall of the uterus, can cushion some movements.

There is no set number of movements that every baby should make each day. As your pregnancy progresses, the important thing is to become familiar with your baby's own usual pattern of movement.

If you have never felt your baby move by 24 weeks, contact your midwife or maternity team.
If you have already been feeling movements and your baby moves less than usual, stops moving or their usual pattern clearly changes, contact your maternity unit immediately. Do not wait until the next day.

Is Abdominal Pain Normal at 24 Weeks Pregnant?

Mild, short-lived abdominal discomfort or stretching sensations can occur at 24 weeks. Common causes include stretching of the ligaments supporting your growing uterus, constipation and trapped wind.

You may notice brief sharp discomfort in the lower abdomen or sides when standing up, coughing, changing position or turning over in bed.

Seek medical advice if the pain is severe, persistent or getting worse. Abdominal pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding, regular cramps or tightenings, unusual backache, leaking fluid, unusual vaginal discharge, a high temperature or pain when passing urine should also be assessed.

What Do Regular Contractions Mean at 24 Weeks Pregnant?

Regular or increasingly frequent contractions at 24 weeks should be assessed because they can be a sign of preterm labour. The uterus can sometimes tighten during pregnancy, but regular, painful or increasingly frequent tightenings should not simply be assumed to be a normal pregnancy symptom.

Contact your maternity unit if contractions are accompanied by period-type pains, unusual backache, vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking from the vagina or pressure in the pelvis.

Do not wait to see whether possible signs of preterm labour disappear on their own.
At 24 weeks, regular contractions, suspected waters breaking or unusual vaginal bleeding require maternity assessment.

Can You Have Pelvic Pain at 24 Weeks Pregnant?

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain can occur at 24 weeks. Pain may be felt around the pelvis, groin, hips, thighs or lower back and may become worse with particular movements.

Walking, climbing stairs, standing on one leg, turning over in bed or getting in and out of a car can make the discomfort worse.

If pelvic pain is affecting your mobility or everyday activities, speak to your midwife or GP. Early assessment and physiotherapy, when appropriate, can help you manage the symptoms.

Is Vaginal Discharge Normal at 24 Weeks?

It is normal to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Healthy pregnancy discharge is usually thin, clear or milky white and should not have an unpleasant smell.

Contact your midwife or GP if the discharge smells unpleasant, is green or yellow, causes itching or soreness, or is accompanied by pain when you pass urine. These changes can indicate an infection.

White discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese and is accompanied by itching or irritation may be caused by thrush. Speak to a healthcare professional about treatment that is suitable during pregnancy.

Persistent watery leaking or a sudden gush of fluid should be assessed.
It may not always be easy to distinguish normal discharge or urine from amniotic fluid. If you think your waters may have broken, contact your maternity unit.

Is Swelling Normal at 24 Weeks Pregnant?

Mild swelling of your feet and ankles that develops gradually, particularly later in the day, can occur during pregnancy. Sudden or rapidly increasing swelling should be treated differently.

Seek medical advice promptly if you develop a sudden increase in swelling of your face, hands or feet, particularly if you also have a severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, severe pain just below your ribs, vomiting or feel very unwell. These can be symptoms of pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Routine blood pressure and urine checks during antenatal appointments help your maternity team look for signs of the condition.

Can You Get Piles at 24 Weeks Pregnant?

Yes. Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, can develop during pregnancy or become more noticeable if you already have them. Constipation and increased pressure on the blood vessels around the pelvis can contribute.

Eating fibre-rich foods, drinking enough fluids, remaining physically active and trying to avoid constipation may help. Speak to your midwife, GP or pharmacist before using treatments during pregnancy, particularly if symptoms are painful or persistent.

What Should You Eat at 24 Weeks Pregnant?

Continue eating a balanced and varied diet at 24 weeks. Include fruit and vegetables, fibre-rich carbohydrate sources, pregnancy-safe sources of protein, and dairy products or suitable alternatives.

You do not need to “eat for two”. Even if your appetite has increased, focus on balanced meals and nutritional variety rather than simply doubling your portions.

Continue following pregnancy food-safety advice. Vitamin D is important during pregnancy, while supplements containing vitamin A in the form of retinol should be avoided. Check that any vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements you take are suitable for pregnancy.

Nutrition	Practical Approach
Fruit and vegetables	Include a variety regularly
Protein	Choose pregnancy-safe sources
Fibre	Can help reduce constipation
Fluids	Drink regularly throughout the day
Vitamin D	Follow pregnancy supplementation guidance
Vitamin A	Avoid supplements containing retinol
Portions	You do not need to eat for two

Can You Exercise at 24 Weeks Pregnant?

If your pregnancy is progressing normally and you have not been advised otherwise, staying physically active is generally encouraged. Walking, swimming and other pregnancy-appropriate activities can be suitable options.

Do not exhaust yourself. As a practical guide, you should generally still be able to hold a conversation while exercising. If you become too breathless to talk comfortably, reduce the intensity.

Your centre of gravity changes as your bump grows, so take extra care with activities requiring balance. Avoid activities with a significant risk of falling or being hit in the abdomen.

How Should You Sleep at 24 Weeks Pregnant?

Your growing bump, baby movements, heartburn, backache or leg cramps may make it more difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. Sleeping on your side and using pillows between your knees or underneath your bump may help.

The NHS specifically recommends going to sleep on your side from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Either the left or right side is suitable.

If you wake up on your back during the night, there is no need to panic. Simply turn back onto your side before going back to sleep.

Is Gestational Diabetes Testing Done at 24 Weeks?

In the UK, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is usually offered between 24 and 28 weeks if you have certain risk factors for gestational diabetes. If you have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, testing may be offered earlier as well.

Gestational diabetes often does not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why testing is based largely on risk factors rather than symptoms alone.

Your midwife or maternity team can tell you whether you need an OGTT and when it should be carried out.

Gestational Diabetes	What to Know
Typical testing period	24–28 weeks for people with relevant risk factors
Common test	Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
Symptoms	Often there are no noticeable symptoms
Previous gestational diabetes	Earlier testing may be offered

In Part 3:
We'll cover what is considered normal at 24 weeks, when to contact your maternity team, signs of preterm labour, bleeding, pre-eclampsia, reduced baby movements, leaking fluid, common pregnancy myths, your 24-week checklist and frequently asked questions.

What Is Considered Normal at 24 Weeks Pregnant?

At 24 weeks, a growing bump, increasingly noticeable baby movements, mild stretching sensations, backache and digestive changes can all be normal parts of pregnancy. You may also experience heartburn, constipation, leg cramps, piles, difficulty sleeping or increased vaginal discharge.

Mild swelling of the feet and ankles that develops gradually, particularly towards the end of the day, can also occur. However, sudden swelling, severe or persistent pain, regular contractions or other unusual symptoms should be assessed.

Symptom or Change	Can It Be Normal at 24 Weeks?
Growing pregnancy bump	✔ Yes
Increasingly noticeable baby movements	✔ Yes
Mild, short-lived abdominal stretching	✔ Yes
Backache	✔ Yes
Heartburn and indigestion	✔ Yes
Constipation	✔ Yes
Leg cramps	✔ Can occur
Piles	✔ Can occur
Increased vaginal discharge	✔ Can occur
Mild, gradual swelling of the feet or ankles	✔ Can occur

How Can You Support a Healthy Pregnancy at 24 Weeks?

Continue focusing on a balanced diet, regular fluids, appropriate physical activity and attending your antenatal appointments throughout the second trimester.

• Eat a balanced and varied diet.
• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
• Follow pregnancy food-safety guidance.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Do not stop prescribed medicines without speaking to a healthcare professional.
• Check that medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal products are suitable for pregnancy.
• Remain physically active if appropriate for your pregnancy.
• Continue pelvic floor exercises.
• Look after your teeth and gums.
• Attend your antenatal appointments and any recommended tests.

When Should You Contact Your Midwife or Maternity Unit?

Many physical changes are expected during pregnancy, but some symptoms need medical assessment. Contact your midwife, maternity unit or other appropriate healthcare service if you experience symptoms that are severe, persistent, worsening or concerning.

Seek advice if you experience:

• vaginal bleeding or spotting;
• severe, persistent or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain;
• regular or increasingly frequent contractions or tightenings;
• period-type pains or unusual backache;
• fluid leaking from your vagina;
• unpleasant-smelling, green or yellow vaginal discharge;
• pain or burning when passing urine;
• a high temperature;
• severe or repeated dizziness or fainting;
• vomiting that prevents you from keeping food or fluids down;
• significant pain, swelling, tenderness or warmth in one leg;
• sudden or rapidly increasing swelling of your face, hands or feet;
• a reduction, stopping or clear change in your baby's usual movements.

Some symptoms require urgent medical assessment.
Seek urgent medical help if you have heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, loss of consciousness or feel seriously unwell.

What Are the Signs of Preterm Labour at 24 Weeks?

At 24 weeks, regular contractions, suspected waters breaking or certain new pains and pressure should be assessed for possible preterm labour. These symptoms do not necessarily mean that labour has started, but they should not simply be monitored at home without advice.

Contact your maternity unit if you experience:

• regular contractions or tightenings;
• period-type pains;
• unusual or persistent backache;
• pressure low down in your pelvis;
• a gush or persistent trickle of fluid from your vagina;
• vaginal bleeding.

Do not wait if you think you may be in labour at 24 weeks.
Contact your maternity unit so that you and your baby can be assessed promptly.

Is Bleeding Normal at 24 Weeks Pregnant?

Bleeding during pregnancy does not always mean there is a serious problem, but vaginal bleeding at 24 weeks should be assessed. The amount, colour and duration of bleeding, together with symptoms such as pain, contractions, dizziness or leaking fluid, can help your maternity team investigate the cause.

Contact your maternity service if you have vaginal bleeding or spotting. Seek urgent medical help if the bleeding is heavy or accompanied by severe pain, fainting, significant dizziness or feeling very unwell.

What Are the Signs of Pre-eclampsia at 24 Weeks?

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication that usually develops after 20 weeks and requires medical assessment. Some people initially have no obvious symptoms, which is one reason routine blood pressure and urine checks are an important part of antenatal care.

Seek medical advice promptly if you develop:

• a sudden increase in swelling of your face, hands or feet;
• a severe headache;
• blurred vision or flashing lights;
• severe pain just below your ribs;
• vomiting;
• feeling very unwell.

Gradual and sudden swelling are not the same.
Mild swelling of the feet or ankles that develops gradually can occur during pregnancy. Sudden or rapidly increasing swelling, particularly with other symptoms of pre-eclampsia, requires assessment.

What If You Have Not Felt Your Baby Move by 24 Weeks?

Most people first feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. If you have reached 24 weeks and have never felt your baby move, contact your midwife.

Your baby's heartbeat can be checked and further assessment can be arranged if necessary.

Do not use a home Doppler as reassurance that your baby is well. Hearing a heartbeat yourself does not reliably assess your baby's wellbeing.

What Should You Do If Your Baby Is Moving Less Than Usual?

If your baby is moving less than usual, you can no longer feel movement or there is a clear change in your baby's usual pattern, contact your maternity unit immediately.

There is no single number of movements that applies to every baby. The important comparison is with your baby's own usual pattern once you have become familiar with it.

Do not wait until the next day if you are concerned about your baby's movements.
Contact your maternity unit even if the change happens at night.

What Does Leaking Fluid at 24 Weeks Pregnant Mean?

Increased vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy, but persistent watery leaking or a sudden gush of fluid should be assessed. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish amniotic fluid from normal vaginal discharge or urine.

If you think your waters may have broken at 24 weeks, contact your maternity unit promptly. Do not wait for contractions to begin before seeking advice.

Seek assessment particularly promptly if leaking fluid is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, regular contractions, a high temperature or feeling unwell.

Common Myths About Being 24 Weeks Pregnant

Myth	What You Need to Know
“Everyone should feel strong kicks by 24 weeks.”	No. The timing and strength of movements vary. However, if you have never felt your baby move by 24 weeks, contact your midwife.
“Your baby needs to kick a particular number of times every day.”	No. There is no single number that applies to every baby. Become familiar with your baby's usual pattern.
“A home Doppler can confirm that your baby is fine.”	No. Hearing a heartbeat with a home Doppler does not reliably show that your baby is well.
“A baby born at 24 weeks is fully developed.”	No. A baby born at 24 weeks is extremely premature and usually requires specialist neonatal care.
“A normal ultrasound scan rules out every possible condition.”	No. Ultrasound scans and screening cannot detect every possible condition.
“You need to eat for two during the second trimester.”	No. You do not need to double your portions.

Your 24-Week Pregnancy Checklist

• Check the dates of your upcoming antenatal appointments.
• Continue eating a balanced and varied diet.
• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
• Follow pregnancy food-safety guidance.
• Make sure medicines and supplements are suitable for pregnancy.
• Remain physically active if appropriate for your pregnancy.
• Continue your pelvic floor exercises.
• Become familiar with your baby's usual pattern of movement.
• Contact your midwife if you have never felt your baby move by 24 weeks.
• Contact your maternity unit immediately if movements reduce, stop or clearly change.
• Do not ignore regular contractions, vaginal bleeding or suspected waters breaking.
• Seek assessment for sudden swelling, a severe headache or changes to your vision.
• Check whether you have been advised to have gestational diabetes testing.

Key Takeaway

At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 30 cm long from head to toe and approximately the size of an ear of corn. Movements may be becoming easier to recognise, and becoming familiar with your baby's usual pattern is increasingly important. If you have never felt your baby move by 24 weeks, contact your midwife. If movements reduce, stop or clearly change, contact your maternity unit immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is a baby at 24 weeks?

At 24 weeks, your baby is around 30 cm long from head to toe and approximately the size of an ear of corn. Individual measurements can vary.

How many months is 24 weeks pregnant?

24 weeks pregnant is often described as being around 6 months pregnant. However, calendar months vary in length, so pregnancy is measured more accurately in weeks.

What trimester is 24 weeks pregnant?

At 24 weeks pregnant, you are in the second trimester.

What do baby movements feel like at 24 weeks?

Movements may feel like kicks, turns, wriggles, nudges or sudden small movements. They may become easier to distinguish as your pregnancy progresses.

Is it normal not to feel movement at 24 weeks?

Most people first feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. If you have reached 24 weeks and have never felt your baby move, contact your midwife.

What should I do if my baby is moving less at 24 weeks?

If your baby is moving less than usual, has stopped moving or their usual pattern has clearly changed, contact your maternity unit immediately. Do not wait until the next day.

Can a baby survive at 24 weeks?

Some babies born at 24 weeks can survive with specialist neonatal intensive care. However, birth at this stage is extremely premature, and outcomes vary according to the baby's individual circumstances and the care available.

Are contractions normal at 24 weeks pregnant?

The uterus can sometimes tighten during pregnancy. However, regular, painful or increasingly frequent contractions, particularly with period-type pain, unusual backache, bleeding or leaking fluid, should be assessed for possible preterm labour.

What should I do if my waters break at 24 weeks?

If you experience a gush or persistent trickle of watery fluid and think your waters may have broken, contact your maternity unit promptly. Do not wait for contractions to begin.

Can you get pre-eclampsia at 24 weeks?

Yes. Pre-eclampsia usually develops after 20 weeks. Sudden swelling, a severe headache, changes to your vision or severe pain below your ribs require prompt medical assessment.

Is gestational diabetes testing done at 24 weeks?

In the UK, an oral glucose tolerance test is usually offered between 24 and 28 weeks if you have certain risk factors for gestational diabetes. Your maternity team can tell you whether you need testing.

What happens at 25 weeks pregnant?

At 25 weeks, your baby continues to grow and develop. Movements may become stronger and more recognisable, making it easier to become familiar with your baby's usual pattern.

Related Guides

• 22 Weeks Pregnant
• 23 Weeks Pregnant
• Pregnancy Week Calculator
• Due Date Calculator
• Baby Development in the Womb

References

• NHS – 24 Weeks Pregnant
• NHS – Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy
• NHS – Your Baby's Movements
• NHS – Premature Labour and Birth
• NHS – Pre-eclampsia
• NHS – Gestational Diabetes
• NHS – Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy
• NHS – Vaginal Discharge in Pregnancy
• NHS – Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy
• NICE – Antenatal Care

Medical information: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about your pregnancy or symptoms, contact your midwife, GP or maternity service.