Pregnant in week 24
In week 24 your baby is the size of an ear of corn. The lungs now develop the cells that produce surfactant – the substance that allows the lungs to expand and breathe at birth. It is an important milestone.
Your baby in week 24
Your baby measures around 30 centimetres and weighs about 600 grams. It now slowly puts on fat and begins to fill out the skin, making it less wrinkled.
In the lungs the cells that produce surfactant form – a substance that later allows the tiny air sacs to expand instead of collapsing with each breath. It is crucial for breathing after birth.
The face is almost fully formed, and your baby has grown eyelashes. The inner ear is developed enough that the sense of balance begins to work, so your baby can sense whether it is facing up or down.
Your body and symptoms in week 24
Around week 24 you are on the threshold of the third trimester. All pregnant women are offered a glucose test to check for gestational diabetes – follow your midwife's or doctor's plan.
The bump is large, and the uterus now reaches some way above the navel. The movements are strong and frequent, and from around now it is important to learn your baby's pattern and react if it changes.
Back and pelvic pain, heartburn and breathlessness can appear as the uterus takes up more room. Some also get itchy skin on the belly or restless legs in the evening.
Good advice for week 24
Learn your baby's pattern
From around week 24 you should know your baby's daily rhythm of movement. If you notice clearly fewer or weaker movements, contact your midwife or maternity unit the same day.
Follow the plan for the glucose test
All pregnant women are offered a glucose test. It is there to catch gestational diabetes early. It is simple and important for both you and your baby.
Manage heartburn
Small, frequent meals, avoiding fatty and spicy food and sleeping slightly propped up help. Your doctor can recommend safe remedies if needed.
Keep moving
Walking, swimming and light exercise keep your back strong and your mood high and can ease both restless legs and swelling.
Checklists for this stage
Tick things off as you go – the list remembers where you got to, and you can share it with your partner.
Relevant with us in week 24
This is what we can offer you at this point in your pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions in week 24
What is gestational diabetes?
It is a form of diabetes that can arise in pregnancy when the body can't keep up with the insulin demand. It is detected with a glucose test and most often managed with diet and exercise.
When should I react to fewer kicks?
From around week 24 the rule is: if you notice clearly fewer, weaker or no movements compared with your baby's usual pattern, contact the maternity unit immediately – even at night.
Why do I get out of breath?
The growing uterus presses upwards against the diaphragm and leaves less room for the lungs. It is normal and harmless. With sudden, severe breathlessness, however, seek help.
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Read on in week 24
Gender scan – when can you see the sex? Everything you need to know (2026)
Feeling life – when and how do you feel the first fetal movements?
