Reaching week 24 of pregnancy is a genuine landmark. This is the week often described as the point of viability, the stage at which babies born prematurely have an increasing chance of survival with specialist neonatal care. At 24 weeks pregnant you are two-thirds of the way through your second trimester, and your bump is now unmistakable. It is a reassuring, exciting time for many expectant parents across the UK, and a natural moment to take stock of how far you and your baby have come.
If you have been following our week-by-week series from week 23, you will notice this week brings some meaningful developmental progress alongside a few new physical sensations. Understanding what is happening, what is considered normal, and which appointments fall around now can help you feel calm and prepared.
Your baby at week 24
By 24 weeks, your baby measures approximately 30 centimetres from head to heel and weighs in the region of 600 grams, roughly the size of an ear of corn. These are general estimates, and healthy babies vary considerably, so try not to worry if your own scan measurements differ slightly.
This week marks real refinement rather than dramatic new features. Your baby's lungs are continuing to develop the tiny air sacs and the surfactant that will eventually help them breathe air after birth, although this process has a long way to go yet. The skin is becoming less translucent, and your baby is steadily laying down fat, which will help with temperature regulation later in pregnancy.
- The inner ear, which governs balance, is now well developed, and your baby can respond to sounds and movement.
- Taste buds are forming, and your baby regularly swallows small amounts of amniotic fluid.
- Regular sleep and wake cycles are becoming more established, which is why you may start to notice patterns in your baby's movements.
Around this stage, many people become more aware of their baby's kicks and rolls. Getting to know your baby's typical pattern of movement is important, and any change should always be discussed promptly with your maternity team.
Your body at week 24
At 24 weeks pregnant, your growing uterus now sits above your belly button, and your bump is likely drawing plenty of comments. As your body adapts, a number of second-trimester symptoms are common and usually nothing to be concerned about.
- Backache and pelvic discomfort, as your posture shifts and pregnancy hormones soften your ligaments.
- Braxton Hicks contractions, occasional painless tightenings of the womb that are simply practice for labour.
- Swelling in the feet and ankles, particularly later in the day or in warm weather.
- Stretch marks and itchy skin as your bump expands.
- Heartburn, indigestion and constipation, which are common as your digestive system slows.
You may also notice changes to your skin, such as a darker line down your abdomen, and occasional dizziness. These are typically normal parts of pregnancy. That said, some symptoms should never be ignored. Severe or persistent headaches, visual disturbances, sudden swelling of the face or hands, or intense itching, particularly of the hands and feet, should be reported to your midwife or GP without delay, as they can occasionally signal conditions that need assessment.
What to keep in mind this week
Week 24 is a good moment to focus on wellbeing habits that support you and your baby through the rest of pregnancy. NHS guidance encourages a balanced, varied diet, regular gentle activity, and staying well hydrated.
- Continue taking your recommended daily vitamin D throughout pregnancy, as advised by the NHS.
- Keep up gentle movement, such as walking or antenatal exercise classes, if you are able and it feels comfortable.
- Start familiarising yourself with your baby's usual pattern of movements, and never hesitate to contact your maternity unit if you feel movements have reduced or changed.
- If you smoke, stopping at any stage benefits your baby, and your midwife can point you towards support.
This is also a sensible time to begin thinking ahead about your birth preferences and any workplace arrangements, without any pressure to have everything decided at once. Our pregnancy journey planner can help you map out a personalised timeline of milestones and appointments for the weeks ahead.
Scans, tests and appointments
By 24 weeks, your routine 20-week anomaly scan, offered by the NHS between 18 and 21 weeks, will already be behind you. The appointments clustering around now are largely about monitoring your health and your baby's growth.
One of the key screening tests offered around this stage is the glucose tolerance test (GTT), typically carried out between 24 and 28 weeks for those with risk factors for gestational diabetes. This blood test checks how your body handles sugar, and identifying gestational diabetes early allows it to be managed well throughout the remainder of pregnancy.
Several vaccinations also fall around this window. The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is offered from around 16 weeks, and can still be given now if you have not yet had it, to help protect your newborn in their first weeks of life. The RSV vaccine is recommended from 28 weeks, so it may be discussed at an upcoming appointment. Your midwife will talk you through what is right for your circumstances.
Many parents also choose a private 3D/4D scan around the mid to late second trimester, when there is enough fat beneath the skin for beautifully detailed images, yet plenty of space for your baby to be seen clearly. It is a much-loved bonding experience and a lovely keepsake, distinct from any medical assessment.
Looking ahead to week 25
Passing the viability milestone at week 24 is a reassuring point in any pregnancy, and there is still a great deal of growth and development to come. As you move into week 25, your baby will keep gaining weight and strength, and you may find your bump, and your baby's movements, becoming ever more noticeable.
Whether you are keeping up with routine NHS antenatal care or considering additional reassurance scans, the team at London Pregnancy Clinic is here to support you with expert, compassionate care at every stage of your journey.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak to your midwife, GP or obstetrician about your own pregnancy.
