Week 24

Week 24 is a huge milestone—your baby is now considered at the edge of viability, meaning if they were born early, they’d have a chance of survival with medical support. Of course, we want them to keep cooking much longer, but it’s an important point in pregnancy.

Baby is now about the size of a corn on the cob—around 12 inches long and weighing about 1.3 pounds.

What’s Happening in Your Body?

Your baby’s lungs are developing tiny branches of the respiratory tree and are starting to produce surfactant, a substance that helps them breathe after birth. Their face is almost fully formed, complete with tiny eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair that may even have a bit of color.

They’re also more active than ever—rolling, twisting, and even doing somersaults in your belly! You might notice clear patterns of movement, like baby being more active at night.

For you, your uterus is about the size of a soccer ball, and your belly is growing steadily outward.

Common Symptoms This Week

• Stronger baby kicks and movement patterns

• Braxton Hicks contractions—mild, irregular “practice” contractions

• Lower back pain or hip discomfort

• Heartburn or indigestion as baby presses on your stomach

• Swollen feet and hands (especially after standing for long periods)

• Tingling or numbness in your hands (pregnancy carpal tunnel can show up now)

And you may also feel more out of breath, since your growing uterus is pressing up toward your lungs.

What You Can Do This Week

• Start paying attention to baby’s activity routine—you don’t need strict kick counts yet, but knowing their “normal” is helpful

• Sleep on your side, especially your left, to improve blood flow

• Do gentle prenatal exercises to ease back and hip pain

• Elevate your feet when resting to help with swelling

• Talk to your provider about gestational diabetes testing, which is coming up soon (usually between 24–28 weeks)

This is also a sweet time to record your baby’s “personality” through movement—are they calm and gentle or already a little acrobat? Apps like Cubtale can help you note these fun details.

Real Talk

Week 24 feels big. You’ve hit an important milestone, you’re feeling baby more than ever, and the reality of the third trimester is getting closer.

You might feel proud and excited… but also a little nervous about what’s ahead. That’s okay. Pregnancy is a constant balance of emotions, and there’s no “right” way to feel.

For now, soak in these kicks, these little moments of connection—you’re building a bond already.