Medically Reviewed by: Katherine Walker, NCT Practitioner
At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby’s little face is nearly fully formed, and your belly grows more noticeable by the day. As your body continues to change in preparation for your baby’s arrival, the excitement is really starting to build—especially as more people begin to notice your growing bump. If you choose to find out the gender at your anomaly scan, you’re already cheering for team boy or team girl.
This is a time of incredible changes for your whole family, especially for you and your baby, and it's perfectly normal to have a mix of emotions—from joy and anticipation to a bit of nervousness. But let’s dive into what to expect this week and how to make the most of this special time as you prepare for the amazing adventure of parenthood.
We break down what to expect at 24 weeks pregnant, from the symptoms you might experience to the amazing changes happening with your baby.
How many months is 24 weeks pregnant?
Counting your pregnancy in weeks and months can get confusing. You are around six months pregnant now!
In the sixth month of your pregnancy, your uterus is now about the size of a football, sitting above your belly button, and your bump is even more prominent. If you're wondering when the third trimester starts, you've got four weeks to go until the final stretch, as the third trimester starts at week 28.
24 weeks pregnant symptoms
As ever, your body is changing week by week: by week 24, your uterus will be about the size of a football. If you had risk factors at your booking appointment, it’s also time to take a glucose screening test—also known as an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)—to check for gestational diabetes, a high blood sugar condition that can affect pregnant women.
Katherine says, ”You may become aware that your heart is beating a bit faster than usual, and you might notice you’re breathing a bit faster too; this is because your body is now pumping 50% more blood through your body so that your baby receives plenty of oxygen, you are breathing for two!"
As we mention below, you may be experiencing haemorrhoids or piles. You may notice itchy bumps around your anus and bright, red blood in the toilet bowl and on the loo paper. As unpleasant as they are, piles can be treated easily with haemorrhoid creams to numb the pain and itching, so book an appointment with your GP if you need advice. Here are some symptoms you should be aware of at 24 weeks pregnant.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Noticing that your wrists and fingers are feeling numb, especially at night? It’s probably carpal tunnel syndrome, another confusing pregnancy symptom. The swelling you’ve noticed during pregnancy is responsible: it causes fluids to accumulate in your lower body during the day and redistributes them around the rest of your body once you’re lying down, which puts pressure on the nerves that run through your wrists and thus can cause pain, tingling, a sense of numbness or an ache in your hands, fingers and wrists. These symptoms will usually disappear within a few weeks of your baby's birth, but for now, try to gently move your hands and wrists and avoid sleeping on them at night. Some people find an over-the-counter splint helpful
Red or darker than usual, itchy palms
Known as palmar erythema, itchy and red or darker than usual palms and the bottoms of your feet may result from an increase in oestrogen and blood volume. Avoid irritants like harsh soaps and seek relief by applying cold water or ice to your palms or feet.
Haemorrhoids or piles
You may also be experiencing the joy of haemorrhoids or piles, essentially varicose veins in your bottom. Like the veins in your legs, the ones in your bottom can stretch so that blood starts to collect in them, causing pain and swelling. The reason they’re so common in pregnancy is down to those pesky hormones, again – they can cause sluggish digestion and constipation, meaning you strain when you go to the loo, putting extra pressure on the veins around your bottom.
Blurred vision
Seeing double? Chances are it's those pesky pregnancy hormones again! They can decrease tear production, which increases fluid build-up in the eye, which can obscure your vision. Ask your GP for eye drops if your eyes feel dry, and don’t panic: these symptoms will go away once your baby is born. Any vision problems should be discussed with a healthcare professional as sometimes they can be a sign of a more severe problem.
Frequent urination
As your baby grows, they press against your bladder, making it more difficult to hold in urine. Even though you might need to pee more often, it’s important to stay hydrated.
Baby Development at 24 Weeks Pregnant:
Reaching 24 weeks is a huge milestone because it's the point of "viability." This means that if your baby were to be born prematurely now, they would have a chance of survival with medical intervention. However, they still need more time to develop fully, so the best place for them is still inside your tummy. There are plenty of changes taking place for your baby this week. Their brain is growing, their taste buds are developing, and their body is filling out.
Getting plump
Your baby is growing fast -they're about 30 cm long and weigh around 600 grams, roughly the size of an ear of corn. They’re getting plumper as fat starts to develop under their skin, making them look more like the newborn you'll soon meet. They'll continue to put on about three to three and a half ounces a week until the birth.
Katherine Walker BA, Service Development Manager at NCT, explains, “The main changes for your baby at this stage are putting down fat and maturing their lungs, they are getting ready to be born ready to breathe and maintain their body temperature. You might be thinking about birth, there are lots of decisions you can begin to consider at this stage before it’s too imminent.”
Lung growth
Your baby’s lungs are maturing daily and are beginning to produce a substance called surfactant, which helps keep tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli open. They’ll even practice breathing in the womb, moving their chest up and down and exhaling amniotic fluid.You may even feel your baby getting hiccups, which is part of helping their lungs get ready. You'll probably be feeling them move now too.
Face
While your baby’s skin is still thin and translucent, that will soon change: she’ll soon start to plump up, with much of the weight gained this week due to growing organs, muscles, bones, and fat. The skin will become less see-through as fat deposits are made. If you've had a scan recently, you would have definitely noticed that their face is looking a lot more chubby and baby-like.
Your body at 24 weeks pregnant
How big should my bump be at 24 weeks pregnant?
At 24 weeks pregnant, your pregnancy will definitely be starting to show, and you can expect to have gained around 14 to 16 pounds.
If you haven't yet, you may be able to feel your little one move at around 24 weeks. You should be feeling more pronounced movements as your baby’s muscles continue to strengthen. They are getting stronger These kicks, rolls, and other movements are becoming stronger and more coordinated.
Backache
At 24 weeks, you are no stranger to backache, but it may even get worse as time passes. As your baby gets bigger, so does your uterus, and this puts pressure against your spine, adding to the strain and potentially making it more curved. Not to mention the extra baby weight.
Now is the time to practice good posture. Try to keep your back straight and shoulders back, and avoid slouching. This helps distribute weight more evenly and can reduce back pain.
Gentle activities like walking, swimming, or pregnancy yoga can strengthen your back muscles and improve flexibility.
Linea Nigra
Linea nigra is a dark, vertical line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy. It typically runs from the pubic bone up to the belly button, though in some cases, it can extend higher. The line is caused by hormonal changes that increase the production of melanin, which darkens the skin on all skin types. Moisturiser can't hurt, but it should fade not long after birth.
Stretch marks
As your belly grows to accommodate your baby, the skin stretches significantly. This rapid stretching can cause the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin to tear, resulting in stretch marks. Not all women get stretch marks, but if your mother or other close family members had them, you'd probably get them, too.
Keeping your skin hydrated can improve its elasticity. Use creams, oils, or lotions specifically designed for pregnant skin. The best ingredients for improving the appearance of stretch marks are cocoa butter, shea butter, or vitamin E.
Sleep
Avoid sleeping on your back at 24 weeks pregnant, as it’s been linked to a higher risk of stillbirth. Opt for sleeping on your side, and if you wake up on your back, gently shift to your side.
Hormones
Your pregnancy hormones continue to cause physical changes, including potential skin changes like the "pregnancy glow" or acne, as well as mood swings.
What to do this week
Do your research
Now is a great time to start exploring books or apps that offer guidance on childbirth and parenting to help prepare you and your partner both mentally and emotionally.
Book a meeting with your manager
It’s time to tell your employer that you’re pregnant if they don't know already. This is known as the notification week, or the 15th week prior to the week your baby is due. You’ll probably have told your line manager before this point, especially if you’ve been taking time off for antenatal appointments, but in case you haven’t, now’s the time to mention it!
Look after you!
Don't hesitate to talk through any of your worries and anxieties with your partner, friend or midwife. Pregnancy is tough on not only your body but your mind too! So don't be afraid to voice any concerns or worries, no matter how small. Your journey is unique, and each week brings you closer to holding your little one in your arms.
Hydrate, hydrate
Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated, which helps reduce swelling and supports amniotic fluid levels.
In conclusion
At 24 weeks pregnant, your little one's face is almost fully formed and you are probably still on a high from seeing them at your 20 week scan. Time is flying past and you're in your sixth month of pregnancy and you will definitely be feeling the effects. As your baby grows and gains more fat, you'll be feeling the effects of growing an actual human - including backache, heartburn and frequent urination.
Don't forget to take it easy, talk about your worries, carry on exercising if you feel able and drink plenty of water.
24 weeks pregnant FAQs
Is it safe to exercise at 24 weeks pregnant?
Yes! In fact, it is actively encouraged that you do some sort of light exercise throughout your pregnancy if you feel well enough. If you have a exercise routine you stick to, make sure you speak to your doctor or midwife before starting again. Also, if you're planning to start a new exercise routine, always discuss what is best for your with a professional and avoid any potentially risky activities.
Should I have a gender reveal party?
You should be able to find out the gender at 24 weeks pregnant, either at your 20 week anomaly scan or privately. It is a completely personal decision and depends on whether you are finding out if you are having a baby girl or baby boy. It is a nice way to tell friends and family what gender you are expecting, and of course, a lovely way to find out yourself. There are lots of gender reveal ideas to inspire you such as, confetti balloons, cake or scratch cards.
Does 24 weeks equal 6 months pregnant?
Yes! Calculating your pregnancy in months and weeks can get confusing, but by the start of week 24, you are entering your sixth month of pregnancy.
Why is 24 weeks pregnant significant?
Many count 24 weeks as a significant week in pregnancy as it means that your baby has a chance of survival if they are born. Most babies born before this time cannot live because their lungs and other vital organs are not developed enough.
About our expert
Katherine Walker has a BA (Hons) Birth and Beyond Educator and a Post Graduate certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, making her a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She has extensive experience as an NCT Practitioner since 2009, working directly with parents as well as training NCT Practitioners. Katherine is now Service Development Manager at NCT, where she oversees parent insight and evaluation and uses these insights to improve services for all parents. The National Childbirth Trust is the UK’s largest charity for parents. It offers support through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. The trust provides antenatal and postnatal courses, local meet-ups, and a range of resources to help parents feel more confident and connected.
About our author
Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer at Mother&Baby. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.