Second Trimester: When You Are 24 Weeks Pregnant

At 24 weeks pregnant, you are entering an exciting stage of the second trimester.

Your baby is growing rapidly, developing vital systems, and even starting to interact with the world inside your womb.

At the same time, your body is adapting in remarkable ways to accommodate your little one.

Here’s what to expect this week.

Your Baby at 24 Weeks of Pregnancy

At 24 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a corn on the cob, weighing about 540 grams and measuring around 21 cm from crown to rump.

Despite being tiny, your baby is developing features and behaviours that bring it closer to life outside the womb.

This is what’s going on with your baby at 24 weeks:

Physical growth: Your baby’s face and body are becoming more recognisable, resembling how they’ll look at birth. Their skin is still thin, but their muscles, bones, and fat deposits are gradually filling out. They gain about 90–100 grams per week, which helps them stay warm and provides energy post-birth.
Lung development: The lungs are maturing and beginning to produce surfactant, a crucial substance that keeps the tiny air sacs (alveoli) open after birth. Although your baby is practising breathing by moving its chest and inhaling amniotic fluid, real breaths won’t happen until after delivery.
Playing: Your baby loves to explore its surroundings. With a strong grip, they might grab the umbilical cord or pedal against the uterine walls. These movements not only strengthen muscles but also prepare the baby for life outside.
Hearing: By now, your baby’s ears are highly sensitive and they can distinguish between different voices and sounds.
Language: Your baby begins their earliest language lessons in utero. Research shows that babies react to external sounds, so don’t hesitate to talk, sing or play soothing music for them.

Your baby is now considered ‘viable’, meaning there’s a better than 50% chance of survival with medical care if born prematurely.

This milestone highlights the incredible resilience of their developing body.

Your Body at 24 Weeks of Pregnancy

Your body continues to adapt in incredible ways to nurture and protect your growing baby.

However, with these changes come new challenges and experiences.

Here’s what to expect with your body at 24 weeks of pregnancy:

Linea negra: Hormones are at work, causing your nipples, freckles, and even a line on your belly (linea nigra) to darken. These changes are temporary and usually fade a few months after birth.
Depression: Pregnancy hormones can sometimes trigger mood swings or feelings of depression. If left untreated, pregnancy depression can increase the risk of postpartum depression. Speak to a healthcare provider if you’re feeling persistently low, as support is available.
Congestion and nosebleeds: Hormonal changes increase blood flow to your mucous membranes, making them swell and bleed more easily. This might result in a stuffy nose or occasional nosebleeds, which are usually harmless.

If your nasal congestion becomes too unbearable your doctor may prescribe pregnancy-safe decongestants. However, the condition may not resolve until after delivery.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so it’s essential to listen to your body and seek help whenever necessary.

Weight Gain

At 24 weeks pregnant, you should have gained around 6 to 7 kilograms since the start of your pregnancy.

That may sound like a lot but it’s normal at this point. Your doctor may ask you to start watching your weight so that you don’t go under or over.

If you’ve gained more than 6 to 7 kilograms at this point, you may putting on too much weight. This may put you at risk for certain childbirth and pregnancy complications.

Now’s a good time to reassess your eating habits and activity levels. Focus on balanced meals and regular physical activity, such as walking or prenatal yoga.

Don’t overdo it, but staying active can help regulate weight gain, improve mood, and prepare your body for labour.

Consider investing in a pedometer to keep track of your steps and set realistic goals.

However, even with all this in mind, avoid aggressive or overly restrictive dieting during pregnancy unless under medical supervision.

Proper nutrition is essential for both you and your baby.

Perfect Posture

With weight gain comes challenges with posture.

As your belly grows, there is a growing pressure to slouch, which can put tremendous pressure on your lower back.

Maintaining good posture becomes increasingly important to reduce strain and ensure comfort.

Here are some tips to ensure that you reduce and even prevent back pain:

Sit comfortably: Choose a chair that supports your lower back. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your arms resting comfortably at desk level to avoid unnecessary strain.
Stand tall: Avoid slouching over your bump or overarching your lower back. Focus on standing as straight as possible.
Footwear: Swap high heels for flats or low-heeled shoes with proper arch support. Swollen feet and postural changes make supportive footwear crucial.
Lifting: If you must lift objects, squat with bent knees and use your leg muscles rather than your back to lift.
Relief: Consider gentle exercises like yoga, swimming, or pelvic tilts to strengthen your back. A relaxing back massage or a maternity support belt can also alleviate tension.

Good posture not only prevents back pain but also helps you stay comfortable as your body prepares for labour.

Making Progress

At 24 weeks, you’re nearing the end of the second trimester.

This is the end of a chapter and a start of a new one, filled with new challenges and new joys.

Stay informed, listen to your body, and cherish these moments as you prepare to welcome your little one into the world, mummies!

References

Curtis, G. B., & Schuler, J. (2016). Your Pregnancy Week by Week (8th ed.). Hachette Books.
Kaye, P. (2021). Your Pregnancy: Week by Week. SPCK Publishing.
Riley, L. (2006). You and Your Pregnancy: Your Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Meredith Books.
Shanahan, M. K. (2002). Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Da Capo Press

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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