Week twenty-four of pregnancy puts you one step closer to meeting your baby! Pregnant people will notice that their bump continues to grow and might be changing their birth plan or discussing it with their partner.
As your baby develops and grows, movements might become stronger or more frequent as they kick their arms and legs. Your changing body might feel tired, with pains over your stomach, back, ribs, and bottom. These pains are normal as your body stretches to make room for your baby.
But what else is happening at twenty-four weeks pregnant? That is what we are here to tell you! Keep reading for an in-depth look at the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy, including common symptoms, what an ultrasound will show, and more!
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 24 Weeks Pregnant?
- Will You Get A Positive Pregnancy Test Result At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
- Is Pregnancy Viable At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 24 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 24 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- At twenty-four weeks pregnant, your baby is now 30 centimetres long
- At twenty-four weeks, you can feel the baby moving, but the movements will feel light, like flutters or bubbles in your belly
- At twenty-four weeks, your baby’s taste buds are developing on their tongue
- At twenty-four weeks, you might feel tired or experience pains as your changing body grows
- At twenty-four weeks, pregnancy is viable, but your baby would need round-the-clock care
What Does It Mean To Be 24 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-four weeks pregnant, your pregnant belly continues to grow! Your pregnancy is now considered viable, with your baby’s development continuing quickly. You might be experiencing Braxton hicks contractions, where your body mimics contractions experienced in labour. These can be uncomfortable but will only last for a minute or so. However, you could enter preterm labor at twenty-four weeks, so speak to your midwife immediately if the braxton hicks contractions continue.
At twenty-four weeks, your baby is about the size of a corn on the cob and continues to grow! Their movements will be felt now, and their tastebuds will develop. This week’s common symptoms include tiredness, headaches, and stretch marks as your second trimester draws to a close.
Will You Get A Positive Pregnancy Test Result At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
You can get a positive pregnancy test result at twenty-four weeks pregnant, but you might also get a false negative. Pregnancy tests, especially home tests, measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine. These levels rise dramatically for the first three to four months of pregnancy before reducing. At twenty-four weeks pregnant, your levels will be lower and might not be high enough for a positive test result, even though you have a pregnant belly and plenty of symptoms!
A doctor can still use a blood test or an ultrasound to confirm a pregnancy, but most women will know they are pregnant before twenty-four weeks and have already had the confirmation.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
You can have an ultrasound at twenty-four weeks pregnant if you want. While this is not a routine ultrasound offered, your doctor might ask you to have an ultrasound at this stage to check for any anomalies or if you have any complications. You can also pay for a private scan at twenty-four weeks pregnant if you wish.
The ultrasound at twenty-four weeks can measure your baby’s growth to ensure they are developing at the usual rate. You can expect to see a small but formed baby on the screen, with some of their facial features visible. Depending on their position, you might also find out the sex of your baby. Let your sonographer know beforehand if you want to know the sex.
The survival rate of babies born at twenty-four weeks is around sixty to seventy per cent, according to the University of Utah.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
You might be offered a glucose screening test for gestational diabetes if you are considered to be at high risk for gestational diabetes. A glucose tolerance test can be performed orally, usually done between twenty-four and twenty-eight weeks pregnant.
You might also be offered a complete blood count (CBC) test to check for iron deficiency anemia, which can impact some women during pregnancy.
You might also be offered any genetic condition screening tests if you have not already had them during your second trimester of pregnancy. These genetic tests will look for conditions like cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs syndrome, and more. They are optional, but your doctor might encourage you to have them if your baby is considered a risk for these conditions.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
A heartbeat should be detected at twenty-four weeks pregnant. An ultrasound will pick up your baby’s heartbeat, allowing you to hear it beating. The heartbeat will be a little fast, with an average of 110 to 140 beats per minute!
A Doppler machine can also be used to detect your baby’s heartbeat. A midwife usually does this in between appointments to monitor your baby. The device looks like a small microphone placed on your stomach to hear the heartbeat. You can also purchase a Doppler machine to use at home. They can be fiddly, especially if your baby is moving a lot, so don’t panic if it takes you a while to hear their heartbeat.
Is Pregnancy Viable At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Pregnancy can be viable at twenty-four weeks, meaning it could survive if your baby is born now. However, your baby will likely be very small and need specialist round-the-clock care if you have a premature birth. Your baby would likely spend a significant amount of time in a neonatal intensive care unit at the hospital, receiving round the clock care from doctors and nurses.
At twnety-four weeks, your baby’s lungs are still developing, so they might need help to breathe if they are born now. There could also be complications, like issues with their heart or other organs. The complications vary and depend on whether you had any complications in your pregnancy before giving birth.
The chances of your baby surviving at twenty-four weeks are roughly sixty to seventy per cent, according to research by the University of Utah.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-four weeks pregnant, common symptoms include tiredness and trouble sleeping, headaches, stretch marks,m and pains on the side of your baby bump.
These pains can seem scary, but they are normal! Known as round ligament pain, this is caused by your expanding womb stretching the ligaments in your abdomen. The pain can feel like a dull or sharp ache, with rest offering some relief.
You might also experience pains around your ribs, back, or bottom. These are caused by your pregnancy hormones loosening your ligaments and muscles and your baby pushing on parts of your body as they grow.
Symptoms can vary from woman to woman and day to day during pregnancy, so don’t worry if your symptoms differ from other expecting women; this is normal!
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels will drop at twenty-four weeks, averaging between 1,400 and 53,000 u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at twenty-four weeks pregnant. You might also experience leg cramps or round ligament pain on the side of your stomach. These could feel like a sharp pain or a dull ache.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness can happen at any point in your pregnancy, although it is more common in the first trimester. Some pregnant women will still experience morning sickness at twenty-four weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts will likely feel tender or sore at twenty-four weeks pregnant. They might also ache, feel full, or start leaking. You can wear breast pads in your bras to prevent staining.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout your period, including at twenty-four weeks pregnant. You might notice aversions to certain foods or cravings in strange combinations.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at twenty-four weeks pregnant. Your baby might start to push on your bladder, causing you to urinate more. Pregnancy hormonal changes can also cause your pelvic floor muscles that hold your bladder in place to weaken and loosen, meaning you need to urinate more than usual.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common at twenty-four weeks pregnant. You might struggle to sleep, with many women adding a pillow to sore areas or sleeping with a pillow between their legs to make them more comfortable.
Will I Feel Bloated At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Feeling bloated is common at twenty-four weeks pregnant. Eating smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding eating late at night can help to prevent this.
Will I Get A Headache At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common at twenty-four weeks pregnant. Women who suffer from headaches before getting pregnant will typically have more headaches than other pregnant women.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth is common in the first trimester of pregnancy, but it can happen at twenty-four weeks pregnant, too!
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Most women experience a heightened sense of smell as one of their early pregnancy symptoms. However, you can experience it at twenty-four weeks pregnant, too.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
you might experience shortness of breath or feel breathless at twenty-four weeks pregnant. Your growing baby has moved higher in your body and can reduce space for your lungs, causing you to feel short of breath. Avoid lying on your back to minimise this, and seek medical attention if you become concerned or your shortness of breath worsens.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal during pregnancy, including at twenty-four weeks pregnant. It is often unrelated to your pregnancy and could be caused by a stomach bug, food poisoning, or an allergy. Speak to your doctor if symptoms persist after forty-eight hours.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can happen at twenty-four weeks pregnant. You might notice a milky or white discharge with little odour. Any changes should be reported to your doctor.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at twenty-four weeks pregnant. Your growing baby can pressure your ligaments and joints as they stretch, causing back pain.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings are more common in the first trimester, but some women experience them at twenty-four weeks pregnant.
Is Spotting Normal At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting is normal at twenty-four weeks pregnant, but it must be monitored. Seek medical attention immediately if the spotting becomes heavier darker, lasts more than twenty-four hours, or is accompanied by pain or other symptoms.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 24 Weeks Pregnant?
The following symptoms are also common during pregnancy week twenty-four.
- Thicker and shinier hair
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
- Vaginal infections
- Urine infections
- Dizziness
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nosebleeds
- Piles
- Bleeding and swollen gums
- Stretch marks
How Big Is A Baby At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-four weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a corn on the cob! They will measure roughly thirty centimetres long from head to heel! Everything is also now in proportion, with your baby looking like a small, fully formed baby.
Your baby’s brain continues to grow while its senses develop. Tastebuds on their tongues are growing and becoming more sensitive! Their eyes can now respond to light and hear more sounds outside the womb. Talking, reading, or singing to your baby is worth doing at this stage; they can listen to and respond to you!
Can You Feel The Baby At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can feel your baby at twenty-four weeks pregnant. Most women feel their baby’s first movements between eighteen and twenty-four weeks of pregnancy. These movements will feel light, like flutterings or bubbling in your stomach. Sit still and focus on your belly to detect your baby’s movements if you haven’t already felt them.
Try not to panic if you don’t feel your baby move. Wait until the end of this week and speak to your doctor. Seek advice from your midwife or healthcare provider if you have immediate concerns about your baby’s movements.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
The common symptoms of miscarriage at twenty-four weeks include bleeding, changes to your baby’s movements, or there are no movements. Your waters might also break, your baby will be born quickly, or you might notice abdominal pain ranging from period pain to contractions.
At twenty-four weeks pregnant, a miscarriage is considered a stillbirth in Australia. You will deliver your baby, usually in a hospital. You might be offered medication to speed the process up, or you can wait for the delivery to progress naturally. Your doctor will explain your options and offer support after the delivery.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of stillbirth at twenty-four weeks pregnant are low, with 1% of babies born in Australia being a stillbirth from twenty to twenty-eight weeks pregnant, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
While the chance is statistically low, this does not consider any conditions that could increase your chance of a stillbirth, like pregnancy complications or existing health conditions. Your healthcare provider can provide you with more information about this for your situation.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
You should take several precautions to maintain your health at twenty-four weeks pregnant, as outlined below.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins should be taken throughout pregnancy to give you and your baby the nutrients and vitamins they need to grow and develop. You can take a pregnancy-friendly multivitamin; look for one with high levels of magnesium and iron. You should also take a vitamin D supplement if pregnant throughout the winter.
Your doctor can provide further guidance on what vitamins you should take if you are unsure.
Enjoy A Balanced Diet
You should also eat a healthy and balanced diet throughout your pregnancy. You don’t need to consume extra calories at this stage in your pregnancy. Weight gain is expected, but you don’t want to put on too much, so stick to the recommended daily intake of 2,000 calories unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Your diet should contain lean protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. You can still enjoy your favourite treats, but be mindful of how much sugar you consume to avoid developing gestational diabetes, a condition caused by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
Stay Hydrated
Alongside a healthy diet, you must also stay hydrated during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) found that drinking plenty of water through pregnancy aids digestion, helps circulate nutrients, and forms the amniotic fluid around your baby.
The ACOG recommends drinking eight to twelve cups of water daily to remain hydrated.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoking doubles your risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and labour. They also found it increases your baby’s risk of birth defects and puts them at a higher chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Speak to your doctor if you need help to quit smoking and stay smoke-free during pregnancy.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-four weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), the CDC found, which varies from behavioural, psychological, physical, and emotional disorders for your child.
These include learning disabilities, small head sizes, problems with their organs, poor memory, and more. Speak to your doctor if you need help to stop drinking during pregnancy.
It would be best if you also reduce your caffeine consumption during pregnancy. Drinking too much caffeine can increase your chance of stillbirth, a preterm birth, or lower birth weight. The Royal College of Midwives recommends no more than 200mg of caffeine daily.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid high levels of vitamins A, C, and E during pregnancy, as these can harm your baby. You should also avoid any supplements that are labelled unstable for pregnant women. The label on a supplement bottle will tell you if they are safe for pregnant women to consume or not, so check before taking any!
Can I Exercise While 24 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at twenty-four weeks pregnant, but you should take care. Some exercises, like contact sports and high-impact exercises, are unsuitable as they put your baby at risk.
Instead, it would be best to incorporate low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, yoga, or stationary cycling while pregnant. Your doctor or a personal trainer can offer more specific guidance on suitable exercises for you during your twenty-fourth week of pregnancy.
Is It Safe To Travel When 24 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to travel at twenty-four weeks pregnant, but there are a few considerations you need to make. You should speak to your doctor before travelling if you have any complications, high blood pressure, or deep vein thrombosis.
You should also check when travelling to another country if you need any vaccinations or if there are advisories in place for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at twenty-four weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 24 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at twenty-four weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
You might notice that you struggle to sleep or stay asleep during the night at twenty-four weeks pregnant. Adding extra pillows to your bed, placing a pillow between your knees, or practising bedtime meditation can help you sleep.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Sleeping on your side is the safest sleeping position at twenty-four weeks pregnant, as this does not add any pressure to your growing baby bump.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 24 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date at twenty-four weeks is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is the LMP method and is the most common way to calculate due dates. Take the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days. This will give you an estimated due date to work towards.
Your doctor or midwife will also provide an estimated due date for your first ultrasound. They will measure your baby and assess its development to determine how far along your pregnancy is, providing you with an estimated due date.
These due dates are estimates rather than an exact due date, so don’t panic if your due date passes without your baby’s arrival!
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Pregnancy pains around your stomach, breasts, back, ribs, and bottom are the biggest body changes you will notice at twenty-four weeks pregnant. These are caused by pregnancy hormones loosening your muscles and ligaments, allowing your body to stretch for your growing baby. Your baby will also push on parts of your body, contributing to these pains.
You might also notice weight gain as your baby continues to grow. Weight gain is normal during pregnancy, but you don’t need to consume any extra calories at this stage. You might feel hungrier than normal, but there is no need to eat more. You can add some healthy snacks to your diet in between meals. to help with the hunger
You might also feel dizzy. Your growing belly impacts how weight is distributed across your body, making it easier to feel off balance. Changes to your circulation can also affect this, so stand up slowly and take your time when moving to minimise your chances of falling.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is working hard, growing your baby and getting ready for life as a new mother. You might notice some leakage from your breasts as your milk comes in. Wearing breast pads can help keep your bras dry and stain-free. Your body also pumps more blood than usual, providing a blood flow to you and your baby. This means that your circulation is slower than normal, causing you to feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially if you stand up too quickly.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips will help you prepare for the rest of your pregnancy or an upcoming pregnancy.
Speak To Your Doctor
You should have regular appointments with your doctor or midwife throughout your pregnancy. Not only will they monitor your baby’s development and check that everything is progressing normally, but they will also check in on you and your health.
They will offer you guidance and support and answer any questions you might have. Ensure you regularly attend your appointments and speak to your doctor if you have not been given any appointments.
You should also speak to your doctor if you are trying to conceive, as they will offer you guidance and support and run any necessary tests.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might also need to make some lifestyle changes to prepare for pregnancy. These include stopping drinking alcohol, taking illegal drugs, and smoking. Not only are these detrimental to your health, but your baby’s too. They can also impact your ability to conceive. The CDC found that smoking affects fertility, giving women a higher risk of infertility.
Your doctor can provide you with any support you need to make these lifestyle changes.
Eat A Healthy Diet
You should also eat a healthy and balanced diet to prepare for pregnancy. This will ensure your body is fuelled with the nutrients it needs to carry you and your baby through pregnancy. A varied and balanced diet of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and carbohydrates should be followed.
Your doctor can help you with this and maintain a healthy weight if needed. Weight gain is a given during pregnancy, but eating a varied and balanced diet can maintain your pre-pregnancy weight and ensure that any weight gain does not impact your health.
Attend Pregnancy Classes
At this stage in your pregnancy, attending some pregnancy and birthing classes is worth attending. These will provide you with valuable information for the rest of your pregnancy and allow you to prepare for the birth of your baby.
These classes are also an excellent place to meet other pregnant women in your area. You could make friends going through the same things as you to share the experience with. A good support network is helpful in pregnancy, especially if you live far away from your family. Use these other expecting mothers to share your concerns, ask questions, and support one another.
Final Thoughts
Week twenty-four of your pregnancy is an exciting one! Your pregnant belly continues growing, and you should feel your baby move more and more! As your due date looms, you might want to think ahead to the future, baby-proofing and buying tiny baby clothes!
Keep an eye on your symptoms this week, allowing your body time to rest when needed and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. You are one week closer to meeting your baby!