24 Weeks Pregnant: Week-by-Week Guide

• What trimester is 24 weeks? Second trimester
• How many weeks of pregnancy are left? 16 weeks
• How many months is 24 weeks pregnant? You're in your sixth month.

With week 23 of your pregnancy complete, you’re on week 24. Enjoy it, as week 25 is on the horizon! 

One of the most exciting things about pregnancy is how many changes you’ll experience with your little one over the span of just 7 days! Here’s some tips and tricks to keep on top of all that’s happening.

What Happens During the 24th Week of Pregnancy?

• Get some face time: Wondering what your kiddo will look like? Now is the time that your baby’s face is almost fully formed. They’ve got eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair.
• Making gains: Baby is gaining an increasing amount of weight—about 6 ounces a week—and it’s predominantly baby fat (but also organs, muscles, and bones). Your baby’s facial fat hasn’t grown in yet, though.
• See-through skin: Your baby’s skin is developing but is currently transparent, and their hair is white. Both of these things will change as they grow.
• Hide and seek: The position of your baby at 24 weeks pregnant is typically upright, with their bottom near your cervix. But there’s plenty of room for them to move around, so they may be changing position quite a bit. They may even be in a transverse lie, meaning they are positioned horizontally across your uterus. Your baby’s little kicks can help you determine where they are hanging out in the womb.

What Should I Be Feeling at 24 Weeks Pregnant?

• You may experience tingling or numbness in your fingers or wrists, known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Your hands and feet may swell. Elevate your extremities and rub or massage your hands and feet in an upwards motion (directed towards your heart/torso).
• Itchy palms, skin tags, increased saliva, and vision changes may also occur. If you’re concerned, give your healthcare provider a call to see if an appointment is necessary. Otherwise, make a note and bring those questions to your next scheduled appointment.

How Big Is Your Baby at 24 Weeks Pregnant?

Week 24 Pregnancy Symptoms

During week 24 of pregnancy, your body is changing quickly. As your baby grows, you will too, and there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may experience at this time.

7 Common Week 24 Pregnancy Symptoms

1. You may experience some pregnancy-related constipation. There are several home remedies that can help. Try complementing your diet with a prenatal supplement with omega-3s if you haven’t already. Aim for a diet rich in fiber and incorporate some exercise.
2. You may experience slight breast colostrum production. Colostrum contains antibodies, proteins, salt, and more to help protect your newborn. Wearing a little padding can help you avoid stains on bras or clothes.
3. Itchy skin and dry or itchy eyes may bother you. Try using moisturizer and talking to your doctor about natural tear eye drops if your eye woes persist. Limiting screen time or taking frequent screen breaks when possible can also help with dry eyes.
4. Leg cramps, caused by weight gain and circulation changes, area frequent second and third trimester pregnancy symptom. Safe pregnancy exercises and resting with your legs elevated may provide some relief.
5. Increased blood production, extra fluids, and pressure on veins may cause edema, a normal swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, and hands. To help manage it, avoid standing for long periods, wear comfy shoes, drink lots of water, and minimize your salt intake.
6. You may have round ligament pain—sharp or jabbing pain or discomfort on both sides of the lower belly toward the groin. To reduce the discomfort, kick up your feet and try to relax, decrease the intensity of your workouts, avoid sudden movements, and change positions.
7. Your body’s new center of gravity, hormones, and pressure from your growing uterus may cause back pain. Support pillows, exercise, and icing the area will help, but speak with your doctor if you have severe pain.

3 Expert Tips for a Healthy And Safe Pregnancy

Being 24 weeks pregnant is an important time for you and your baby. Here’s some more expert-recommended advice on how to adjust to this new stage and keep you and your baby safe.

1. Monitor those movements: Your doc may recommend you monitor your baby’s movements. They’ll have more information on how to do so.
2. Achy back: You may want to look into purchasing or borrowing a belly band that offers lower back support. These can be especially helpful during exercise.
3. Hydration station: Keep water on hand, but if getting enough agua is challenging, also consider snacking on fruits or veggies that are made of mostly water. If you’re keen on fruit, keep cut watermelon, cantaloupe, or oranges on hand. To get some water-rich veggies into your diet, opt for celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, and broccoli in the fridge to quench your thirst and have a healthy snack. Talk about double duty!

Week 24 Checklist: How To Plan Your Pregnancy

Knowing what to do week-by-week can help you feel prepared and alleviate stress. Add these new items to your to-do list this week. You’ve got this, mama!

Learn more about your pregnancy, including pregnancy planning and pregnancy nutrition to feel prepared to continue this magical adventure. You’re armed with the facts, what to do, and now you can take time to connect with the little one growing inside you.

 With week 23 in the rearview mirror and week 24 going strong, look to the future and what's coming up in week 25!