INFOGRAPHICPREGNANCY

​​​​24 Weeks Pregnant: Belly Changes, Nesting, Glucose Test, and More​​​

By Melanie Curry
Reviewed by Alyssa Quimby, M.D.
March 02, 2023
Diagram of baby size and development at 24 weeks pregnant, plus common symptoms, to-dos, and prenatal tests happening this week

At 24 weeks pregnant, new things continue to happen with your ​future​ baby—including the formation of their facial features! You may even catch a glimpse of that precious face at your next ultrasound.

What is 24 weeks pregnant in months? Your 24th week is in the sixth month of your pregnancy, which is in the second trimester. You have about ​four weeks​ left until the third trimester begins.

Here’s more about what you can expect at 24 weeks pregnant.

Baby Size, Development, and Milestones at 24 Weeks Pregnant

At 24 weeks, your developing baby is the size of an ear of corn. They’re likely just over 12 inches long, if measured from head to toe, and ​​​​weigh about 1.48 pounds, according to averages.

Their lungs continue to develop, with the air sacs expanding their lower and upper branches. Until your baby is born, your placenta will still provide their oxygen.

​​​Here are other important developmental milestones for your future baby this week:

  • Their inner ears are fully formed, helping them to orient themselves (feel whether they’re upside down or right side up) in your uterus.
  • Their facial features are nearly fully formed—future cutie!

Common 24 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Pregnancy symptoms you might be experiencing this week include:

Round Ligament Pain

Around 10% to 30% of pregnan​t people​ experience round ligament pain. It’s when the ligaments surrounding the uterus stretch and tighten as your uterus expands to accommodate the baby’s growth. This can cause discomfort, pain, or a cramping feeling in your pelvic area or groin.

You can usually take over-the-counter pain medications or use a heating pad to help relieve the discomfort. If you’re experiencing pain, tell your doctor or midwife so they can check to make sure everything’s okay.

​​​Pregnancy Hemorrhoids

You may feel itchiness and discomfort due to ​hemorrhoids​ during the second trimester. Also called ​piles​, ​hemorrhoids​ are a type of varicose veins. They occur when veins inside or around the anus and rectum become swollen or enlarged, sometimes because of constipation. You may also have pain and blood after passing a stool.

T​​aking stool softeners and getting more fiber may help. There are also over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or pads you can use that soothe pain and help with inflammation. Just make sure you check with your doctor about your symptoms first.

Increased Hunger

You might feel hungry often these days. After all, you need to fuel the baby’s growth and development. Try to choose healthy foods as much as possible and make sure you’re getting enough protein with each meal, which will help you feel more full (though satisfying a craving here and there is completely fine!).

You may notice some weight gain, too. In the second trimester, small and steady weight gain is important. Most people in their second trimester can expect to gain between ½ pound and 1 pound of added pregnancy weight per week.

Heartburn

Your uterus is taking up more space in your body, and the growing pressure on your stomach can lead to discomforts like indigestion and heartburn. On top of that, the pregnancy hormone progesterone can also relax the valve muscles in your throat that are meant to keep acid down. The result? That sour, burning feeling in your throat and chest. Try home remedies to find relief from heartburn or talk to your doctor about antacids.

Your Body and Mind at 24 Weeks Pregnant

​​Here are some things you may be experiencing this week, ​physically​ ​and mentally.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks ​are​ lines around your belly, breasts, and other areas​ where your skin has stretched​. This can happen because of the growth and weight gain that naturally occur during pregnancy.

The color of your stretch marks will depend on your skin tone, but they’re ​often​ pink, purple, brown, or red. They usually fade away after pregnancy.

Changes to Your 24 Weeks Pregnant Belly

Your belly may start looking a little different now and in the coming weeks.

In addition to stretch marks, you may see a dark line, going from your belly to the pubic bone. This is called the linea nigra. It’s a common pregnancy change caused by increased levels of ​certain hormones (​progesterone and estrogen​)​. Typically, the line goes away after pregnancy.

You might also find yourself with an outie belly button around 24 weeks. As your uterus expands forward, it pushes an inverted belly button outward. It’s not usually a permanent change, though.

Melasma (the Mask of Pregnancy)

If you’ve noticed patches of darker skin on your face ​or​ body, you might have melasma, also called the mask of pregnancy or chloasma. It’s a skin condition that occurs in 50% to 70% of pregnant people, likely caused by hormonal fluctuations. Melasma typically goes away or improves after your baby is born and your hormones stabilize.

Worries​ About Giving Birth​

​​Most parents-to-be experience some anxious thoughts about ​giving ​​birth​, even in the second trimester. While normal, it’s important to prioritize your mental and emotional health.​ ​​

Share any concerns with your pregnancy provider and consider speaking to a therapist who specializes in ​​​​​pregnancy and post-pregnancy mental health​. And remember to practice self-care. Some practices include gentle yoga, journaling, and meditation. It can also be helpful to schedule birth classes at this point, which will help you feel more prepared.

Nesting Instinct

​​​N​esting in pregnancy​ is a ​feeling of needing to prep​are​ your home for the baby. You might find yourself scrubbing toilets or washing and folding piles of onesies, trying to get as much done as possible.

​​Typically, the urge arrives in the late second trimester and peaks in the third. It’s not a sign of labor but is thought to be a biologically driven instinct to get ready for ​a baby’s arrival​.​​​

​​​Try not to stress about nesting too much. But preparing your home for your baby may help you feel more ready as you approach your due date.​​​​

Preparation and Tips at 24 Weeks Pregnant

Prepare yourself for ​upcoming tests​​ and your baby’s arrival​ with these tips.

Understand the Glucose Challenge Test

​​​Between 24 and 28 weeks,​ your provider will ask you to do a glucose challenge test. This standard screening​ ​help​s ​your healthcare provider test for gestational diabetes. ​​

​​Depending on the results, you may need a follow-up test called the glucose tolerance test.​

Screenings can be intimidating for some people but remember: Knowing whether you have or are at risk for gestational diabetes means you and your healthcare team can manage your blood sugar levels and help you stay healthy.

Plan for a Baby Shower

​​​Co​nsider whether you want a baby shower. Typically, baby showers are held in the beginning or middle of the third trimester, so that gives you ​or a loved one ​​about ​six to eight weeks to plan a shower if you’d like one.​​​​ ​​

This is also a good time to research baby furniture​ and other gear​ (cribs, carriers, car seats, breast pumps) and plan your baby’s space. Create a baby registry of what you still need and ​have your baby shower host ​send it to your friends and family​ before the event​.​ ​

Start Planning for Childcare

If you’re planning to work after your baby arrives, start to line up childcare. There are many options, and some need to be booked early.

Connect with Your Baby at 24 Weeks Pregnant

​​​​​Eating healthfully can be a challenge. But it may be a little easier if you think of it as a way to connect​ with your growing baby.​

​Dedicating ​a meal​ to your baby in week 24’s activity can help you be thoughtful with your diet while feeling more connected to your little one.

What Others Are Talking About at 24 Weeks Pregnant

Your energy levels may be on your mind this week, along with thoughts of what healthy treats can satisfy your hunger. Check out our community posts on topics you might find interesting this week:

Want to know more about your pregnancy week by week?

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