24 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Belly Size & Ultrasound

24 weeks pregnant is a milestone to celebrate and savor. Find out what to expect when you’re 24 weeks pregnant, find out whether you can feel baby yet and what your uterus looks like. What size is a 12-week-pregnant uterus? What are the 8th week symptoms? When does baby start to move?

Your baby at week 24 of pregnancy

Now that you are in your 24th week of pregnancy, your baby is putting on weight. When you gain weight, some of that extra energy goes into helping him gain weight, too. A little on the frail side, so his skin creases where he’s thinnest, but he appears just like a smaller replica of what you’ll see on delivery day. His eyes, ears, and nose are all developed, and his face is about finished shaping up (although his lids are still closed). He already has eyelashes, fingernails, and possibly hair. And now I’m starting to experience REM sleep.

24 weeks pregnant is how many months?

When you are 24 weeks pregnant, you are officially in 6 months of your pregnancy, just another 4 months to go! Congratulations, you’ve already made great progress!

How big is your baby at 24 weeks pregnant?

At 24 weeks your baby, also known as a foetus, is currently about 450g (15.8 oz) in weight and around 29 cm (11.5 in) in length from head to bottom. That’s approximately the size full ear of corn. They are growing quickly and are about to have a growth spurt. They will roughly almost double in size over the next month.

24 weeks pregnant baby position

During weeks 21 to 24, your baby is still small enough to change positions a lot – head down, feet down, or even sideways. Your baby sleeps long hours every day, about 12 to 14 hours, although it might not seem like it to you.

24 weeks pregnant: baby’s development

21-25 weeks baby developments

As early as 23 weeks after conception, the fetus exhibits a blink-startle response to sudden sounds. Some experts have dubbed this a “squint-startle” response because the fetus’ eyes are still mostly closed. As shown in children and adults, this response continues to develop until 30 weeks after conception. Interestingly, girls are more likely than boys to master the startle reaction first.

Breathing is the most challenging aspect of life outside the womb. The lungs of an unborn child begin producing a chemical called surfactant about the 20th or 22nd week after conception. When a newborn exhales, the surfactant prevents the two ends of the airway from sticking together.

The developing fetus produces enough surfactant to ensure its own survival by the time it is 24 to 26 weeks old. In order to keep the alveoli open and increase the likelihood of survival in infants, doctors have created a synthetic surfactant. This has led to a dramatic increase in the age at which children can be saved. The use of steroids prior to delivery has also been shown to hasten lung development and the production of surfactant, both of which improve the baby’s chances of survival.

44 Breaths Per Minute

In another study, researchers found that while carbon dioxide levels in the mother’s blood were greater, the fetus’ breathing rate also increased, much as adult breathing rates would increase when exposed to high amounts of carbon dioxide. This demonstrates that the fetal processes required for a rise in breathing rate in response to changes in blood gas levels are already in place.

Eye development

There is a significant increase in the number of rods and cones, the light-sensitive receptors in the eyes, by week 25 of development. Small amounts of light, as well as light in the periphery, can be detected by the eyes thanks to rods. Cones, on the other hand, are responsible for acute, vivid vision and primarily detect light in the visual center. Each of an adult’s eyes contains 100 million rods and 7 million cones.

During pregnancy and the first year following birth, cones migrate into the fovea while rods leave it.

A fetus in the womb will respond to light at 26 weeks following conception, the same as a premature baby born at 24 weeks. Pupils change size after birth to let the right quantity of light into the eye. This development in pupil size is initially recognized in the fetus at 27 weeks after conception, and it is regularly present in preterm infants at 31 weeks following conception.

Your body at 24 weeks pregnant

Do you have a regular workout routine? Are you eating healthily? Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Some of the signs of labor can be avoided, and you and your baby will benefit from increased energy, radiant skin, and a balanced diet. The topic of skin brings up… Your skin may start to stretch and you may get stretch marks or a linea negra, a dark line that runs from your belly button to your pubic bone. Stretch marks and linea negra both go away with time.

As your baby bulge expands, you may find it harder to do everyday tasks like bending over to tie your shoes. Due to the rapid expansion of your uterus, you may experience itching and pain as your skin expands to accommodate your developing baby. With the help of those wonderful pregnancy hormones, your joints will begin to loosen up so that they can make room for your baby and you may begin to get ready for birth.

Prenatal Exercise

You may be discouraged to see the scale inching (or jumping!) upwards. Pregnancy is not the right time to try to lose weight or begin a rigorous exercise regime, but regular exercise can be beneficial and ease some of your pregnancy pains.

Benefits of Prenatal Exercise

Here are some pregnancy woes that exercise can lessen.

Backaches: Walking and prenatal yoga can improve your posture, which has probably been suffering under the weight of your expanding belly.
Edema (swelling): Exercise can boost your circulation explains Dr. William Camann, MD, director of obstetric anesthesia at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and coauthor of Easy Labor Better circulation can prevent or at least ease some of your swelling.

Stress reliever: Nothing clears your head and energizes like a brisk walk around the block.
Labor preparer: Regular exercise strengthens your muscles for delivery day. “Exercising can help you feel more confident about labor,” says Dr. Camann. And if you’ve kept yourself in reasonable shape, chances are losing weight post-pregnancy will be that much easier.

How to Get Started

Before starting any new workout routine, it’s important to see your doctor (even if you were a star athlete pre-pregnancy).

Prenatal classes can be helpful, and your doctor or midwife may be able to recommend one. Prenatal exercise sessions are widely available, both in hospitals and in health clubs. Working out with other ladies who are experiencing the same issues as you will help keep you motivated and prevent you from feeling alone in your struggle with weight gain. Prenatal fitness classes, including yoga and swimming, are commonly available in health clinics and gyms.

Dr. Camann recommends starting walking if you haven’t been exercising before pregnancy. To stay in working shape, try going for 20-minute walks several times a week.

Exercises to Avoid

Dr. Camann says, “There are several exercises you should avoid during pregnancy.” Skiing, tennis, and other high-impact sports and activities, such as high-intensity interval training, can cause injury. Consult your doctor if you have concerns about participating in a certain sport. As a doctor with decades of experience, Dr. Camann advises, “No, you shouldn’t be jumping on a trampoline when you’re pregnant!”

Just keep in mind that being fit is more important than losing weight at this point. Keep in mind that your body will not react the same way to exercise while you are pregnant. You’ve got an extra 25-35 pounds to lug about, and your organs, lungs included, have to work harder to accommodate the increased blood volume.

24 weeks pregnant tips and advice

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is important. Your body uses more water during your pregnancy to fuel your increased blood supply (necessary to get your baby-to-be plenty of nutrients) and other body functions. Taken to extremes, dehydration can lead to preterm labor pains. So bring a water bottle to work with you—and drink it.

Use the bathroom—often

Drinking more water means more trips to the bathroom. Add to that, your kidneys are working overtime to filter impurities from your increased blood supply. To avoid stares from coworkers, plan discrete potty breaks. Go when you first get to the office and take a break on the way from meetings or other times when you’re already up so your trips will be less noticeable. Putting off a trip to the bathroom is a bad idea—it makes you uncomfortable and puts stress on your bladder, which can lead to bladder infections.

Bring light snacks

Food may not be appealing, especially if you’re experiencing nausea. Skip a full-blown lunch and opt for lighter fare throughout the day. Keep in mind that some pregnancy comfort foods are dead giveaways, such as crackers. If you’re trying to keep your pregnancy a secret, try less notorious foods that still comfort nausea but that don’t shout, “I’m pregnant!” Opt for foods high in protein, such as string cheese, almonds, or milk.

Wear comfortable clothes

You’ve probably packed away your tight-fitting pants already. If you haven’t, now’s probably the time to say goodbye to your hip-hugging ensembles until after your baby’s arrival. Avoiding tight clothes isn’t just about hiding your baby bump. Your body may be retaining water to fuel your increased blood supply, and constricting clothes are not only tight on your skin, but the blood that’s trying to flow underneath.

Watch your posture

Take time to get off your feet and walk around. Staying in the same position for too long allows the blood to pool in the lower part of your body, potentially making you light-headed. Put your feet up whenever possible to keep your blood flowing properly.

Having Trouble Sleeping at 24 weeks Pregnant

Having difficulties sleeping is a common pregnant symptom, and it’s especially common in the second and third trimesters, when other pregnancy symptoms peak and a growing belly makes it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.

When you’re 24 weeks pregnant, it could hurt to sleep on your stomach, but studies indicates that lying on your back puts more strain on the vena cava, the main blood vessel that returns blood to the heart.

Your blood circulation will increase if you sleep on your left side, which will also be good for your uterus, kidneys, and fetus. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try placing a pillow between your knees and another under your stomach. If the problem persists, consult your doctor.

24 weeks Pregnant: Wellness and Nutrition

What should you avoid during pregnancy? Doctors agree that you should avoid the following:

Activities that may cause you to fall, or that place pressure or force on your belly

Intense, overly vigorous exercise – if you’re too out of breath to talk, you’re probably exercising too hard.
Drinking alcohol, smoking, and caffeine (ask your doctor how much caffeine you should consume each day)
Sweeteners such as saccharine and herbal sweeteners (ask your doctor if artificial sweeteners are appropriate)
Prescription and over-the-counter medications (check with your doctor about what’s safe during pregnancy)
Paint, cleaning products, and solvents can expose you to chemicals and fumes. Acrylic and latex paints are generally considered safe. However, you should consult your doctor before helping around the house or in the nursery.

Saunas and hot tubs
Chemical treatments for your hair, such as dye and perms

Week 24 unsightly pregnancy symptoms

Your body undergoes many changes to give your baby-to-be enough room to grow. Some of these changes are comforting—your rounded belly and your full breasts, for example—while other signs can be troubling. Keep in mind that many of these physical changes will last only until your baby arrives.

Weight gain

You should expect to gain 25 to 35 pounds during your pregnancy. As distressing as weight gain can be for some women, those pounds are necessary for your growing baby. Much of the weight is extra fluids (such as blood), tissues (like your breasts), and of course, your baby. If you eat a sensible pregnancy diet and stay fit, you should be able to lose much of your pregnancy weight after your baby’s birth. (Some women are able to shed pounds in a matter of weeks; others need as much as a year to get their bodies back in shape).

Breast changes and tenderness

Tenderness and slight alterations in the shape of your breasts are common pregnancy symptoms around the 24th week. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are responsible for these alterations, which help your body get ready for breastfeeding after giving birth. You might find that your breasts are more sensitive to touch and feel fuller than usual.

Fatigue (constant tiredness or weakness)

One of the most typical symptoms of early pregnancy is fatigue, which frequently starts at this point. Although there are many causes of exhaustion during pregnancy (including changes in hormone levels), some research indicates that inadequate sleep brought on by nighttime awakenings from unpleasant sleeping positions may also be a role.

Heartburn or gas

There may be a rise in heartburn and flatulence during the 24th week of pregnancy. This is because progesterone produces a decrease in the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which typically prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and discomfort by allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Try spreading your meals out more, staying away from items that are known to cause heartburn (such spicy foods), and drinking lots of water.

Mood swings and crying spells

The 24th week of pregnancy is a vulnerable time for women, when they are more likely to experience mood swings and crying spells. Until your hormone levels settle, this will have an impact on your mental and emotional well-being. This is a common occurrence for pregnant women; one study indicated that 75% of women felt emotional shifts like irritability or depression in the first trimester.

Pregnant stretch marks

In the 24th week of pregnancy, stretch marks, sometimes called striae gravidarum, may occur on the belly. Stretch marks form when the skin is forced apart and then stretched beyond its natural elasticity, as happens during rapid growth or weight gain (like pregnancy)

Indigestion, or constipation

During the 24th week of pregnancy, you may suffer gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or constipation. Pregnancy hormones like progesterone and estrogen might increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues including indigestion. These hormones slow down digestion by relaxing the digestive tract, preventing food from being swallowed whole. You can reduce the frequency and severity of indigestion during pregnancy by cutting out on high-fat and sugary foods and eating more often, smaller meals (like sweets or fried foods).

Swelling (edema)

Your body retains water to provide the necessary fluids for your growing baby-to-be. You can prevent much of this swelling from drinking plenty of fluids and keeping your legs up. You may also want to purchase socks designed to improve the circulation in your feet.

Bleeding gums

Your blood volume has increased dramatically to provide nutrients to your baby-to-be. This increase, along with swelling caused by pregnancy hormones, might make your gums bleed.

Skin spots

The skin’s pigmentation may deepen around certain parts of your body during pregnancy, such as your nipples and freckles. You may also notice spots of color on your face, called the mask of pregnancy or chloasma. These pigmentation changes will fade after your baby’s born.

No symptoms at 24 weeks pregnant

Yes, it is possible to be 24 weeks pregnant with no obvious signs of pregnancy at all! It’s important to remember that every pregnant lady is unique. If you’re one of the happy few who never gets morning sickness, for instance, you may relax and enjoy your pregnancy. But if you do have symptoms, you should definitely pay heed to them. If you are pregnant and have any health concerns, you should always consult your doctor.

24 weeks pregnant belly size (baby bumb)

If this is your first pregnancy, your height, weight before pregnancy, and body shape will all play a role in how big your bump gets to be.

Some women may be able to see the baby move when sitting or lying down, depending on the form of their bellies. A larger person may not feel as many fetal movements as a smaller person.

Your pregnancy bump may appear earlier in your second or third trimester.

A doctor may suggest an ultrasound if you have rapid abdominal growth or if you have stretch marks. This could be a sign of amniotic fluid overload. In this time of pregnancy, a huge belly is normal, therefore there is no need for alarm until you notice other symptoms.

Braxton Hicks at 24 weeks Pregnant

At 24 weeks pregnant, you may find that your Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming more frequent and intense. You may feel them in your back or lower abdomen, and they may last anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes. If you’re having regular contractions, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any pain or discomfort you experience during them.

Braxton Hicks are common during the third trimester. You may not even notice them because they feel like mild discomfort or a dull ache in your lower abdomen. They’re also called practice contractions because they prepare your body for real labor by getting it ready to push out a baby when the time comes.

24 weeks pregnant ultrasound

Your baby’s heart rate will be between 120 and 160 beats per minute this week. Most of a baby’s organ systems are fully formed at this point. On an ultrasound, your baby will have traits similar to a newborn’s, but no fatty tissue.

The importance of prenatal vitamins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need a greater amount of folic acid and iron. Why? Here are some reasons:

Folic acid prevents neural tube defects

These defects affect the fetal brain and spinal cord in a significant way. Preferably, you should begin taking extra folic acid three months before you become pregnant.

The placenta and baby require iron to develop

The body uses iron to make blood to supply oxygen to the baby. Additionally, iron helps prevent anemia, a condition in which the blood lacks healthy red blood cells

It’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to find out which are the best prenatal vitamins to take before pregnancy, and how to calculate your expected delivery date.