Pregnancy week by week · trimester 2
🌽 24 weeks pregnant: your baby is about the size of a corn cob
At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a corn cob, the lungs are developing and a sleep and wake rhythm is beginning.
Your baby this week
Your baby is around the length of a corn cob, about 30cm and around 600g. The lungs are developing quickly, and the cells that make surfactant are working, which is an important step for breathing after birth. Your baby is beginning to have a recognisable sleep and wake rhythm, with busy and quiet times. Taste buds are developing, the brain is growing fast, and the hands and feet are fully formed, with tiny nails.
You this week
Your bump is likely clearly visible now, and kicks are usually stronger and more regular. You may feel some itching on your bump, or have backache, headaches, leg cramps or trouble sleeping. Braxton Hicks tightenings may come and go. Many mums feel a mix of excitement and nerves as the third trimester comes into view. This is a good time to really get to know your baby's pattern of movements.
Kind things to do this week
- Notice your baby's usual pattern of movements each day; there is no set number of kicks to count.
- Start doing pelvic floor exercises a few times a day if you have not already.
- Think about making a simple plan for how you will get to the hospital.
Appointments around now
If this is your first pregnancy, you will usually have an appointment with your midwife at 25 weeks.
Questions to ask your midwife
- What is my baby's usual movement pattern likely to look like?
- Should I have the glucose test for gestational diabetes?
When to call your midwife or maternity unit
If your baby's movements slow down, stop or feel different to their usual pattern, contact your maternity unit straight away, day or night. Do not wait until the next day, and do not rely on a home doppler. Also call your midwife or maternity unit if you have bleeding, fluid leaking, a severe headache, changes to your vision, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet.
OBubba from bump to baby
Follow your pregnancy week by week, free.
OBubba is free through pregnancy, with a weekly update, kick counting and contraction timing. On the day your baby arrives, the same app becomes your baby tracker.
Questions
How many kicks should I feel at 24 weeks?
There is no set number. What matters is your baby's own pattern. If movements slow down, stop or change, contact your maternity unit straight away.
Can I use a home doppler to check my baby's heartbeat?
The NHS advises against relying on home dopplers. A heartbeat does not tell you if your baby is well. If you are worried about movements, call your maternity unit.
Not sure how far along you are? Use the due date calculator.
Sources
OBubba gives general information. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Your midwife and maternity unit are always the right people to ask, any time of day or night.