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Week 24 sits within the second trimester. Lung development and rapid brain growth continue, and movement is usually clearer. This guide explains what may be happening now, what can vary, and which concerns deserve prompt professional advice.
What is happening at pregnancy week 24
Changing circulation can contribute to dizziness, swelling and nasal symptoms. Gestational age is counted from the first day of the last menstrual period, so early numbered weeks include time before conception. Dating may later be adjusted using clinical information and ultrasound.
Baby development
The lungs begin producing early surfactant components and the inner ear supports balance and orientation.
Approximate size and growth
The fetus is around corn-cob length, approximately 30 centimetres head to heel.
Changes you may notice
Movement may respond to sound or position, while sleep can be interrupted by discomfort. Some people notice several changes at once, while others feel little different. The presence or absence of a symptom cannot on its own confirm how a pregnancy is progressing.
Common symptoms
- Clear fetal movement
- Mild ankle swelling
- Backache, heartburn or nasal congestion
These experiences are possibilities, not a checklist. Symptoms can be mild, strong, intermittent or absent at week 24, and a different pattern does not automatically mean that anything is wrong.
Emotional wellbeing
As movement becomes familiar, changes can provoke worry. Learn your maternity service’s specific movement guidance. A short daily check-in can help: notice what feels manageable, identify one source of support, and write down a concern instead of carrying it alone.
If worry is persistent, interferes with sleep or daily life, or makes it hard to cope, tell your midwife, doctor or another trusted healthcare professional. Emotional health deserves the same attention as physical health.
Nutrition and hydration
Adequate protein, calcium and varied produce support this growth phase; restrictive diets need professional planning. Sip fluids regularly and use urine colour and thirst as everyday prompts, while following any fluid advice given for a medical condition.
Aim for regular meals built around vegetables and fruit, wholegrain or other fibre-rich foods, protein foods and suitable dairy or alternatives. Follow local advice on prenatal supplements and foods to avoid; individual needs differ, especially with allergies, diabetes, anaemia or severe nausea.
Safe movement and daily comfort
Water-based or low-impact movement may reduce pressure if approved and comfortable. Choose an intensity at which you can still speak comfortably, include rest, and adapt for heat, balance changes or pelvic discomfort.
For an uncomplicated pregnancy, comfortable everyday activity is often encouraged. Stop and seek advice if movement causes pain, bleeding, dizziness, chest symptoms, fluid loss or contractions. A clinician can tailor advice for complications or a previously inactive routine.
Appointments and screening
Glucose screening is offered in some systems around 24 to 28 weeks, based on universal or risk-based protocols.
Exact schedules and tests vary by country, pregnancy history and care plan. Keep a note of new symptoms, medicines and questions so your appointment can focus on what matters to you.
Warning signs and when to seek care
Trust a strong sense that something is wrong: maternity services would rather assess a concern than have you delay because it does not match a list.
- Contact your maternity service promptly for vaginal bleeding, suspected fluid loss, severe or persistent abdominal pain, a severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, fever, breathing difficulty, chest pain or feeling acutely unwell.
- Once you have established a usual pattern of movement, seek maternity advice promptly if your baby is moving less than usual or the pattern changes. Do not wait for the next day.
- Use emergency services for collapse, severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, a seizure or another immediately life-threatening concern.
Practical preparation for this week
Start planning how appointments, transport and support would work if extra monitoring were needed.
- Ask about glucose testing
- Know local movement advice
- Elevate feet for ordinary mild swelling
Frequently asked questions
Should I count kicks at 24 weeks?
Methods differ. Learn your baby’s developing pattern and follow local maternity advice rather than a generic internet target.
When is swelling concerning?
Sudden swelling, especially with headache, vision change, upper abdominal pain or feeling unwell, needs prompt assessment.
Should I compare my pregnancy with someone else at week 24?
No two pregnancies follow an identical pattern. Dating can vary, symptoms are influenced by many factors, and growth is assessed over time rather than from a single comparison. Bring personal concerns to your maternity team.
Week 24 in brief
Week 24 features lung and brain development with clearer movement. Glucose screening and movement guidance may become relevant.
References
The following authoritative resources support editorial and professional review. Guidance should be checked for currency and local applicability before publication.
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Healthier Baby Today articles are reviewed for accuracy and updated as guidance changes.
Last updated: July 17, 2026
