Week 24 of Pregnancy
Second trimester
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
Baby is
about the size of a corn on the cob
11.4 inches · 1.3 lbs
Baby this week
- •Brain is developing rapidly with neural connections forming
- •Inner ear structures are complete—baby can hear your voice clearly now
- •Lungs are beginning to produce surfactant, essential for breathing after birth
- •Footprints and fingerprints are fully formed and unique
You this week
- •Increased back pain as your center of gravity shifts
- •Braxton Hicks contractions becoming more noticeable
- •Swelling in hands, feet, and face (edema) due to fluid retention
- •Shortness of breath as baby takes up more space
- •Frequent urination and occasional leaking when coughing or sneezing
This week's tips
- •Start pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to help with incontinence and prepare for labor
- •Wear supportive, flat shoes and consider a maternity support belt for back pain relief
- •Stay hydrated and monitor swelling—contact your provider if it's sudden or severe
- •Practice good posture when sitting and sleeping on your left side to improve circulation
- •Schedule your glucose tolerance test (gestational diabetes screening) if you haven't already
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
You've reached viability—if baby were born now with medical support, they'd have a fighting chance. The next few weeks focus on baby gaining weight and your body preparing for the home stretch of pregnancy.
Track your pregnancy on BringBaby
Join free to track your pregnancy week-by-week and find baby-friendly places to visit as baby grows.
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and baby is different. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for guidance specific to your situation.
More free tools
Looking for places to bring baby?
Explore BringBaby