24 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect at Six Months?

Yippie, 6 months gone! And now, a few weeks to go! Mommy, you must be excited and both nervous at the same time to meet your little bundle of joy. So, how’s it going? You must be prepping things slowly and steadily? Since the baby is making movements, you must have started quietly talking to them inside and building your special bond. Sometimes, you may feel a tickle, too! Well, everything of this sort is common and normal to experience. Are you curious about what it's like to be 24 weeks pregnant?

Let’s finish the pending or ongoing tasks you have and spend a few minutes reading this blog. Here's everything you need to know about week 24 of pregnancy.

Key Takeaways at 24 Weeks Pregnant

• Your baby is now ‘viable’. This means that if given birth right now, they may survive with the right support. However, several things need to be taken care of. 
• Your baby is about the size of an ear of corn and weighs around 600–700 grams. 
• Since the baby is growing, the skin on your abdomen and breasts is stretching, resulting in changes in the appearance of your skin and body. 
• Some women may also develop stretch marks, so don’t be afraid. They fade away with time; you'd better enjoy this special phase worry-free! 
• Your belly is growing steadily, and fetal movements are more pronounced.
• Dry skin is a common issue during pregnancy. If you’re experiencing one, use a hydrating moisturiser and apply it as many times as you feel. 
• During this stage, your baby inside starts to develop blood cells and taste buds. Interesting, right? 

Want to gain more insights about the mother’s and baby’s growth and development? Keep reading!

Baby at Week 24

At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is becoming more responsive to the world around them. Their inner ear is fully developed, so they can now sense balance and begin reacting to sound. Taste buds are also forming, and your baby may start recognising the taste of what you eat through the amniotic fluid. Their eyes are also responding to the light. Amazing, isn’t it? 

Organs like the lungs are producing surfactant, a substance that will help them breathe after birth. Your baby's skin is still translucent but becoming more opaque as fat starts to accumulate. 

How Big Is A Baby At 24 Weeks?

At 24 weeks, your baby is roughly 32.2 cm (12.7 inches) long and weighs about 600–700 grams (1.3–1.5 pounds). That's about the size of a corn on the cob or a large zucchini. 

24 Weeks Pregnant Is Equal To How Many Months?

To be precise, you are 5.5 months pregnant at 24 weeks, and the fetal age is 22 weeks. Pregnancy is typically counted in weeks because months can vary in length, but this week marks the end of the second trimester’s sixth month. 

What Does Baby Look Like In The Womb At 24 Weeks?

Your baby’s face is fully formed, complete with tiny eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. The eyes are still closed, but they can detect light changes. Inside the womb, your baby looks like a mini version of a newborn, just thinner and with more delicate skin. 

Their skin is wrinkled due to the lack of fat, but it will start to plump up in the coming weeks.

24-Week Ultrasound

At 24 weeks, an ultrasound can give you a clear view of your baby's growth and development. You might see:

• A defined face
• Moving limbs
• The spine and ribs
• A strong, steady heartbeat

The scan might also assess fetal movement, measure fluid levels, and check placental placement and growth.

Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 24

Here’s a list of pregnancy symptoms which you might experience when you’re 24 weeks pregnant: 

• Fatigue & Tiredness

As your baby grows rapidly, your body works overtime to support their development. It's no wonder you're feeling more exhausted than usual! The added weight, disrupted sleep, and potential iron deficiency can all take a toll on your energy levels. 

• Stretch Marks

Around the 24th week of pregnancy, your rapidly expanding belly can lead to stretch marks. As your skin stretches faster than it can keep up, tiny tears occur in the middle layer, resulting in red, purple, or pink lines. Don't worry, you're not alone - it's a common part of pregnancy! 

• Braxton Hicks Contractions

It’s common to experience Braxton Hicks contractions during this stage of pregnancy. It occurs when the muscles of your uterus tighten and your bump goes hard. You can tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and labour contractions because they aren't regular and they will probably stop if you shift position. 

• Tender Gums

Pregnancy gingivitis, or tender gums, is another common pregnancy concern caused by hormonal changes. As your pregnancy progresses and the progesterone levels rise, it increases blood flow to your gums, which can bleed easily even under slight pressure. 

• Round Ligament Pain

As your uterus grows with your baby, it stretches the surrounding ligaments, causing pain on one or both sides of your lower belly. This pain can get worse when you do things like stand up quickly, laugh, or roll over in bed. 

• Piles

Pregnancy can cause haemorrhoids due to increased blood volume, pressure from the growing uterus, and constipation. These factors can lead to swollen rectal veins, making life a bit uncomfortable. 

• Backache

As your belly grows, the added weight strains your back, often causing discomfort around the 24th week of pregnancy. Additionally, the hormone relaxin plays a role by softening joints and ligaments, making backaches more common during this stage. 

• Indigestion & Heartburn

By week 24, your relaxing muscles also slow down the digestive system. This causes slower passage of food along the digestive tract, leading to indigestion, bloating and constipation. Your rapidly growing baby also presses on the stomach, causing acid reflux or the infamous pregnancy heartburn. 

Your Pregnant Belly At 24 Weeks

Your uterus is now about the size of a soccer ball. You’re likely feeling more frequent movements, especially after eating or when you’re resting. The belly button may start to pop out, and your belly will visibly grow week by week. 

What To Expect At 24 Weeks Pregnant With Twins

If you’re carrying twins, you’ll likely: 

• Feel more pressure on your back and abdomen.
• Have a larger belly than a singleton pregnancy and will show early. 
• Need more frequent checkups to monitor both babies' growth. 
• Experience stronger or earlier Braxton Hicks contractions.

Twin pregnancies require more rest and hydration, so be kind to your body.

Can The Baby Feel When I Rub My Belly?

Yes, at 24 weeks, your baby can feel light touch and pressure. Gently rubbing your belly may soothe your baby and encourage bonding. Many moms find their baby responds with a little kick or shift, especially when they’re calm and relaxed. 

Tips for Moms at 24 Weeks Pregnant

• Hydrate regularly to help with circulation and reduce swelling. 
• Sleep on your left side to improve blood flow.
• Wear supportive shoes and a belly band if back pain kicks in.
• Moisturise daily to minimise itching and stretch marks.
• Check for gestational diabetes, common during pregnancy. Your doctor may advise you to have a GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test) - a blood test often done after 8-12 hours of fasting. 
• Eat calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, nuts, oranges, pulses and broccoli. Along with this, make sure you take 10 mg of Vitamin D as it helps with calcium absorption. 
• Look after your mental well-being. When you’re happy from inside, your baby becomes happy and moves towards a happy growth. 
• Get sleep and take enough rest whenever you get an opportunity. Listen to your body and leave every work behind! 

The Final Takeaway

Being 24 weeks pregnant is an exciting stage of your journey. Your baby is growing rapidly, becoming more responsive, and preparing for life outside the womb. With each passing week, you’re getting closer to meeting your little one. Keep following your prenatal routine, listen to your body, and enjoy this beautiful phase.