Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider.
At 24 weeks, you’ve reached a critical milestone—the viability threshold. If born now, your baby would have a chance of survival with intensive NICU care. Your baby is about the size of an ear of corn, weighing roughly 1.3 pounds and measuring about 12 inches. This week brings the glucose screening test and continued rapid development of your baby’s lungs and brain.
Baby Development at 24 Weeks
Your baby is approximately 12 inches long and weighs about 1.3 pounds—the size of an ear of corn. This week marks the viability milestone—with advanced NICU care, babies born at 24 weeks have about a 60-70% survival rate, though they face significant health challenges.
Your baby’s lungs continue developing surfactant. The brain is growing rapidly with increasingly complex neural pathways. Your baby’s face is almost fully formed, and they’re developing regular sleep-wake cycles. Taste buds are fully functional, and your baby may show preferences for sweet flavors in the amniotic fluid.
Your Body This Week
Your uterus is about the size of a soccer ball. Weight gain is typically 14-20 pounds total. The glucose screening test for gestational diabetes is typically done between weeks 24-28. See our gestational diabetes diet guide for preparation and prevention tips.
You may experience Braxton Hicks contractions more frequently. Back pain, heartburn, and swelling continue. Your skin may feel increasingly itchy as it stretches.
Common Symptoms at 24 Weeks
Glucose test preparation: You’ll drink a sweet glucose solution and have blood drawn after an hour. This screens for gestational diabetes, which affects 2-10% of pregnancies.
Linea nigra: The dark line on your abdomen may be more prominent. It fades after delivery.
Pelvic pressure: As your baby grows, you may feel increased pressure in your pelvic area.
Restless legs: This uncomfortable sensation in your legs, especially at night, is common. Stretching and magnesium may help.
What to Do This Week
Complete your glucose screening test. If results are elevated, you’ll do a follow-up 3-hour glucose tolerance test. Early detection and management of gestational diabetes leads to excellent outcomes.
Start thinking about your hospital bag. While it’s early, making a list now helps you prepare gradually.
Continue exercising. Safe pregnancy exercises support healthy blood sugar levels and reduce discomfort.
Nutrition Spotlight: Blood Sugar Management
Balanced blood sugar supports your energy and reduces gestational diabetes risk. Pair carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats, choose whole grains over refined, eat regular small meals, and limit sugary drinks and snacks. Visit our pregnancy nutrition guide.
When to Call Your Doctor
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking
- Regular painful contractions
- Severe headaches or vision changes
- Sudden severe swelling
- Decreased fetal movement
- Signs of UTI
See our when to call your doctor guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I fail the glucose screening?
An elevated result doesn’t mean you have gestational diabetes. You’ll do a 3-hour follow-up test. If diagnosed, it’s manageable with diet, exercise, and sometimes medication.
What does viability mean at 24 weeks?
Viability means your baby could potentially survive outside the womb with intensive medical care. At 24 weeks, survival rates are about 60-70%, improving each additional week.
Why do I have restless legs at night?
Restless leg syndrome is common in pregnancy, possibly related to iron deficiency, hormonal changes, or nerve compression. Stretching, magnesium, and iron supplementation may help.
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