Week 24 of pregnancy

Your baby this week

About 665 g (estimated weight; Source: WHO fetal growth charts (Kiserud et al., PLoS Med 2017)) — about as heavy as a small phool gobi (cauliflower, 4 in head, with leaves) (Source: USDA SR Legacy (FoodData Central) FDC 169986 'Cauliflower, raw': portion '1 head small (4" dia.)' = 265 g edible portion; SR28 FOOD_DES refuse 61% (Leaf stalks, cores and trimmings). As-purchased weight = 265 / (1 - 0.61) = 679.5 g.). Every baby grows a little differently.

How your baby is developing

• This week is often cited as the current threshold of viability with intensive neonatal care, though outcomes vary widely and depend on many factors.ACOG
• The lungs are beginning to produce surfactant, a substance needed for breathing after birth.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)

How you may feel

• A screening test for gestational diabetes is typically offered around weeks 24–28.ACOG
• Swelling, varicose veins, and a protruding navel are common at this stage.NHS

Nutrition this week

• Iron — blood volume rises ~50% — iron demand climbs (Red meat)
• Calcium — fetal skeleton mineralising (Dairy)
• Vitamin D — calcium absorption + bone (Fatty fish)

Tests & scans

• Glucose screen for gestational diabetes (weeks 24–28)

When to reach out

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing clots.ACOG
• Severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain.ACOG
• Severe, persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down (possible hyperemesis gravidarum).NHS
• Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or chills.WHO
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or a racing/irregular heartbeat.NHS
• Pain or burning when urinating (possible urinary tract infection).NHS
• A severe or persistent headache that doesn't improve.ACOG
• Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet.ACOG
• Visual disturbances — blurring, flashing lights, or spots.ACOG
• Regular contractions, pelvic pressure, or low back pain before 37 weeks (possible signs of preterm labor).ACOG
• Fluid leaking or gushing from the vagina (possible ruptured membranes).NHS
• Persistent pain in the upper abdomen, especially under the ribs on the right side.ACOG

These apply to this week specifically. See the full list of urgent warning signs the CDC publishes for pregnancy and the year after birth.