Pregnancy Week 24: What to Expect
Baby's development, your body's changes, common symptoms, what to eat, and what to do this week.
Baby's development at week 24
Baby is now medically considered "viable" — meaning baby could survive (with intensive NICU support) if born now. Survival rates are around 50-60% at 24 weeks, climbing fast each week after. Baby's brain develops rapidly. Baby's lungs continue developing surfactant. Baby's inner ear is fully formed, which means baby has a sense of balance — baby knows when you stand up vs lie down.
What's happening in your body
Your uterus is well above the belly button. Possible itchy belly from stretching skin. Possible Braxton Hicks contractions become more noticeable. Constipation common. Increased pelvic pressure. Possible heartburn. Some people get pregnancy carpal tunnel — numb, tingling hands, especially at night, from fluid retention in the wrists.
Common symptoms at week 24
Increased Braxton Hicks. Possible heartburn. Constipation. Itchy belly. Numb/tingling hands (carpal tunnel). Strong fetal movements. Possible swollen ankles. Possible mild back pain or sciatica. Mood shifts.
When to call your provider
Sudden severe swelling in face/hands, severe persistent headache, vision changes — preeclampsia. Painful regular contractions, bleeding, fluid leakage — signs of preterm labor.
How to feel better this week
The glucose tolerance test (GTT) for gestational diabetes is usually scheduled between weeks 24-28. You will drink a sweet glucose solution and have blood drawn an hour later to check how your body processes sugar. If it is high, you do a longer 3-hour test. Continue Kegels. Manage carpal tunnel with wrist splints at night. Apply belly lotion. Stay hydrated.
Nutrition focus for week 24
Manage blood sugar with balanced meals (protein, fiber, healthy fats with every meal). Limit refined sugar and white carbs alone. Eat small frequent meals rather than large ones. Keep up iron, calcium, protein, fiber, hydration.
For your partner
Be aware that the glucose test can be uncomfortable. Some people feel nauseous from the drink. Drive your partner if possible.
This week's to-do
Schedule glucose test for weeks 24-28.
Is this normal?
Gestational diabetes affects about 6-10% of pregnancies. It is manageable with diet (and sometimes medication) and does not usually mean lifelong diabetes — though it is a risk factor.
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