Your baby this week
The lungs keep maturing. The skin is still thin and see-through, but a layer of fat is slowly building underneath. Your baby's movements are getting stronger.
Week 24 opens the window for glucose screening for gestational diabetes, which usually runs to 28 weeks. Gestational diabetes often has no symptoms, which is why screening matters; with diet changes and, if needed, treatment, it's very manageable. Your baby's lungs are starting to make surfactant, a substance that helps keep the tiny air sacs open after birth. Around 24 weeks babies reach the age when survival with intensive neonatal care becomes possible, but every additional week in the womb makes a big difference to their health. Ask about your syphilis and anemia checks, which are often repeated in the third trimester, and about the RSV and Tdap vaccines coming up later in pregnancy.
By the numbers
Week 24 covers days 168 to 174 counted from the first day of your last period, which is 60% of a 40-week pregnancy. About 112 days remain until a 40-week due date. Since last week, an average baby gains about 3.5 oz (100 g). By date of conception, your baby is about 22 weeks old.
Pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period, so conception happens around week 2. Your due date is 280 days (40 weeks) from that day, and an early ultrasound may adjust it.
Your body
Swollen feet and ankles, back aches and frequent peeing are common. Call your provider if it burns or stings when you pee, or if your urine looks cloudy or pinkish.
Tests and to-dos this week
The glucose screening test usually happens between now and 28 weeks; ask whether you need to fast beforehand. If you're Rh negative, ask about the antibody test and Rh immune globulin shot usually given at 28 weeks.
Glucose screening for gestational diabetes · weeks 24–28 · test
Done earlier if you have risk factors.
Coming up: Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine (from week 27). Full prenatal visit schedule
Tips for the second trimester
- Most healthy pregnant people are advised to get about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as walking or swimming.
- Your recommended weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI, and gain usually speeds up in the second trimester.
- Once you feel your baby regularly, learn their usual pattern; a change in pattern matters more than any count.
- The flu shot is recommended at any point in pregnancy during flu season.
Call your provider or labor and delivery right away if you have:
- vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
- regular contractions or pelvic pressure before 37 weeks
- a severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling of the face or hands
- a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher, or painful urination
- after 24 weeks, your baby moving less or differently
In an emergency, call 911.
Last week and next week
Last week (23): Your baby's arms and legs are now in proportion with the body.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the baby at 24 weeks?
About the size of a 12-inch ruler: about 11.8 in (30 cm) · 1.5 lb (665 g), measured head to heel. These are rounded averages, and every baby grows at their own pace.
How many months is 24 weeks pregnant?
24 weeks is in month 6 and the second trimester. About 16 weeks (112 days) remain until a 40-week due date. Months are approximate; providers count weeks and days.
When is the glucose test in pregnancy?
Usually between 24 and 28 weeks. It may be done earlier if you have risk factors, such as gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy or a higher BMI.
What's the next test or appointment after week 24?
Next up: Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine, from week 27. Your provider may schedule things differently depending on your health and local practice.
Sources
- WHO Fetal Growth Charts (Kiserud et al., PLoS Med 2017)
- INTERGROWTH-21st crown-rump length standard (Papageorghiou et al., 2014)
- Hadlock et al.: In utero fetal weight standard (Radiology 1991)
- NHS: Week-by-week guide to pregnancy
- NHS: Pregnancy symptoms you need to get help for
- ACOG: How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
- ACOG: Routine Tests During Pregnancy
- ACOG: Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests
- CDC: Vaccine Recommendations Before, During, and After Pregnancy
- Office on Women's Health: Prenatal care and tests
- Hungarian Decree 26/2014 (IV. 8.) EMMI on prenatal care
- NNGYK (Hungary): 2026 vaccination methodology letter
- ACOG – Group B Strep and Pregnancy (Committee Opinion 797)
- ACOG – The Rh Factor
Last reviewed: November 14, 2026 · Kitpebble editorial team
This page is for general information. It isn't medical advice or a diagnosis and doesn't replace your OB-GYN or midwife. Sizes are rounded averages. Our editorial policy