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Trimester 2 · week 24 of 40

24 weeks pregnant

At 24 weeks, the lungs and nervous system keep maturing. The baby still has a lot of development ahead, while movements are usually very present.

Translated from the original Brazilian Portuguese content with the help of artificial intelligence. Read the original in Portuguese

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Visual size comparison at week 24: an ear of corn
Visual reference: an ear of corn. Not an individual clinical measurement.
Quick read

In 1 minute

  • The lungs enter important stages of maturation.
  • The sucking reflex keeps improving.
  • Screening for gestational diabetes usually takes place between 24 and 28 weeks, according to protocol.
Fetal development

How your baby is doing this week

The baby practices breathing movements and the lungs keep forming the structures needed for life after birth. The nervous system develops and movements become more coordinated. There is still little body fat, so the skin remains wrinkled.

3D artistic representation of fetal development at week 24
Artistic 3D representation. This is not an ultrasound and does not represent your baby's individual development.
Body and routine

What may change in your body

Heartburn, trouble sleeping, lower back pain, leg cramps and constipation may appear. Feeling the baby move tends to become more consistent.

Possible steps

Care for this week

  1. Ask about the gestational diabetes test if it isn't scheduled yet.

  2. Notice the movement pattern that is starting to form, without setting rigid targets on your own.

  3. Watch out for signs of a urinary tract infection.

Prenatal care focus

  • Between 24 and 28 weeks, many protocols screen for gestational diabetes and repeat tests based on medical history and local guidelines.
Twin pregnancy

If you're expecting twins

Preterm birth is more common in multiple pregnancies; symptoms such as regular contractions, pelvic pressure or leaking fluid call for prompt advice.

Support network

For those by your side

Learning the signs of preterm labor together helps the family act without panic and without delay.

Common questions

Questions for this week

Does 24 weeks mean the baby is ready to be born?

No. The lungs, brain and other systems still go through important development in the following weeks.

Should I be counting movements already?

How and when to monitor movements should follow your prenatal care team's advice; patterns become more useful later on.

When to seek care

  • Once movements have become familiar, a significant decrease in the pattern you notice should be evaluated without waiting until the next day.
  • After 20 weeks, a severe/persistent headache, vision changes, severe pain in the upper abdomen or sudden swelling deserve evaluation for a possible hypertensive condition.
  • Before term, regular contractions, increasing pelvic pressure or signs of labor need prompt advice.

In an emergency, go to the urgent care service in your area. This content does not replace a professional assessment.

Next · week 25

The next chapter

In week 25, the baby builds up fat and the lungs move forward in preparing to breathe after birth.

See week 25

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Sources and transparency

Nilu editorial content, written from the official sources above. Individual clinical review of each week is in progress — this text is for information and does not replace your prenatal care.