👶Your baby this week
Your baby is now about the length of a soft play cube, approximately 30 cm from head to heel and continuing to gain weight rapidly as fat begins to build under the skin.
At this stage, baby is considered **viable**, meaning that with medical support, survival outside the womb would be possible, though still challenging.
The lungs are developing tiny air sacs (alveoli) and producing surfactant, a substance that helps them stay open for breathing after birth.
Facial features are now more defined, you might even be able to see eyelashes, eyebrows, and fine hair on the head during a scan.
The auditory system is advancing quickly; baby can hear sounds from your body and external noises and may respond to familiar voices or music.
Skin remains thin and translucent but is gradually filling out as fat accumulates beneath the surface.
Bones, muscles, and organs continue to strengthen, and baby’s movements may feel stronger, more rhythmic, and even visible from the outside.
🌸Your body this week
By week 24, your bump is growing steadily, and you might feel hungrier than usual, but no extra calories are needed until week 28.
Weight gain and posture changes can cause aches in the ribs, back, hips, and pelvis as hormones relax muscles and ligaments.
Breasts may continue to grow, and some people notice occasional leaking of colostrum, the early nutrient-rich milk.
Skin may feel more sensitive to sunlight, so take extra care with sun protection.
If you’s belly button has ‘popped’ out, that’s completely normal and it will usually return to its shape after birth.
Mild swelling in the feet and ankles is common due to increased fluid retention, especially later in the day.
💛Symptoms you might notice
Every pregnancy is different. These are common around week 24 — speak to your midwife if anything worries you.
Aches and Pains
Stretching ligaments and muscle adjustments can cause rib, back, or pelvic discomfort. Gentle stretching and good posture can help relieve tension.
Heartburn & Indigestion
Eat smaller meals, avoid spicy foods, and stay upright after eating to reduce reflux caused by relaxed stomach muscles.
Carpal Tunnel or Tingling Hands
Swelling can compress wrist nerves, causing tingling or numbness. Try wrist supports at night and stretch hands regularly during the day.
Leg Cramps
Common at night, so stretch calves before bed, flex feet upward during cramps, and stay hydrated.
Swollen Feet & Ankles
Elevate legs when sitting, avoid standing too long, and wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
Blurred Vision or Dry Eyes
Hormonal changes may temporarily affect eyesight. Use lubricating drops if needed and avoid updating prescriptions until after birth.
Constipation & Bloating
Pregnancy hormones slow digestion. Eat fibre-rich foods, drink plenty of fluids, and stay active to ease symptoms.
Headaches or Migraines
Rest, stay hydrated, and keep a note of triggers. Seek advice if headaches are severe or accompanied by vision changes.
Red, Itchy Palms or Soles
A common hormonal symptom. Avoid heat and try cool compresses. Tell your midwife if itching becomes intense or spreads.
✨Tips for week 24
Celebrate Viability Week
Your baby has reached a major milestone, the point of potential survival outside the womb. Keep following healthy habits to support ongoing growth.
Healthy Eating
You don’t need to ‘eat for two’. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, and lean protein. Save extra calories for the third trimester.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol passes directly to baby and increases risks of premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues. Ask your midwife for support if finding it hard to stop.
Whooping Cough Vaccine
If you haven’t yet had the vaccine, it’s still recommended between weeks 16–32. It helps protect your baby from serious illness after birth.
Stay Sun Safe
Pregnancy makes skin more sensitive. Use SPF 15+ with UVA protection, seek shade between 11am–3pm, and reapply sunscreen regularly.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Daily squeezes strengthen muscles to prevent leaks later in pregnancy and aid recovery after birth.
Plan Ahead
Start writing a birth plan to note your preferences for labour, pain relief, and immediate post-birth care. Discuss it with your midwife.
Antenatal Classes
Ask your midwife about online or local classes. They’re a great way to prepare and connect with other expectant parents.
Contraception After Birth
Plan ahead, pregnancy can happen again sooner than expected. Discuss post-birth contraception options with your GP or midwife.
Check Mental Wellbeing
Pregnancy can bring emotional ups and downs. Talk to your doctor or midwife about support if feeling anxious, low, or overwhelmed.
When to Seek Medical Help
Contact maternity triage immediately for heavy bleeding, severe pain, persistent headaches, vision changes, sudden swelling, or reduced baby movement.