Welcome to another week of pregnancy, you’re 24 weeks pregnant to be exact! Watch the faces of people who haven’t seen you for awhile get a look at your belly, it’s fun to watch your pregnancy become real to them. ‘Cause there’s there’s no hiding that belly these days! Here are some of the things you might experience at 24 weeks pregnant.

Baby at 24 weeks pregnant

Happening now: big-time baby weight gain! Your baby is 1.5 pounds this week, the size of a cantaloupe and the length of an ear of corn. S/he is packing on six ounces a week these days, most of which is fat. But growing muscles, organs, and bones are claiming some of those ounces, too. Your baby’s tiny face is almost fully formed, and has a complete set ot eyelashes and eyebrows. On his or her head: snow white hair! There’s no pigment in babies’ hair yet.

Babies born at 24 weeks have a 50 percent chance of survival, and that number is only going to get better as time goes on. In additon to size, another development this week plays a major part in a baby’s viability: the development of surfactant, a fluid that helps babies’ ability to breathe outside of the womb. Surfactant lubricates the lungs, making it easier for air to travel through them.

Your baby at 24 weeks is becoming more active and is likely experiencing a routine of awake and sleep times. Many moms find that there's a certain time of the day that they can almost always count on their baby to be active. With all the flips and turns s/he is making, consider this: now that your baby’s inner ears are fully developed, s/he can get a sense if s/he’s upside down!

Your body at 24 weeks pregnant

Your growing body at 24 weeks pregnant might have you feeling a little clumsy and awkward. Your center of gravity is shifting, which is making it more difficult to move around easily. Additionally, your posture might have changed. This is because the hormone relaxin is causing your joints to soften, helping your body prepare for birth. If you're experiencing backaches during pregnancy, consider some light exercise and make sure that your posture is good, whether you're standing or sitting.

Many women experience a major unfortunate symptom when they're pregnant at 24 weeks – hemorrhoids. If you're having problems with hemorrhoids, increase your water consumption and make sure that your diet includes plenty of foods rich in fiber. Over-the-counter medications can also help, but before taking any medicine during pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider.

Hot flashes are another symptom of being 24 weeks pregnant. Your body is full of extra blood and your heart is working harder than before, which can leave you feeling overheated. No matter what the season, layered clothing can help you be more comfortable.

24 weeks pregnant ultrasound

At 24 weeks pregnant, a peek into your belly reveals: a tiny, well-formed baby! 

How big is my baby at 24  weeks?

At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is the size of an ear of corn, on average measuring almost a foot (16) inches long and weighing on average 1.25 pounds.

24 weeks is how many months pregnant? 

At this stage in your pregnancy, you're 6 months 0 weeks (6m0w) pregnant. 

Common symptoms at 24 weeks pregnant

Here are some of the symptoms you might experience at 24 weeks pregnant.

• Leg cramps: Commonly occurring at night, spasms in the leg muscles can wake you up with their painful, annoying cramping. When leg cramps happen, try gently flexing your foot or leg, and massaging the area. Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated and prevent leg cramps as much as possible.
  
• Wild dreams: Pregnant women often report having vivid, frequent dreams, another symptom courtesy of hormonal changes. Experts believe they occur because increased estrogen causes longer periods of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is the phase of sleep when dreams most often occur.
  
• Braxton-Hicks contractions: These false labor contractions feel like a squeezing sensation at the top of your uterus, or down in your lower abdomen or groin, as your uterus exercises its muscle and building strength in anticipation of labor. Braxton-Hicks contractions are different from true labor because they are irregular in their frequency and vary in length and intensity.
  
• More stable emotions: Now that your hormones are finally evening out, you might notice you’re no longer riding an emotional roller coaster.
  
• Feeling worried about labor: As your due date approaches, you might feel scared or worried about having the baby. Share your fears with your partner, and also your care provider, who can help you get a handle on what to expect and how you can best prepare for labor and delivery. 
  
• Nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums
  
• Sluggish digestion: Pregnancy hormones may continue to wreak havoc on your digestive system, resulting in constipation, heartburn, and indigestion.
  
• Swollen breasts
  
• Waddling posture: By now your weight gain has changed your center of gravity. To help your posture, consider getting some gentle exercise, such as swimming or walking.
  
• Backaches
  
• Skin pigmentation: Skin pigmentation, such as the linea nigra on your belly, is a common side effect of pregnancy. Any pigmentation will fade and most likely completely disappear after pregnancy.
  
• Increased libido: Many women notice they feel “in the mood” more often during the second trimester. Unless your doctor says otherwise, sex is safe during pregnancy. 
  
• Increased appetite
  
• Blurred vision: This is caused by water retention and generally disappears after birth. 
  
• Dry eyes: Hormones are to blame if you’re experiencing decreased tear production. Your eyes may feel dry and it can make wearing contacts less comfortable.

Pregnancy checklist at 24 weeks pregnant 

Taking care of yourself and getting ready for your baby’s arrival top the list of things to do this week.

• Stock up: You might be experiencing a surge of energy. Take advantage of it and start looking for the baby gear you’ll need. Before you start shopping, consider asking your friends and family members if there were any baby items they couldn’t live without. Here's our list of the baby items you absolutely shouldn't miss.
• Practice self-care: It's important that you continue to take care of yourself when you're 24 weeks pregnant. Make sure that you're eating healthy foods and exercising. And don't neglect those Kegel exercises! While they may seem unnecessary, you'll be glad you did them once the baby is born.
• Talk to your baby: Your baby at 24 weeks is listening intently to every word you say. And not just you, but your partner and any siblings s/he has! Encourage everyone in your house to talk to your baby; not only is it fun, but it can help speed up the bonding process once the baby arrives.

What to Expect at 25 Weeks Pregnant