24 Weeks Pregnant

At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby weighs about 600 grams! Impressed? That’s how much your baby might weigh now—maybe a bit less, maybe a bit more…It varies, as there’s a factor that determines a child’s weight and size: their parents’ genetics.

Additionally, there’s also the condition of the placenta and the nutrition the baby receives. The 30 centimeters show how far fetal development has come. An ultrasound can show mom and dad a baby who is now chubbier and bigger, who likes to play with their little hands and feet.

The old question: 24 weeks is how many months? At 24 weeks of pregnancy, we mark the arrival of the third week of the 6th month, and your baby is growing bigger and more active every day. You’ll notice their movements becoming more obvious and sometimes even painful. Back pain as well as lower abdominal pain are normal during this stage¹. That’s because the space for the baby inside your belly is getting more and more limited and the discomfort begins to intensify. Your ribs may become their favorite plaything. And your bladder, well, don’t even ask!

Baby’s Development

Their eyes were already able to open and close since last week. Now they grow eyelashes, and each passing day your baby is looking more and more like the one you’ll soon hold in your arms. This week, fat accumulation starts under the baby’s skin. This will regulate their body temperature after birth. That’s necessary because the temperature outside the womb is totally different than inside the uterus². Accustomed to mom’s body temperature of 36.5°C to 37.5°C, the baby will develop more resistance as they gain weight.

A 24-week-old baby sleeps virtually all day. But in the periods when they’re awake, you’ll notice through their stronger and more obvious movements and kicks. Long conversations—or maybe a lullaby—can mark these moments with lots of love in your belly, since your baby can already clearly hear your voice and recognize it.

How Mom is Feeling

At 24 weeks pregnant, your belly is already quite big, and back pain is constant, especially when sleeping or lying down. The weight of your belly no longer lets you bend down or do simple tasks the same way as before. But everything is manageable with a bit of care, so you don’t get hurt and can still do what you need. Also be extra careful with your balance, which can be thrown off at this stage. Avoid wearing high heels to prevent accidents!

At this stage of 24 weeks pregnant, women feel radiant and fulfilled. One sign of this is the shine in your hair and your eyes. Even if certain beauty products aren’t recommended, you certainly can and should take care of yourself during this period. There are cosmetics that pose no risk to pregnancy. Talk to your specialist!

The 24th week of pregnancy is also marked by sometimes odd cravings in pregnancy, as well as aversion to other foods that used to be common in your diet. Eating nutrient-rich food is extremely important³, not just now but during your whole pregnancy. Eating healthy supports good health for both you and your baby. It also helps control weight gain, which should not be excessive.

External Factors

How are the preparations for the layette? And the first tiny clothes? The most eagerly awaited day is getting closer and everything should be ready to welcome your little baby. If you decide to have a baby shower, now’s a good time to start organizing everything. Waiting until the end is not a good idea. Besides being more tired from the weight of your belly, you’ll be more swollen in the pictures you’ll want to save as keepsakes. Get help from the baby’s grandparents, uncles, aunts, and godparents to create an unforgettable memory for your family.

Photo: oliviermartins