Week 24: Brain Development
The twenty‑fourth week is a time of active brain development and cognitive functions.
Baby size: Corn (90-95 mm)
Baby development
Real Face and Preparation for the World
Your baby is becoming more and more like a newborn. His body is becoming more proportionate, and his facial features are unique.
What’s happening this week:
- Lungs: Alveoli continue to develop and surfactant is produced, which is critically important for breathing.
- Inner ear: It is already fully developed, allowing the baby to control balance and understand where up is and where down is.
- Skin: It is still thin and translucent, but begins to take on a pink hue thanks to forming capillaries.
- Sleep: The baby already has a clear sleep‑wake cycle, which unfortunately does not always match yours.
Your fetus weighs about 600 grams, and its length is over 30 centimeters.
Changes for mom
Glucose Test and Foot Care
At this stage your doctor will likely recommend an important test, and your body may send new signals that require attention.
What you may notice:
- Gestational diabetes test: It is usually performed between weeks 24 and 28. This is a standard screening to check blood‑sugar levels.
- Increased swelling: Your legs and ankles may swell more, especially at the end of the day.
- Back and pelvic pain: May intensify due to the growing uterus and relaxed ligaments.
- Stronger baby movements: You may notice that the baby has a favorite time for “dances” — often exactly when you are trying to fall asleep.
It is important to know all scheduled examinations. Learn more in the article "Tests and Examinations During Pregnancy".
Overview
Week 24: Viability and Training
The twenty‑fourth week is an extremely important milestone. From this moment your baby is considered viable. This means that in the case of premature birth he has a chance to survive with intensive medical care. It is a big step in his development.
He is now the size of an ear of corn. His face is already fully formed, and he looks almost exactly as he will look at birth, only much slimmer.
For you, this is the time when the uterus has risen above the belly button. You can clearly feel its boundaries. The load on the body increases, so it is important to pay more attention to rest and your own comfort.
Viability is not just a medical term. It is evidence of the incredible journey your baby has taken and how perfect and resilient his tiny body is.
You are approaching the end of the second trimester. To refresh the events of this period in your memory, review our detailed guide "Second Trimester: What You Need to Know".
Tips for mom
Preparing for the Test and Caring for Comfort
Preparing for medical tests and daily self‑care are your main tasks this week.
What to do:
- Get ready for the glucose test. Ask your doctor about all the details: whether you need to come fasting, how long the procedure will take.
- Rest with your legs elevated. This is the best way to combat swelling.
- Do pelvic exercises. Light exercises such as “cat‑cow” or pelvic rotations will help reduce discomfort.
- Don’t forget to moisturize your skin. Regular use of creams will help deal with itching.
If pain concerns you, light physical activity can help. Read about safe exercises in the article "Physical Activity and Exercises".
Tips for partner
Organizer, Motivator, and Support
Your role during this period is to help with organizational matters and be a reliable emotional support.
Your contribution to the joint effort:
- Support her during the test. Offer to drive her to the clinic and wait. This test can be lengthy and exhausting.
- Help her reduce swelling. Give a gentle foot and ankle massage at the end of the day.
- Attend parent courses together. It’s a great way to gain useful knowledge and meet other couples.
- Be attentive to her needs. Sometimes the best help is simply to listen.
Parent courses are a wonderful investment in your shared future. They will help you prepare for birth, which you can read about in the article "Types of Birth".
Checklist
Your Action Plan for Week 24
Approaching the third trimester with confidence.
- ✅ Schedule and take the glucose tolerance test.
- 👟 Choose and wear the most comfortable shoes to reduce strain on the feet.
- 🧘♀️ Do exercises to relieve tension in the back and pelvis.
- 🗣️ Start actively communicating with other expecting parents in courses or forums.
- 📝 Check your list of items for the delivery and maybe purchase something.
- 📚 Get inspired for preparation by reviewing the article "Packing the Birth Bag".