Baby is the size of a corn cob
👶 Baby's development
The baby is gaining fat. Brain cells form actively. Already reacts to music.
💛 How mom feels
Glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes. Back pain — swimming and yoga help.
📖 Tip of the week
An important milestone: if born prematurely now, the baby has a chance of survival with intensive medical support. The lungs start producing surfactant. Take the gestational diabetes test if you haven't yet.
🔬 Detailed baby development
- This week marks the threshold of viability — with intensive neonatal care, the fetus has a chance of survival if born now
- The lungs are developing rapidly but are still immature; surfactant production increases
- The inner ear is fully developed, and the fetus has a sense of balance and can tell when it is upside down
- The fetus has regular sleep-wake cycles, typically sleeping 12-14 hours per day
- Taste buds are fully functional, and the fetus can distinguish sweet and bitter flavors in amniotic fluid
- The fetus is about 30 cm long and weighs approximately 600 grams, roughly the size of an ear of corn
🤱 What mom may feel
- Growing belly may cause the belly button to pop outward (becoming an 'outie')
- Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms (tingling, numbness in hands) may develop from fluid retention
- Backaches intensify as the center of gravity continues to shift forward
- Braxton Hicks contractions may become more noticeable
- Skin itching on the stretched abdomen as growth accelerates
🏥 Tests and check-ups
Your provider may schedule the glucose challenge test (GCT) for between 24-28 weeks. This one-hour screening test involves drinking a glucose solution and having blood drawn one hour later to screen for gestational diabetes. A complete blood count (CBC) may also be drawn to check for anemia.
💡 Tips for this week
- Wear wrist splints at night if experiencing carpal tunnel symptoms
- Practice good posture and use lumbar support cushions when sitting
- If skin itching is severe or widespread (especially on palms and soles), contact your provider to rule out cholestasis of pregnancy
- Start thinking about childcare arrangements and parental leave logistics
- Research cord blood banking options if interested
❓ Frequently asked questions
What does viability mean?
Viability is the point at which a fetus has a reasonable chance of surviving outside the womb with medical intervention. At 24 weeks, survival rates are approximately 40-70% but vary by facility and often involve extended NICU stays and potential complications.
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet increased needs. It affects about 6-9% of pregnancies and is managed through diet, exercise, and sometimes medication.
When should I worry about itching?
Mild itching on the stretching belly is normal. However, intense itching, especially on the palms and soles, could indicate intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a liver condition that requires monitoring and treatment. Report persistent severe itching to your provider.
Is carpal tunnel normal in pregnancy?
Yes, pregnancy-related fluid retention can compress the median nerve in the wrist, causing tingling and numbness. It usually resolves after delivery. Wrist splints, elevating hands, and avoiding repetitive motions can help manage symptoms.
📝 Week 24 of pregnancy: what's happening
At week 24, your baby measures around 30 cm and weighs approximately 600 g — about the size of a corn cob. This week is a significant milestone: in the UK, 24 weeks is the legal threshold of viability, meaning that babies born from this point are entitled to full resuscitation and intensive neonatal care. The baby’s face is well formed, with features very similar to how they will look at birth. The inner ear is now fully developed, giving your baby a well-developed sense of balance.
Your uterus now reaches above your navel, and your bump is growing noticeably each week. Many women experience increasing backache at this stage — low-impact exercise, good posture, and a supportive pregnancy belt can all provide relief. Swelling (oedema) of the feet and ankles is common, particularly in warmer weather or after prolonged standing — elevating the feet when possible, wearing comfortable shoes, and staying active can help. If swelling is sudden, severe, or accompanied by headache or visual changes, seek medical advice promptly.
Between weeks 24 and 28, all pregnant women in the UK are offered a glucose tolerance test (GTT) if they have risk factors for gestational diabetes, such as a high BMI, a family history of type 2 diabetes, a previous large baby (over 4.5 kg), or a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes. The GTT involves a fasting blood test, drinking a glucose solution, and a further blood test two hours later. If you have any of these risk factors, ensure your midwife has discussed the GTT with you and arranged the appointment.
This is an excellent time to begin attending NHS antenatal classes or NCT courses if you have not already enrolled. Classes typically cover the signs of labour, breathing techniques, pain relief options, and what to expect in the postnatal period. Being well informed helps reduce anxiety and supports decision-making during labour. If you are planning to breastfeed, a colostrum harvesting session may be offered from around 36 weeks in some NHS trusts — ask your midwife if this is available to you. Continuing regular, moderate exercise (such as pregnancy yoga or swimming) is beneficial for mood, sleep, and physical wellbeing.
⚠️ When to see a doctor
- Vaginal bleeding of any amount
- Severe headache or vision changes
- Severe abdominal or lower back pain
- Swelling of face and hands (possible preeclampsia)
- Decreased or absent fetal movement after 20 weeks
- Blood pressure above 140/90
Sources
- WHO recommendations on antenatal care (2016)
- ACOG Practice Bulletins
- Williams Obstetrics, 26th Edition
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