Second trimester
24 weeks pregnant
Your baby is about the size of an ear of corn
- First trimester1st trimester weeks 1–12
- Second trimester2nd trimester weeks 13–26
- Third trimester3rd trimester weeks 27–40+
By Clever Mum Parenting · Parenting guides
·
How big is the baby at 24 weeks pregnant?
At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of an ear of corn, roughly 30cm and around 600g. This is often considered the point of "viability", when a baby has a chance of surviving with intensive care if born prematurely. The inner ear is fully developed, controlling balance. These are typical averages — your midwife's measurements are the ones that matter for your pregnancy.
What might you feel at 24 weeks?
Most people at 24 weeks notice some mix of the symptoms below — and plenty notice none of them. You'll usually have a midwife appointment around now. Your bump is prominent and you may feel strong, regular kicks. Watch for signs of gestational diabetes if you're at higher risk. None of this is a diagnosis; contact your midwife if something worries you.
Common symptoms this week
- Strong regular kicks
- A prominent bump
- Possible glucose test this window
Symptom lists are typical, never exhaustive — and having none of them is normal too.
What should you do at 24 weeks pregnant?
The useful job this week is practical, not medical. If offered, the glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes usually happens between 24 and 28 weeks. Pair it with the NHS week-by-week guide if you want a second description of the same stage.
Week 24 checklist
- Attend your 24–25 week midwife appointment (first pregnancies)
- Have the glucose tolerance test if you've been offered one (24–28 weeks)
- Check your employer has your MATB1 if you've requested maternity pay
What antenatal care is due around 24 weeks?
These appointments, vaccines and deadlines fall around this stage. Your maternity team will confirm your own dates.
- Whooping cough vaccine (from 16 weeks). Offered in every pregnancy from 16 weeks, usually around 20 weeks. Antibodies pass to your baby before they can have their own vaccines at 8 weeks. Pregnancy and baby vaccines
- Tell your employer at least 15 weeks before your due date. GOV.UK says to tell your employer when the baby is due and when you want your leave to start at least 15 weeks before your due date — around 25 weeks pregnant. For Statutory Maternity Pay you also need proof of pregnancy, usually the MATB1 your midwife or GP can give you from 20 weeks before the due date. Estimate your 2026/27 maternity pay
What else is useful at 24 weeks?
Use the week page for size and symptoms; use the guides below for the decisions that actually sit in this window — pay, packing, car seats, labour signs.
24 weeks pregnant: common questions
What is the glucose tolerance test?
A screening test for gestational diabetes offered between 24 and 28 weeks to those with risk factors: you fast overnight, give a blood sample, drink a glucose drink, then give another sample two hours later. Gestational diabetes is manageable — diagnosis leads to extra monitoring, diet support and sometimes medication.
How big is my baby at 24 weeks pregnant?
At 24 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of an ear of corn, about 30cm and around 600g. These are approximate averages — every baby grows at its own pace.
What's happening at 24 weeks pregnant?
This is often considered the point of "viability", when a baby has a chance of surviving with intensive care if born prematurely. The inner ear is fully developed, controlling balance. For you: you'll usually have a midwife appointment around now. your bump is prominent and you may feel strong, regular kicks. watch for signs of gestational diabetes if you're at higher risk.
What appointments or vaccines are due at 24 weeks pregnant?
Around 24 weeks: whooping cough vaccine; tell your employer at least 15 weeks before your due date. Your maternity team will confirm the dates that apply to you.
Which trimester is 24 weeks?
24 weeks pregnant is in the second trimester. The first trimester runs to the end of week 12, the second from weeks 13 to 26, and the third from week 27 to birth.
Sources & further reading
This is general information, not medical advice — every pregnancy is different. For anything that worries you, and for all your antenatal care, speak to your midwife or GP. If your baby's movements ever slow down or change, contact your maternity unit immediately, day or night.