Week 24
Your baby is the size of an ear of corn
What's happening this week
Your baby is now the size of an ear of corn — about 12 inches from head to toe and weighing roughly 1.3 to 1.5 pounds. The face is fully formed, and if you could see your baby right now, you'd recognize them. The features are distinctly theirs.
The inner ear is now fully developed, which means your baby has a sense of balance and can tell when they're right-side up or upside down as they tumble in the amniotic fluid. This vestibular system will be important for motor development after birth — from holding their head up to eventually walking.
Lung development continues to be the main focus. The branches of the respiratory tree are multiplying, and the cells that produce surfactant (type II pneumocytes) are increasing in number. The blood-air barrier — the microscopic membrane where oxygen and carbon dioxide will eventually be exchanged — is getting thinner and more efficient. Every day these lungs continue to develop improves your baby's ability to breathe independently if born early.
Your baby's skin, though still thin and wrinkled, is beginning to develop the layers it will need after birth. It has a pinkish-red hue because the blood vessels are visible through the translucent skin. Fat deposits are slowly increasing, but your baby is still quite lean — the major fat accumulation happens in the third trimester.
Your baby is responding to stimuli with increasing sophistication. They startle at sudden loud noises, turn toward familiar voices, and may hiccup after swallowing amniotic fluid. These responses show that the nervous system is maturing rapidly, creating increasingly complex connections between sensory input and motor output.
Your body this week
Week 24 is often when the glucose screening test happens. If your provider hasn't scheduled it yet, expect it between now and week 28. The test itself is straightforward: drink a glucose solution, wait an hour, give blood. The drink is intensely sweet — most people compare it to melted popsicles or flat orange soda — and some people find it unpleasant. A small number feel nauseous afterward. The initial screening takes just the one blood draw.
If your screening result is above the threshold, you'll be asked to take a follow-up three-hour test (which does require fasting). An elevated initial screening doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes — many people pass the follow-up test. And even if you are diagnosed, gestational diabetes is manageable with diet, monitoring, and sometimes medication.
Physically, your body is continuing to expand and adapt. The top of your uterus is now about 2 inches above your belly button. You may notice your belly button starting to 'pop out' — going from an innie to an outie — as the uterus pushes against it from behind. This is cosmetic and temporary.
Sleep may be getting more challenging. Between the need to urinate frequently, difficulty finding a comfortable position, vivid dreams, and the occasional kick from your baby at 2 AM, a full night's rest can feel elusive. A pregnancy pillow, limiting fluids in the evening (while staying hydrated during the day), and a consistent bedtime routine can help.
You're entering the final stretch of the second trimester. In just a few weeks, you'll cross into the third trimester — the home stretch.
For dads
The glucose test is happening around now, and while it's a routine screening, your partner might be anxious about it — especially if gestational diabetes runs in her family. Here's what you should know: gestational diabetes isn't caused by eating too much sugar or doing anything wrong. It's a hormonal condition where the placenta produces hormones that interfere with insulin function. It affects 2-10% of pregnancies and is highly manageable. If she's diagnosed, she'll need to monitor blood sugar and adjust her diet. The most supportive thing you can do: make the dietary changes together. Don't eat a giant bowl of pasta in front of her while she's managing carb intake.
You're about to enter the third trimester, and with it comes a shift in intensity. The next 14-16 weeks will bring faster baby growth, more frequent prenatal visits, and the beginning of real delivery preparation. This is a good time to make sure the big logistics are in order: Is the car seat purchased and installed? Is the nursery functional (not perfect — functional)? Do you know who to call and where to go when labor starts? Is your work leave sorted? Getting these pieces in place now means the third trimester can be about connecting with your partner and preparing emotionally, rather than scrambling to check boxes.
Common concerns
Is the glucose drink safe for my baby?+
Yes — the glucose solution used in screening is simply a precisely measured amount of sugar dissolved in water or flavored liquid. It's been used safely for decades in millions of pregnancies. The temporary spike in blood sugar doesn't harm your baby. The test is important because undiagnosed gestational diabetes can lead to complications including excessive fetal growth, which can complicate delivery. Catching it early allows for effective management.
Why does my belly button look different?+
As your uterus grows, it pushes against the back of your belly button from the inside, which can cause an 'innie' belly button to flatten or pop out into an 'outie.' This is completely normal and temporary — it will return to its original shape after delivery, though it may look slightly different than before. Some people find it amusing, others find it mildly annoying. Either way, it's harmless.
How is the baby positioned right now?+
At 24 weeks, your baby still has plenty of room to move and frequently changes position — head up, head down, sideways, and everything in between. The baby's current position doesn't matter at this stage. It's not until around weeks 32-36 that most babies settle into a head-down position for birth. If your baby is breech later in pregnancy, your provider will discuss options. For now, let them tumble freely.
When should I start packing my hospital bag?+
Many providers recommend having your hospital bag packed and ready by around week 36, but there's no harm in starting earlier — especially if it reduces your anxiety. Start a list now of items you want to include: comfortable clothes, toiletries, phone charger, snacks, insurance cards, birth plan, going-home outfit for baby, and a car seat installed in your vehicle. You can gradually add items over the coming weeks rather than doing it all at once.
Product picks for week 24
We may earn a small commission if you purchase through links on this page — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Hospital bag packing list and organizer
Start planning now so you're not scrambling at 38 weeks — an organized list and bag set keeps everything ready to grab and go.
Glucose test prep tips card
A small card with tips for making the glucose drink more tolerable — chill it, drink it fast, and bring a snack for afterward.
Third trimester pregnancy book
The final stretch brings new questions about labor, delivery, and newborn care — a comprehensive guide prepares you for what's next.
A quick note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns. Learn how we create our content.
Content based on guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Mayo Clinic, and peer-reviewed medical literature. Learn more about how we create our content.