Trimester 2
Week 24
Your baby is about the size of a corn cob.
Length: 30.0 cm · Weight: 600 g
Common this week: Shortness of breath, Braxton Hicks, Back pain, Heartburn, Insomnia, Swollen feet.
Baby development
- Viability milestone — babies born from 24 weeks have a chance of survival with intensive care.
- The brain is growing rapidly and developing billions of neurons.
- The lungs are developing air sacs (alveoli) in preparation for breathing.
- The baby's face has fully formed features.
Changes for you
- You may notice Braxton Hicks more frequently.
- The growing uterus may press on the diaphragm, causing breathlessness.
- Back pain and pelvic pain can intensify.
- Sleep becomes increasingly challenging — a pregnancy pillow is very helpful.
Tips
- Book your gestational diabetes (GD) screening — it's due weeks 24–28.
- Continue sleeping on your left side to optimise blood flow to the baby.
- Consider enrolling in antenatal classes now — they fill quickly in Sydney.
- Talk to your employer about your planned leave start date.
Appointments
- Gestational diabetes screening (Glucose Challenge Test or OGTT) — due this month.
Warning signs
- Signs of preeclampsia: headache, visual changes, upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling
- Regular contractions
Australian notes
- The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) for gestational diabetes is done at 24–28 weeks in Australia. It is fasting, 2-hour, Medicare-rebatable.
- If GD is diagnosed, you'll be referred to a diabetes educator and dietitian — this is well-supported in the Australian health system.