Week 24: A Major Viability Milestone

Your baby's lungs are developing surfactant, a substance that helps keep the tiny air sacs from collapsing once breathing begins — though lung maturity continues developing for many more weeks. This is part of why 24 weeks is often cited as a viability milestone with intensive neonatal care, though outcomes improve significantly with each additional week in the womb.

Your baby's face is now fully formed, and the body is starting to fill out with more proportional weight gain compared to the leaner appearance of recent weeks.

Your uterus is now well above your belly button. Many women start to feel the physical demands of pregnancy more noticeably from this point, including more significant back and pelvic discomfort.

At 24 weeks, you might notice:

• Strong fetal movement
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Increasing back and pelvic discomfort
• Swelling
• Difficulty finding comfortable sleep positions
• Occasional restless leg sensations

Iron needs remain elevated to support your increasing blood volume. If you've been told you're borderline anemic, your doctor may recommend an iron supplement alongside dietary sources like lean meat, beans, and fortified cereals.

Water-based exercise can feel especially good at this stage, as buoyancy temporarily relieves some of the weight-bearing strain on your joints and back.

This week:

• Complete your glucose screening test if not already done
• Discuss any iron deficiency symptoms with your doctor
• Start thinking seriously about your birth plan preferences

Your doctor will continue monitoring fundal height, fetal heart rate, and your overall wellbeing. This is also a good time to ask any remaining questions about the glucose test results if you've had it.