Pregnancy Week 24

At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing steadily and taking up more room inside the uterus. There is still space to move, but the environment is becoming a little less roomy than it was a few weeks ago.

Your baby’s skin is still very thin and wrinkled. At this stage, there is not much fat underneath it yet, so if you could see your baby, the skin would look quite transparent, with blood vessels close beneath the surface.

This will change over the coming weeks as your baby gains more fat and muscle. The skin will gradually become smoother and less see-through, giving your baby a more newborn-like appearance.

Your baby may weigh around 600–700g now, although babies vary. Much of the weight being gained at this stage comes from growing organs, strengthening bones and developing muscles rather than fat. 

Those muscles are getting regular practice too. Every kick, stretch, roll and wriggle helps your baby’s body grow stronger and more coordinated.

At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby’s movements may be becoming much more obvious to you. What started as faint flutters may now feel more like taps, nudges, rolls or little thumps.

You may notice movement more at certain times: when you sit down, lie on your side, eat, or finally stop rushing around. Your baby may also have active and quiet periods.

Other people may still struggle to feel movements from the outside. That can be frustrating if you want to share the moment, but it is normal. Your baby’s position, the position of the placenta and the strength of the movement all make a difference.

 If you have not felt any movement at all by 24 weeks, tell your midwife. 

You may also notice:

At appointments, your midwife may listen to your baby’s heartbeat with a handheld Doppler. Try not to use home Dopplers or phone apps for reassurance, as they can be misleading. If you are worried about movement, contact your midwife or maternity unit instead. 

Week 24 can make pregnancy feel very real. Your baby is not just something you saw on a scan; they are now someone you may feel moving throughout the day.

That can be comforting and bonding. It can also make you more alert. Once you are used to feeling movement, quiet spells can feel noticeable. At this stage, movements may still vary, but you should start getting a sense of what is normal for your baby.

If you are worried about a change in movement, contact your midwife or maternity unit. Do not wait until the next day, and do not rely on tricks such as drinking something cold to test the baby. It is always better to ask and be reassured than to sit at home worrying.

This week, focus on movement awareness and physical comfort. Start paying attention to your baby’s usual active and quiet times. You do not need to keep a formal chart unless your maternity team advises it, but you should become familiar with what feels normal for your baby.

Comfort and movement checks:

If aches are starting, deal with them early. A pillow between your knees at night, a footrest at your desk, supportive shoes, slower position changes and regular movement breaks can all help.