24 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Size, Symptoms and UK Milestones

Second Trimester

Guide reviewed: July 2026Reviewed against cited UK guidance

At 24 weeks pregnant, use this UK guide to understand baby size, common symptoms, likely NHS timing, and the practical dates to keep on your radar.

24 weeks pregnant at a glance

You are in the second trimester.
Your baby is roughly the size of an ear of corn.
Midwife appointment to check blood pressure, urine, and baby's growth.
Every pregnancy is different, so don't worry if your experience varies slightly.

You are 24 weeks pregnant and in your second trimester. Your baby is about the size of an ear of corn. This week's key development: Viability Milestone. NHS note: Midwife appointment to check blood pressure, urine, and baby's growth.

The Viability Milestone

Week 24 is significant in the UK as it is considered the age of viability. Babies born at or after 24 weeks have a chance of survival with specialist neonatal intensive care.

UK maternity leave dates

Use your due date to estimate maternity leave notice, MATB1, and earliest usual leave-start dates.

This page is for general pregnancy planning and date guidance only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pregnancy dates are estimates and can change after a scan or advice from your midwife, GP, or maternity team.

If you have symptoms, concerns, or questions about your pregnancy, speak to your midwife, GP, or maternity team. For urgent help, use NHS 111; call 999 in an emergency. Read how we source and review content in our editorial policy.

Week 23

Week 25

Baby's Development

Your baby is about the size of an ear of corn.

Viability Milestone — This week marks an important threshold — babies born from 24 weeks have a chance of survival with specialist care. Your baby's face is almost fully formed, and they're practising breathing movements with their lungs. A moment worth acknowledging with gratitude.

Ear of corn

Approx. 30cm

Your Symptoms

Itchy skin
Leg cramps
Tingling in hands (carpal tunnel)

Every pregnancy is different. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms — and that's completely normal. If anything concerns you, speak to your midwife.

NHS Appointments

Midwife appointment to check blood pressure, urine, and baby's growth.

Practical Advice for Week 24

Nutrition

Continue vitamin D daily.
If you're having a glucose tolerance test (GTT), you'll need to fast beforehand — your midwife will explain.
Eat balanced meals with lean protein, complex carbs, and vegetables.
Small, frequent meals help manage blood sugar levels.

Exercise

Regular exercise reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.
If carpal tunnel tingling affects your hands, wrist exercises and splints can help.
Ankle rotations and foot pumps help with circulation.
Modify exercises — use a wider stance as your bump grows.

Wellbeing

Week 24 is the viability milestone — a moment worth acknowledging with gratitude.
Itchy skin on your bump is normal — moisturise regularly.
Leg cramps can be helped by stretching, hydration, and magnesium-rich foods.
If itching is severe (especially on palms and soles), tell your midwife — it could be ICP.

Preparation

Midwife appointment to check blood pressure, urine, and baby's growth.
If you're at risk of gestational diabetes, a GTT will be offered around now.
Start thinking about who will look after any older children during labour.
Check if you need to update your car insurance for the new arrival.

Tip of the Week

If you have a desk job, take regular breaks to stretch and move around.

Frequently Asked Questions for Week 24

How many months is 24 weeks pregnant?

At 24 weeks pregnant, you are roughly 5 months pregnant. Remember that pregnancy is typically measured in weeks rather than months for clinical accuracy.

What size is the baby at 24 weeks?

At 24 weeks, your baby is roughly the size of an ear of corn (about 30cm). This week marks an important threshold

What are the common symptoms at 24 weeks pregnant?

Common symptoms at this stage include itchy skin, leg cramps, tingling in hands (carpal tunnel). Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and it's normal to experience different symptoms.

Is 24 weeks in the second trimester?

Yes, 24 weeks falls within the second trimester.

Are there any NHS appointments at 24 weeks?

Midwife appointment to check blood pressure, urine, and baby's growth.

Tools & Calculators

Due Date Calculator UK Pregnancy Week Calculator Timeline by Due Date How Many Weeks Am I?Maternity Leave Calculator UK

Sources and further reading

Checked for UK week 24 pregnancy information guidance in July 2026.

How we review content

We prioritise official NHS and GOV.UK guidance, then relevant professional-body information where needed.

Source links are checked on the review date shown above. Your midwife, GP, maternity team, fertility clinic, or employer can give advice that is more specific to your circumstances.

Week 23

Week 25

Track Your Due Date

Keep track of your pregnancy milestones, NHS scans, and countdown to your due date.

Go to Tracker

NHS Resources

Find trusted information on financial support, antenatal classes, and local maternity services.

View Resources

All Weeks

Browse the complete week-by-week pregnancy guide from conception to birth.

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