Second trimester · Pregnancy week by week
Week 24 of pregnancy
Baby is the size of a cantaloupe. About 11.80 inches, 600g.
Week 24 is the threshold of NICU viability. Black infants have 2x higher infant mortality than white infants per CDC — preterm birth is the leading driver. Cervical screening should be standard of care here. Source
What's happening with the baby
The fetus reaches the threshold of NICU viability with intensive support. Skin is still translucent. Lungs are developing surfactant. Inner ear is fully formed (balance organ).
What's happening for you
Bump is large. Heartburn worsens. Sleep gets harder — finding a comfortable position is difficult. Some women experience round-ligament pain or carpal-tunnel-like symptoms in hands.
Common (normal) symptoms this week
Bump pressure, heartburn, sleep disturbance, hand tingling (carpal tunnel), Braxton Hicks, fetal movements distinct, mild hand or foot swelling.
Call your OB or 911 if
- Severe headache not relieved by acetaminophen.
- Vision changes — blurred vision, light flashes, floating spots.
- Severe right-upper-quadrant or upper-abdominal pain.
- Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet.
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage.
- Decreased fetal movement after 20 weeks.
- Persistent contractions before 37 weeks.
Why this week matters for Black families
Late in the second trimester is when preeclampsia becomes diagnosable (after 20 weeks). Black women have a 60% higher rate of preeclampsia and a 3x higher rate of preeclampsia-related death. The diagnosis combines new-onset blood pressure ≥140/90 with signs of organ stress. Track your own blood pressure between visits if you can — many Black-led OB practices recommend a home cuff at this stage. If your readings trend up, call your OB before the next appointment, not at it.
What to do this week
Schedule glucose challenge test (50g, 1-hour) if not done. If positive, follow with 3-hour glucose tolerance test. Continue BP tracking. Update emergency contact and birth-plan information at the OB office. Confirm hospital is in-network.
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References
- ACOG Practice Bulletin 234 — Periviable Birth.
- CDC NVSS Data Brief 395 — Infant Mortality.
Last medically reviewed: .
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