24 Weeks Pregnant – Baby’s Lungs Are Developing

👶 Baby Development at 24 Weeks

24 Weeks Pregnant – This is a major developmental week — especially for your baby’s lungs and immune system.

• 📏 Baby is about the size of an ear of corn (~30 cm long)
• ⚖️ Weighs around 600–650 grams
• 🌬️ Lungs begin producing surfactant – a key substance for breathing after birth
• 👀 Eyes are still closed, but eyebrows and eyelashes are visible
• 👂 Baby can recognize your voice and heartbeat
• 🤸 Baby’s movements are more coordinated – turning, stretching, even hiccupping
• 🧠 Brain is developing rapidly – especially the vestibular system (balance)

🎉 Week 24 marks viability — if born prematurely, your baby now has a small chance of survival with medical support.

🤰 Symptoms at 24 Weeks Pregnant

You’re likely feeling heavier, but also more connected to your baby.

Common Week 24 Symptoms:

• Backache and lower abdominal pressure
• Swollen hands and feet
• Restless legs or cramps at night
• Mild breathlessness
• Bleeding gums or sensitive teeth (due to hormones)
• Linea nigra – a dark line on your belly

🛏️ Sleep on your left side to improve circulation and reduce pressure on your back.

Detailed Guide : 24 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms: Managing Glucose Tests, Stretch Marks & Baby’s Big Moves

🥗 What to Eat at 24 Weeks Pregnant

Your diet should support lung development, calcium needs, and your own stamina.

✅ Must-Have Foods:

• Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, mango – rich in beta-carotene for lung growth
• Dairy (milk, curd, paneer) – calcium for bones
• Dry fruits & dates – natural energy boosters
• Moong dal, eggs, and fish – protein for baby’s tissue growth
• Fenugreek and cumin water – improves digestion and reduces bloating

🍽️ Meal idea: Roti + lauki sabzi + curd + dry fruit ladoo

❌ Avoid:

• Too much caffeine (limit tea/coffee)
• Overly salty food (worsens swelling)
• Processed or reheated food

🧘‍♀️ Safe Exercises at 24 Weeks

You can stay active with simple low-impact movements.

Good Exercise Options:

• 🚶 25–30 mins walking daily
• 🧘 Prenatal yoga with props
• 🦶 Leg and ankle rotations for blood flow
• 🧘‍♀️ Pelvic tilts for back pain relief
• 💨 Practice deep belly breathing for lung health

🎧 Listen to your baby’s favorite music — yes, babies develop preferences even in the womb!

🧾 Week 24 Checklist

• Schedule your glucose tolerance test (to check for gestational diabetes)
• Monitor baby’s movement patterns
• Wear a maternity support belt if back pain increases
• Keep your feet elevated when resting
• Maintain a daily diary of symptoms and feelings
• Moisturize your belly to reduce itchiness

💬 Tip of the Week

“Your baby’s lungs are forming. Avoid pollutants and secondhand smoke, and make breathing exercises a part of your day.”
— Dr. Neha Ghosh, Pulmonology & Prenatal Care Specialist

❓FAQ – 24 Weeks Pregnant

Q: I feel short of breath sometimes. Is this normal?
A: Yes. Your growing uterus pushes against the lungs, making breathing shallow. Practice deep breathing and rest often.

Q: What is a glucose tolerance test?
A: It’s a test done between 24–28 weeks to check for gestational diabetes. It involves drinking a glucose drink and taking a blood test.

Q: Should I count baby kicks now?
A: You can start noting movement patterns, though official “kick counting” usually begins around 28 weeks.

🔗 Internal Links

• 🔙 Back to Week 23 – Baby’s Skin Is Becoming Opaque
• 👉 Next: Week 25 – Baby Starts Gaining More Fat
• 📘 How to Prepare for Gestational Diabetes Testing