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Week 24

Your baby is now considered "viable", which means they could survive if they were born right now and given the right support.

What's happening in my body?

You may start to feel really hungry, there is no need to eat any more until the 3rd trimester of your pregnancy (week 28 onwards).

You're likely to be putting on weight, but do not worry if you can barely see your bump, as every pregnancy is different.

Whooping cough vaccination

Have you had the whooping cough vaccine? It's usually offered to pregnant women at around week 20 but you can have it from week 16 to week 32.

Whooping cough is on the rise – but you can protect your baby from this dangerous condition by having a vaccination. If you have not had it yet, speak to your midwife or a GP.

Read more about whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy on NHS.UK.

Alcohol

It can be hard to give up alcohol, but remember:

  • alcohol goes to your baby
  • the risks for your baby include miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, learning difficulties and behavioural problems

If you would like some help or advice, ask your midwife or doctor.

Read NHS guidance about the effect of drinking alcohol while pregnant.

2nd trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 24 weeks)

Week by week, you may be developing various new symptoms.

Around now, you could be getting pains around your ribs, back, breasts, bottom, stomach, etc. This is partly due to your pregnancy hormones loosening up your ligaments and muscles, and your growing baby pushing on various parts of your body.

This week, your signs of pregnancy could include:

You may also experience symptoms from earlier weeks, such as:

Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms.

What does my baby look like?

Your baby, or foetus, is around 30cm long from head to heel. That's approximately the size of a corn on the cob.

Everything is in proportion, but your baby is smaller than a baby who's been in the womb for longer.

If your baby was born now, there is a chance they will survive outside the womb. Baby units for premature babies (called neonatal units) can help them breathe, feed, keep warm and fight infections.

Read NHS guidance about premature labour and birth.

Composite. One side shows a foetus attached to the placenta by the umbilical cord. The foetus is recognisable as a baby. Other side shows a person holding a corn on the cob in two hands.
Your baby is about the size of a corn on the cob

Action stations

Have you thought about writing a birth plan yet? This sets out what you would ideally like to happen during the birth and after your baby is born.

Find out how to make a birth plan and download a birth plan template. Talk to your partner, family, midwife or doctor.

This week you could also…

More in week-by-week

Week 25

Welcome to week 25! You'll need to tell your employers now, if you have not already, so that you can get maternity pay and benefits.

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