24 weeks pregnant: baby's development, your baby bump and gestational diabetes check

Your baby’s development this week 

Your baby continues to grow in length and to put on weight steadily, although it will still be a while until they are plump and chubby.

Your pregnancy symptoms in week 24

More vaginal discharge?

Having more vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common. But speak to your midwife or doctor if you are unsure about any increase or change in your vaginal discharge.

Call your midwife if you have vaginal discharge and any of the following symptoms:

• itching
• soreness
• an unpleasant smell
• pain when you wee.

This may mean you have an infection that needs to be treated.

Your baby bump

Your midwife or doctor will start measuring your baby bump at each antenatal appointment from 24 weeks. They do this by measuring from the top of your bump to the top of your pubic bone using a tape measure.

Many women worry that they are having a big baby if they have a big bump. And some women worry that their bump is too small and their baby isn’t growing well.

Try to remember that baby bumps come in all different shapes and sizes so try not to compare your baby bump to anyone else’s. But talk to your midwife if you are concerned about how your baby is growing.

If your midwife has any concerns about the baby’s growth from this measurement, you will be referred for an ultrasound scan. This does not necessarily mean something is wrong. The scan is just a more accurate way of assessing the baby's growth. 

Braxton Hicks

Braxton Hicks are when the womb contracts and relaxes. Sometimes they are known as practice contractions. Not all women will have Braxton Hicks contractions. If you do, you’ll usually feel them during the second or third trimester. 

Find out more about Braxton Hicks.

What to do in week 24

Think about having a flu vaccination

If you have the flu in pregnancy, you can become very unwell and it can cause premature birth or low birth weight. It's recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy you are.

The flu jab is safe in pregnancy. Studies have shown that it's safe to have the flu vaccine during any stage of pregnancy. There have been no reported cases of safety issues or concerns.

Contact your midwife or GP surgery to find out where you can get the flu vaccine. It's a good idea to get vaccinated as soon as possible after the vaccine becomes available in September because this s the start of flu season.

Checking for gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops in pregnancy. Most women who have gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies if the condition is detected early and well managed.

If you haven't had it before, but have a high risk of developing gestational diabetes, you should be offered a test at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Speak to your midwife or doctor if you think you should have a test for gestational diabetes.

Keep talking calcium

Make sure your diet is rich in calcium, as this is good for your baby’s bone development. Calcium is found in dairy products, oranges, nuts, pulses and broccoli. You should also be taking 10mcg of vitamin D a day in pregnancy, which helps with calcium absorption.

Looking after your mental wellbeing

Wherever you are in your pregnancy, it's important to focus on your own wellbeing as well as the baby's. That's why we've created a free download to help you make a Wellbeing Plan, which will help you feel good now and be supported after the birth.

Complete your pregnancy and post-birth wellbeing plan today.