Second Trimester
Week 24: Lungs begin producing surfactant — the substance needed to breathe air.
Here's everything happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is the size of a
Corn
Length
11.8 in
Weight
600 g
Week
24 / 40
💡 Expert tip
The gestational diabetes (GD) test involves drinking a glucose solution and a blood draw. It
🌱 Baby's development this week
- Surfactant production in lungs begins
- Face fully formed with distinct features
- Brain has taste receptors — baby prefers flavors of foods you eat
- Optic nerves developing
Science fact
The flavors a mother eats permeate amniotic fluid, and studies show babies born to mothers who ate garlic, carrot, and anise during pregnancy show preference for those flavors after birth.
🤰 Your symptoms this week
Carpal tunnel syndrome
fluid retention compresses wrist nerves; wrist splints help
Increased Braxton Hicks
irregular practice contractions; uncomfortable but normal
Practice contractions — normal from mid-pregnancy. Stay hydrated, change position, rest.
Backache worsening
your center of gravity has shifted significantly
💛 Changes in your body
- Glucose tolerance test (GD screening) typically at 24–28 weeks
- Braxton Hicks become more noticeable
- Linea nigra (dark line) clearly visible
- Possible carpal tunnel syndrome from fluid retention
💙 Mental health this week
Gestational diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it
🥗 Nutrition focus
- Eat varied, flavorful foods — you
- s palate
- Iron and vitamin C together at every meal — anemia peaks in the second trimester
- Probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir) support both your gut and baby
📅 Appointment / test
Glucose tolerance test: typically 24–28 weeks. A 50g glucose drink followed by a blood test 1 hour later. Abnormal results lead to a 3-hour diagnostic test.
✅ This week's checklist
Complete glucose tolerance test if scheduled
Research and choose a childbirth education class — most are 4–6 weeks long
Start building your postpartum support network now
Track your pregnancy week by week
Interactive guide · 40 weeks · Fruit size visualizations · Personalized tips
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