Week 24 of Pregnancy

Blossoming in the Middle Space

You've made it to Week 24, mama—and if no one has said this to you lately: you are doing something extraordinary. This week is a sweet and tender threshold, where so much is shifting inside you—physically, emotionally, spiritually. You're beyond the early milestones and still pacing toward the final stretch. This is the in-between, the deep middle of pregnancy, where the magic of growth begins to show in ways both obvious and quiet.

Maybe you're noticing the roundness of your belly catching your reflection more often. Maybe you've felt those rhythmic flutters or stronger kicks—like tiny affirmations from the soul inside you. Your body is no longer whispering that it's changing—it's declaring it. And even if your calendar is full or your energy feels low, this week is asking for your attention. It's inviting you to pause, look inward, and witness how far you've come. You are not just carrying life—you are being transformed by it. This is your metamorphosis, too.

👶🏽 My Baby: Growth, Grit, and New Senses

Your baby now measures about 12 inches long—roughly the size of an ear of corn—and weighs a little over 1 pound. Though still small, your little one is packing on ounces weekly, and by this time next month, they'll likely double in weight. Behind the scenes, incredible developments are underway.

This week, your baby's brain is growing rapidly, forming essential connections that will guide movement, memory, and emotion. Taste buds are developing, too, and your baby can now taste flavors from your amniotic fluid (which changes based on what you eat—yes, even that mango smoothie or spicy ramen).

At 24 weeks, your baby's skin is still thin and a little wrinkled, but don't worry—that will change soon. Subcutaneous fat is beginning to form, which will plump up their frame and help regulate body temperature after birth. Internally, they're strengthening their immune system with the production of white blood cells—tiny defenders preparing to battle infection after birth.

Perhaps most fascinating of all, your baby's lungs are branching out, forming the structures that will support breathing outside the womb. And with the inner ear fully developed, baby now has a sense of balance and can detect sounds and motion. That means the sway of your walk, the lilt of your voice, and even your favorite playlist are now part of their world. They're not just growing—they're experiencing.

"Your baby isn't just becoming—they are beginning to feel, respond, and remember. You are already connected in every sense."

🤰🏽 My Body: Preparation in Progress

As you approach the edge of the second trimester, you may find your body doing things you didn't expect—like those surprising Braxton Hicks contractions. These are the uterus's way of practicing for labor. They may feel like a gentle tightening across your belly, or a mild cramping sensation. They're usually not painful and tend to fade if you rest or hydrate.

Here's how to recognize typical Braxton Hicks:

  • Last 15–30 seconds
  • Painless or mildly uncomfortable
  • Irregular and don't increase in intensity
  • Disappear with a change in position or hydration

While they're normal, it's worth keeping track of how they feel. If they become rhythmic, intensify, or are accompanied by back pain or vaginal discharge, it could be time to check in with your provider.

Beyond contractions, you might also be noticing aches in your hips or pelvis, some shortness of breath, or even a burst of energy—the nesting urge creeping in. All of it is part of your body's complex, intuitive preparation for what's to come. This is the part of pregnancy that reminds you: you're not just watching a miracle—you are the miracle.

❤️‍🩹 My Health: Tuning Into the Warnings

As empowering as pregnancy can be, it's also a time for awareness. At 24 weeks, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to become familiar with the signs of preterm labor. You don't need to be hyper-vigilant, but you do deserve to feel informed and supported.

Signs of preterm labor checklist with pregnancy wellness items

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • Sudden or severe swelling in your hands, feet, or face
  • Constant or forceful vomiting that won't let up
  • A change in vaginal discharge, especially if it's watery, bloody, or mucus-heavy
  • Sharp or persistent abdominal pain
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • A dull backache or pressure that doesn't ease
  • More than five contractions in an hour
  • A feeling of baby pushing down or heavy pelvic pressure

You know your body better than anyone. Trust your instincts. Even if a symptom turns out to be nothing, making that call is an act of devotion—to yourself, and to your baby.

🛋️ Tips & To-Do's: Setting Up Soulfully

Week 24 is a beautiful time to begin creating your baby's sanctuary—whether that's a full nursery, a cozy corner, or simply a bassinet by your bed. This isn't about getting every item on a registry. It's about curating a space that feels safe, functional, and full of love.

Pregnant woman organizing baby clothes in nursery with bassinet

🛏 Where Baby Sleeps

  • Cribs are classic, but mini cribs, bassinets, and co-sleepers are wonderful too.
  • Consider portability, size, and ease of access—especially if you're working with a small space.
  • The only must-have? A firm mattress and safe sleep environment. Everything else is negotiable.

🧺 Where the Stuff Goes

Even the tiniest humans come with a lot of stuff. Use dressers, bins, baskets, shelves, or repurposed furniture to create easy access to essentials:

  • Diapers, wipes, creams, and onesies near the changing area
  • Extra blankets, burp cloths, towels, socks, and washcloths in labeled baskets or drawers
  • Keep night-feed necessities close (think: burp cloths, snacks, water, nipple cream)

💡 Budget-Friendly Tips

  • Skip the expensive changing table—a foam pad on a dresser (or even the bed) works great
  • Don't stress over matching nursery sets. Buy only what you'll actually use
  • Use a rocking chair or yoga ball instead of a glider
  • Use curtains, soft lighting, and music to create calm—even in a shared space

Your baby won't remember the color palette. They'll remember the peace, the warmth, the love in the air.

📝 To-Do List for Week 24

  • Begin setting up your nursery—or just carve out a baby corner
  • Journal or voice note your feelings this week
  • Learn the signs of preterm labor (print them or screenshot this list!)
  • Hydrate, stretch, and sleep when you can
  • Connect with your baby—talk, sing, or just rest your hand on your belly

🌙 Closing Reflection: The Middle is Sacred

This week is a pause before the next big shift. A soft breath before the push forward. It's not glamorous or headline-worthy, but it is sacred. Your baby is becoming more aware of the world—and so are you. You are sensing more. Feeling more. Becoming more.

And in case you forgot…

"You are enough, just as you are. You are growing life, and that is a miracle—one moment, one breath, one heartbeat at a time."

So go slow if you need to. Celebrate if you want to. Cry if you have to. You're not falling behind. You're unfolding—gracefully, powerfully, beautifully.