24 weeks pregnant
Getting to know your baby's pattern.
In short
At 24 weeks your baby is about the size of a corn on the cob, around 32.2 cm long and 665 g. Getting to know your baby's pattern.
- Second trimester, week 24 of about 40.
- Some maternity units test everyone for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks, while others test only those at higher risk. The test involves fasting, then a sugary drink and 2 more blood samples over about 2 hours.
Most babies settle into their own pattern of movements by around 24 weeks. Your baby's lungs and other organs are still developing.
How big is my baby at 24 weeks?
At 24 weeks your baby is about the size of a corn on the cob, around 32.2 cm long and 665 g. Before about 14 weeks babies are measured from crown to rump; after that the figure is head to heel. These are typical figures from fetal growth charts. Your own baby may be bigger or smaller, and your scans are what count.
What is my baby doing at 24 weeks?
- Most babies settle into their own pattern of movements by around 24 weeks.
- Your baby's lungs and other organs are still developing.
- Specialist baby units can now care for babies who arrive very early.
- Your baby is getting bigger and stronger week by week.
What changes for me at 24 weeks pregnant?
- You may feel hungrier than before.
- Every bump is different, so try not to compare sizes.
- Kicks and wriggles are likely to feel stronger as the weeks go on.
What is a good tip for this week?
There's no set number of kicks to count. Get to know what's normal for your baby and contact your maternity unit straight away if movements slow down, change or stop.
What can a partner do this week?
Offer to help with the Maternity Benefit application, which can be done online through MyWelfare.ie.
What should I know in Ireland at 24 weeks?
- Some maternity units test everyone for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks, while others test only those at higher risk. The test involves fasting, then a sugary drink and 2 more blood samples over about 2 hours.
- You can apply for Maternity Benefit once you're past 24 weeks. Apply at least 6 weeks before your leave starts, or 12 weeks before if you're self-employed.
When to get help: If you haven't felt your baby move by 24 weeks, contact your midwife or maternity unit so they can check on your baby. HSE: when to get help.
Want these updates on your phone? The Lullagram app has a free pregnancy section with this week-by-week guide, Irish dates worked out from your due date, a contraction timer and more. When your baby arrives, the baby tracker is ready in the same app.
Sources and guidance
This page is written to be consistent with the official guidance below. It is general information for parents in Ireland, not medical advice. Links checked 23 September 2026.