Your Baby at 24 Weeks

A Closer Look at Week 24

Week 24 is one of the most significant medical milestones of pregnancy: the threshold of viability. While every baby is different, 24 weeks is generally considered the point at which a baby born prematurely has a reasonable chance of survival with intensive medical care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Advances in neonatal medicine mean that survival rates at 24 weeks have improved dramatically in recent decades, though prematurity at this stage still carries significant risks and challenges.

Your baby's face is now fully formed. The eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and chin are all in their final positions, and the facial muscles are developed enough to produce a wide range of expressions. Your baby is beginning to develop regular sleep-wake cycles, alternating between periods of activity and deep rest. You may notice patterns in their movement — they tend to be most active when you are resting and quieter when you are moving around.

Carpal tunnel syndrome — tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and wrists — is a surprisingly common pregnancy symptom that often appears around this time. It is caused by fluid retention putting pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist. Wearing wrist splints at night, elevating your hands, and performing gentle wrist stretches can help alleviate symptoms. Most pregnancy-related carpal tunnel resolves after delivery as fluid levels normalise.

This is a good time to have a conversation with your healthcare provider about the signs of preterm labour. Knowing what to watch for — regular contractions, lower back pain, pelvic pressure, or changes in vaginal discharge — ensures you can seek timely medical attention if needed.