You are 24 weeks pregnant

Your baby

Before now, your baby probably had no clue whether she was upside down or right side up inside the amniotic sac. But the inner ear - which controls balance - has developed to the point where she is...Read more

Your body

By this week, your uterus has grown to about 2 inches above your belly button and measures in at 10 inches. If you haven’t started feeling Braxton-Hicks contractions, you most likely will soo...Read more

Your life right now

OK, speaking of delivery: Somewhere in the back of every mum-to-be’s mind is the what-if worry about giving birth prematurely. Making sure you know the signs of pre-term labour might alleviat...Read more

Mums like me

‘I do remember the insomnia from both of my previous pregnancies. It lasted throughout, as did the very vivid dreams. And it's harder when you need to get up to go to the loo a lot too. H...Read more

Before now, your baby probably had no clue whether she was upside down or right side up inside the amniotic sac. But the inner ear - which controls balance - has developed to the point where she is starting to be able to tell the difference now. Pretty cool. If your baby was able to fully stretch out, she’d measure as much as 15 inches in total length this week and has matured enough that if she were born now she’d have more than a 50/50 chance of survival.

By this week, your uterus has grown to about 2 inches above your belly button and measures in at 10 inches. If you haven’t started feeling Braxton-Hicks contractions, you most likely will soon. They feel like a tightening or squeezing sensation near your lower abdomen, occur at irregular intervals, vary in length and are usually weak. You might be more likely to get them after a busy, out-and-about day, exercising or having sex (and as long as your pregnancy is normal, your partner likely doesn’t have to worry about putting you into early labour. The contractions can also happen if you’re dehydrated, so be sure to keep drinking plenty of water! Going for a walk, or simply changing position can also help. While Braxton-Hicks are a totally normal part of pregnancy, let your doctor know if you feel more than four of them in a 1-hour time span, if they change in intensity, if they’re really painful, become regular, or if they’re accompanied by vaginal secretions, leaking or bleeding. The good news: As annoying as they can be, these contractions actually are exercising the muscle mass to build strength for the coming delivery. They also may begin the process of softening your cervix - all of which could help your labour when it’s time to deliver. Here’s to that!

OK, speaking of delivery: Somewhere in the back of every mum-to-be’s mind is the what-if worry about giving birth prematurely. Making sure you know the signs of pre-term labour might alleviate any anxieties you have. Hey, the more you’re up on them, the faster you can rule out unnecessary worries (like Braxton-Hicks contractions that might otherwise freak you out) and get on with enjoying your pregnancy. So here goes: Call your GP if you have… Uterine contractions or tightenings that increase in frequency become regular, very painful, or are occurring five times in one hour or five minutes or less apart. Any spotting or bleeding lasting longer than a day or accompanied by pain, cramping, fever or chills. Watery vaginal discharge - which could be a sign of your water breaking. Yellowish, greenish or strong smelling discharge

‘I do remember the insomnia from both of my previous pregnancies. It lasted throughout, as did the very vivid dreams. And it's harder when you need to get up to go to the loo a lot too. Hot milk before bed has a sedating effect. Meditation or a relaxation exercise that you do just before sleep could be helpful. Wearing yourself out with exercise during the day might also help you sleep through the night.’ - zoealexis2005

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