24 Weeks Pregnant: Glucose Test, Baby's Lungs & Symptoms

24 Weeks Pregnant: Glucose Test, Baby's Lungs & Symptoms

At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a corn cob, and their lungs are starting to make surfactant, a substance they'll need to breathe after birth. This is also when the window for your glucose tolerance test opens, so this week's guide explains how the test works.

Baby's size
About the size of a corn cob (around 30cm head to heel, 600g)
Big development
Lungs starting to make surfactant
Common symptoms
Stronger kicks, mood swings and forgetfulness
This week
Your glucose tolerance test, between 24 and 28 weeks

What's happening this week

Your baby is gaining weight steadily as fat builds up under their skin. Each extra week in the uterus helps their lungs and other organs mature.

Lungs

Getting ready to breathe

Tiny air sacs are forming at the ends of your baby's airways and starting to make surfactant, which helps keep them open. The lungs won't be mature until around 36 weeks.

Reflexes

Startle and balance

Your baby's nervous system is developing fast. A sudden loud noise may make them jump, and their inner ear, which controls balance, has reached its adult size.

Face and hair

Busy expressions

Your baby grimaces, frowns and raises their eyebrows. Their hair, eyebrows and eyelashes are growing, but they're white for now, as the pigment hasn't developed yet.

Your glucose tolerance test

Between 24 and 28 weeks, you'll be offered a glucose tolerance test to check for gestational diabetes. During pregnancy, hormones from the placenta can make it harder for your body to use insulin, which can raise your blood sugar. In Australia, the test usually takes about two hours. Here's how the morning goes.

  1. Fast beforehandUsually overnight

    Don't eat before the test. Small sips of water are usually fine. Check your clinic's instructions.

  2. First blood testWhen you arrive

    A fasting blood sample shows your starting blood sugar level.

  3. Sugary drinkStraight after

    You'll drink a sweet glucose drink within about five minutes.

  4. Second blood testOne hour later

    Stay seated and rest at the clinic between tests, as moving around can affect your results.

  5. Final blood testTwo hours later

    Then you're free to go. Bring a snack to eat afterwards.

If you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes affects up to 1 in 6 pregnancies in Australia, and it's very manageable. You'll usually see a dietitian and diabetes educator, check your blood sugar at home and make changes to what you eat and how active you are. Some people also need medication or insulin. It usually goes away after birth, and you'll have a follow-up test afterwards to check.

Symptoms at 24 weeks pregnant

  • Stronger kicks. Your baby's movements are getting stronger, and your partner may be able to feel them from the outside.
  • Mood swings. Tiredness, discomfort and hormones can make your emotions feel fragile. If you feel low or anxious most days, here's when to talk to someone, or call PANDA on 1300 726 306.
  • Forgetfulness. Broken sleep, stress and hormones can all cause baby brain. Lists and reminders help.
  • Glowing skin and hair. Extra blood flow and hormones can give you a healthy glow.
  • Spotting. Any bleeding at this stage should be checked, even if it's light.

Contact your doctor, midwife or hospital straight away if you have any bleeding, or signs of preterm labour, such as regular tightening, period-like cramps, rhythmic lower back pain, pelvic pressure or a change in discharge. Go to your nearest emergency department if bleeding is heavy or you have strong pain. Here's how to tell Braxton Hicks from labour.

Looking after yourself

Eat well, little and often

Your heart and lungs are working much harder than before pregnancy, so good nutrition matters. You don't need to eat for two. Aim for 5 serves of vegetables and 2 serves of fruit a day, plus wholegrains, lean protein and dairy or calcium-rich alternatives. Small, frequent meals help keep your energy steady.

Keep up your calcium and vitamin D

Your baby's bones are getting denser. Dairy foods, calcium-fortified alternatives, tofu, tinned fish with bones and leafy greens are good sources of calcium. A little safe sun exposure helps your body make vitamin D. Ask your doctor if you need your vitamin D levels checked.

Stay up to date with vaccines

The flu vaccine is recommended in every pregnancy and can be given at any stage. The whooping cough vaccine is recommended between 20 and 32 weeks. Both are free in Australia and help protect your baby after birth.

Your to-do list for week 24

Helpful for this stage

The pregnancy listWhat you'll need to feel comfortableSee the list Pregnancy and birth booksReading for the months aheadShop books Pregnancy pillowsSupport for side sleepingShop pillows

Week 24 FAQs

What happens during the glucose tolerance test?

In Australia, it's usually a two-hour test. You'll have a fasting blood test, drink a sugary drink, then have blood taken again at one hour and two hours. You'll need to stay seated at the clinic for the whole time.

Can I eat before my glucose tolerance test?

No, you'll need to fast beforehand, usually overnight. You can usually have small sips of water. Your pathology clinic will give you exact instructions, so check with them when you book.

What happens if I have gestational diabetes?

You'll get support to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range, usually through changes to what you eat, staying active and checking your blood sugar at home. Some people also need medication or insulin. It usually goes away after birth.

Is spotting normal at 24 weeks pregnant?

Light spotting can happen, for example after sex or an internal exam, but any bleeding at this stage should be checked. Contact your doctor, midwife or hospital straight away, and go to your nearest emergency department if the bleeding is heavy or you have pain.

Should I get the flu vaccine while pregnant?

Yes. The flu vaccine is recommended in every pregnancy, can be given at any stage and is free in Australia. It protects you from serious illness and helps protect your baby in their first months.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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