The 24-week prenatal appointment is a significant checkpoint in the second trimester, marking the approach of the third trimester. This visit monitors the health of both the developing baby and the pregnant person. Routine physical assessments are performed alongside a specific screening test associated with this stage. The appointment is an opportunity to discuss the baby’s growth and address any new maternal symptoms.
Routine Physical Assessments
The 24-week check-up includes several recurring physical assessments to track the overall progress of the pregnancy. The healthcare provider measures weight gain and checks blood pressure, which are important indicators of maternal health. A urine sample is tested for glucose and protein levels, as increases can signal potential issues like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
A standard procedure at this stage is the measurement of the fundal height, which tracks the growth of the uterus. This measurement is taken from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. After 20 weeks, the measurement in centimeters should roughly correspond to the weeks of gestation (e.g., 24 weeks equals approximately 24 centimeters). The provider also uses a handheld Doppler to listen to the baby’s heart rate, confirming fetal well-being.
The Glucose Screening Procedure
The primary focus of the 24-week visit is the 1-hour glucose screening test, which checks for gestational diabetes. This condition involves high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. For the screening, you drink a sugary solution, typically containing 50 grams of glucose, within five minutes.
Your blood is drawn exactly one hour later to measure how effectively your body processed the sugar. Fasting is not required for this initial screening, but you should only drink plain water during the waiting period. A result above a certain threshold, often 140 mg/dL, indicates a need for further testing, but does not confirm a diagnosis.
If the screening results are abnormal, the next step is the 3-hour Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) to confirm gestational diabetes. This follow-up test requires fasting for 8 to 14 hours and involves a higher concentration of glucose solution. Blood is drawn four times: once before drinking the solution, and then again at one, two, and three hours afterward.
Fetal Development Milestones and Viability
By 24 weeks, the baby is experiencing rapid growth, often weighing about 1.5 pounds and measuring around 12 inches long. The brain is quickly developing, and the lungs are producing surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate. This development is crucial for survival outside the uterus.
Sensory development is advancing, allowing the baby to respond to sounds from outside the womb, such as familiar voices. The most significant concept associated with this time is viability, which generally begins around 23 to 24 weeks gestation. Viability refers to the baby’s potential to survive outside the uterus with advanced medical support.
While survival rates for babies born at 24 weeks have improved, the risk of long-term disability remains a factor. Continued development in the womb is highly desired. The baby’s movements, which you have likely been feeling, are becoming more organized and noticeable.
Maternal Changes and Immediate Warning Signs
Around 24 weeks, the pregnant person may notice new physical changes as the uterus expands significantly. Occasional, irregular tightening of the abdomen, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, may begin to occur as the uterine muscles practice for labor. Mild swelling in the feet and ankles is also common due to fluid retention.
It is important to distinguish these common discomforts from signs that require immediate medical attention. Reduced fetal movement is a serious warning sign, and you should contact your provider if you notice a significant decrease in the baby’s usual activity. Other urgent warning signs include severe, persistent headaches or sudden changes in vision.
Sudden, extreme swelling of the hands or face, or severe abdominal pain that does not subside, should prompt an immediate call to your healthcare team. These symptoms can be indicative of conditions like preeclampsia or preterm labor, requiring prompt evaluation.