Week 24 Pregnancy Symptoms Eyebrows Eyelashes Form Hearing Baby Gentle Self Care Tips

Sweet mama, here we are at 24 weeks, and can we just pause for a moment? Your baby's little face is actually forming right now. Like, real eyebrows and eyelashes. I know it still feels surreal sometimes, but this is really happening.

If you're feeling a mix of excitement and "holy cow, what am I doing?" that's perfectly normal. This is when pregnancy starts feeling less like something that's happening TO you and more like something you're actively living through.

Your Baby This Week: Getting So Much More Real

24 weeks pregnant is how many months?

You're officially 6 months along now, mama. Only 3 months left to go! (Though honestly, don't stress about the countdown every pregnancy has its own timeline, and yours is perfect.)

How big is your little one?

Your baby is about 11½ inches long and weighs around 1 pound now. They're gaining about 6 ounces each week which might explain why you're starting to feel more kicks and rolls.

That precious face is taking shape

If you could peek inside right now (wouldn't that be amazing?), you'd see a tiny human face that's almost completely formed. We're talking real eyebrows, actual eyelashes, and even hair though it's white right now because there's no pigment yet.

Your baby's skin is still pretty transparent, which means you could technically see through to their little organs and bones. But don't worry they're filling out beautifully, and that see through phase won't last much longer.

Your baby can hear you now

Here's something that might make your heart skip: your baby is listening to you. Right now. They can hear your voice, your partner's voice, even loud sounds from the outside world like car horns or the dog barking.

This means all those times you've been talking to your belly? They've been listening. Those songs you play? They're creating your baby's first playlist. It's pretty incredible when you think about it.

Your Body at 24 Weeks: The Changes Nobody Really Warns You About

When your belly button pops

If your formerly flat belly button is now sticking out like a little antenna, welcome to the club. Pretty much every pregnant mama's belly button decides to make its grand debut at some point.

Don't worry it's not permanent. Things should go back to normal after delivery (though let's be honest, your body might look a little different, and that's totally okay too).

Those tingly, numb hands

Are your wrists and fingers feeling weird? Kind of tingly and numb, especially when you wake up? That's likely carpal tunnel syndrome, and it's super common during pregnancy.

It happens because all that extra fluid you're carrying around redistributes when you lie down, putting pressure on the nerve in your wrist. Fun, right?

Here's what can help:

Try not to sleep on your hands

Prop your arms up with pillows at night

Shake out your hands and wrists when they feel weird

Take breaks if you're doing repetitive stuff like typing

If it's really bothering you, a wrist brace might become your new best friend. The good news? This usually goes away after you deliver.

Red, itchy palms (because why not?)

Okay, this one's just weird. Some mamas get red, itchy palms (and sometimes the soles of their feet too). It's another one of those "thanks, pregnancy hormones" symptoms.

To help with the itchiness:

Avoid getting overheated

Skip the super hot showers and baths

Try soaking your hands in cool water

Some mamas find relief with ice packs for a few minutes at a time

Important note: While this is usually normal, definitely mention it to your doctor. In rare cases, it could indicate something called cholestasis, especially later in pregnancy.

This Week's Gentle Reminders

The glucose screening is coming

Your doctor will probably schedule the glucose screening test between now and 28 weeks. I know it sounds scary, but it's just a precaution to check for gestational diabetes.

If you do test positive (and most mamas don't), it doesn't mean you did anything wrong. It just means your body needs a little extra support managing blood sugar right now. Your healthcare team will help you figure out the best plan.

Your skin needs some extra love

Pregnancy can make your skin feel like it belongs to someone else. If you're dealing with dry, itchy skin, try to keep showers on the shorter side and not too hot. I know a long, hot shower sounds amazing right now, but your skin will thank you for the gentler approach.

A good moisturizer and maybe a humidifier in your room can work wonders.

Have you thought about a doula?

This might be a good time to research whether a doula feels right for you. They're not medical professionals they're more like your personal cheerleader and support person during labor.

Some studies suggest that mamas with doulas tend to have shorter labors and are less likely to need interventions like C-sections. But honestly? The biggest benefit might just be having someone whose only job is to support YOU.

Future you will thank present you

Here's a practical tip that might save your sanity later: start batch cooking now. Ask your partner, family, or even older kids to help you make big portions of freezer-friendly meals.

Think lasagna, soups, stews stuff you can portion out and freeze. When you're exhausted with a newborn, having a home-cooked meal in the freezer will feel like a gift from your past self.

Finding your baby's doctor

It might feel early, but now's actually a great time to start looking for a pediatrician. After all, they'll probably meet your little one within 24 hours of birth.

Don't stress about finding the "perfect" doctor you're looking for someone who feels right for your family and who makes you feel heard and supported.

That weird dental health connection

Here's something that sounds made up but isn't: taking good care of your teeth and gums might actually help you have a full-term pregnancy.

The connection between oral health and pregnancy outcomes is real, so keep brushing twice a day and flossing. It's one of those small things that can make a bigger difference than you'd expect.

A Little Reminder for You

Mama, you're doing this. Six months in, and look at everything your body has accomplished. Your baby has gone from a tiny cluster of cells to a little human with eyebrows and the ability to hear your voice.

Some days might feel overwhelming that's normal. Some days you might feel like you have no idea what you're doing also normal. The truth is, nobody really knows what they're doing when they become a parent for the first time. You'll figure it out together.

Take it one day at a time. One week at a time. You're already doing better than you think.

Looking for more support during your pregnancy journey? At FirstNestCare, we're here for all the moments when you need someone who truly understands what you're going through especially those early days when everything feels new and uncertain.