Hey there, mama-to-be! Can you believe it? You’re already 23 weeks pregnant! You’re more than halfway through your pregnancy, and it’s an exciting time because so much is happening.
Your little one is getting bigger and stronger every day, and you’re probably feeling those little kicks more often now.
This week, your baby is about the size of a grapefruit—getting bigger and starting to fill out! They’re also practicing some important skills for life outside the womb.
Ready to learn more about what’s going on with you and your growing baby? Read more.
Your Baby At 23 Weeks
How Big is My Baby at 23 Weeks?
At 23 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a grapefruit. The baby measures roughly 11 to 14 inches (28 to 36 cm) long and weighs around 1.1 pounds (560 grams).
Developing Lungs
Your baby’s lungs are developing rapidly this week. They’re starting to produce a substance called surfactant, which will help them breathe once they’re born. Even though they’re not quite ready to take in air yet, they’re practicing by making breathing-like movements.
Sense of Movement
Your baby is starting to get a sense of movement! They can feel you moving, and they’re even able to tell if they’re upside down or right-side up. This means they’re learning to feel and respond to their surroundings.
Baby’s Skin
At this stage, your baby’s skin is still quite thin and delicate, but it’s starting to become less transparent as they gain more fat. This fat will help keep them warm when they’re born.
Hearing and Digestive Development
Your baby’s sense of hearing is becoming more developed, and they can start to hear sounds both inside and outside your body. They might hear your voice, your heartbeat, and even the rumbling of your digestive system. Your baby’s digestive tract is also beginning to mature and get ready for life after birth.
Little Kicks and Punches
You’re probably starting to feel those little kicks, twists, and punches more often now. Your baby is getting stronger and is busy practicing moving around. All that activity is a great sign—they’re building muscles and getting ready for the outside world!
Your Body At 23 Weeks Pregnant
Feeling Baby’s Movements
By now, you’re likely feeling your baby move quite a bit! It can be exciting and reassuring to feel those little kicks and wiggles. As your baby grows, those movements will get stronger, and you might even start to notice a pattern to when your baby is most active.
Growing Belly
Your belly is getting bigger, and your uterus is about an inch above your belly button. You might be feeling a bit more pressure, and it could be getting harder to find a comfortable sleeping position. A pregnancy pillow might help you get some much-needed rest!
Braxton Hicks Contractions
You may start to feel some tightening in your belly—these are called Braxton Hicks contractions. They’re like practice contractions and are usually painless. It’s your body’s way of preparing for labor. If they become uncomfortable, try changing positions or drinking some water.
Swollen Feet and Ankles
Swelling in your feet and ankles is pretty common around this time. Your body is holding on to more fluid, and your growing uterus can press on veins that return blood from your legs. Try to rest with your feet up whenever you can, and stay hydrated to help reduce swelling.
Leaking fluid
Your uterus is sitting directly on top of your bladder, which can cause you to leak fluid into your underwear. If you notice fluid leaking, try to determine if it smells like urine or if it is odorless. If it does not seem to be urine, call your healthcare provider immediately.
Read more: What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Belly Band During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy Symptoms at 23 Weeks
At 23 weeks pregnant, you might notice several symptoms. One is the linea nigra, a dark line that appears on your belly due to hormone changes; it’s more visible if you have dark skin and hair and usually fades after pregnancy.
Your breasts also change, growing larger, with more visible veins and darker areolas, and they might leak colostrum, the first milk for your baby.
Pregnancy cravings are common, with many women craving sweets, salty snacks, spicy foods, or sour items like citrus fruits; it’s okay to indulge but keep a balanced diet.
Vision changes like blurriness or nearsightedness can occur due to hormonal shifts and fluid retention, and severe changes should be checked by a doctor.
Lastly, you might experience “pregnancy brain,” feeling forgetful or unfocused, possibly due to sleep disruptions and stress, but it’s usually minor and manageable.
Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy at 23 Weeks
Stay Active with Safe Exercises
Light to moderate exercise, like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, can be beneficial for both you and your baby. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, supports cardiovascular health, and can also relieve common pregnancy discomforts like back pain and swelling.
Before starting any new activity, confirm with your doctor that it’s safe based on your specific health needs.
Read more about Exercise & Pregnancy: Moms on the Move.
Prioritize Quality Sleep
Sleep is essential during pregnancy for both physical recovery and mental well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours a night, using pregnancy pillows to support comfortable sleeping positions (left side is often recommended for optimal circulation). To avoid discomfort, try elevating your legs or using supportive pillows under your knees or belly.
Manage Stress Levels
Managing stress is essential, as it can impact both you and your baby. Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or journaling. Gentle stretching or listening to calming music can also help. Remember, it’s okay to slow down and take breaks throughout the day.
Continue Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins remain essential during this stage, especially for nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids:
- Folic Acid: Vital for preventing neural tube defects and aiding fetal development.
- Iron: Essential for increasing blood supply and supporting oxygen transport to the baby.
- Calcium: Helps with the baby’s bone and teeth formation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports brain and eye development in the fetus.
Talk to your healthcare provider to confirm the right vitamins and dosage for you.
Regular Doctor Consultations
At the 23-week mark, regular prenatal visits continue to be important. Here are a few things you might discuss with your doctor:
- Fetal Growth and Development: Ask about the baby’s growth and whether they’re on track.
- Weight Gain: Ensure that your weight gain is healthy for your pregnancy stage.
- Symptoms and Discomfort: Discuss any troubling symptoms like swelling, back pain, or fatigue.
- Vaccines: Ask if any vaccinations are recommended at this stage, such as the flu vaccine.
Consider Testing as Needed
At this stage, specific tests may or may not be routine but are sometimes recommended:
- Glucose Screening Test: This may be suggested between 24-28 weeks to check for gestational diabetes, a common condition in pregnancy that can impact the baby if untreated.
- Anomaly Scan (if not done already): A detailed ultrasound scan that assesses fetal development and detects any abnormalities.
Your doctor will guide you on which tests are necessary for your health and pregnancy.
How to Relieve Common Pregnancy Symptoms?
- Back Pain: Using supportive pillows, practicing good posture, and doing gentle stretching can help relieve back pain.
- Heartburn: Eat smaller, more frequent meals, avoid spicy or acidic foods, and avoid lying down right after eating.
- Leg Cramps: Stay hydrated, do gentle leg stretches, and consider magnesium supplements if recommended by your doctor.
- Swelling: Elevate your legs when possible, stay active, and reduce salt intake to help with swelling.
What to Eat and Avoid?
- What to Eat: Focus on nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. High-protein foods, like chicken, beans, and fish (low in mercury), help with fetal growth. Calcium-rich foods (like dairy) and iron-rich foods (like leafy greens) support bone development and blood supply.
- What to Avoid: Avoid raw or undercooked meats, high-mercury fish (like swordfish), unpasteurized cheeses, and processed foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats. Alcohol and excessive caffeine should also be avoided, as they can affect the baby’s development.
What To Expect
As you move into the next few weeks, your baby will continue to grow and get stronger. You’ll likely feel more movement, and your belly will keep getting bigger!
Now is a great time to prepare for when your little one arrives—think about baby essentials like a baby monitor, baby carrier for newborn, and other items you’ll need. Consider getting a pregnancy pillow for better sleep and comfort.
Also, stock up on breast pads; though you might not be thinking too much about breastfeeding yet, you could need nursing pads sooner than you think.
Check out Momcozy for baby essentials and maternity essentials to help you get ready. It’s never too early to start preparing for your baby’s arrival, and having these things ready can make the transition smoother and more exciting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you 6 months pregnant at 23 weeks?
At 23 weeks pregnant, you are just over five months along. Pregnancy is typically counted in weeks, and 23 weeks falls within the fifth month. You will reach six months at around 26 weeks.
What should I expect at 23 weeks?
At 23 weeks, you can expect to feel more baby movements as your baby grows stronger. Your belly will continue to expand, and you might notice changes like a dark line on your belly called the linea nigra. You may also experience symptoms like backaches, swollen feet, and increased appetite.
How do I know my baby is ok at 23 weeks?
To know your baby is okay at 23 weeks, regular prenatal check-ups are essential. Your doctor will monitor the baby’s heartbeat and growth. Feeling regular baby movements and having a growing belly are also good signs that your baby is doing well.
Where is my baby positioned at 23 weeks?
At 23 weeks, your baby is positioned in the uterus, which is now above your belly button. The baby has more room to move around, so the position can change frequently. You might feel kicks and movements in different areas of your belly as the baby shifts positions.
