WHAT’S GOING ON WITH BABY?
Week 23 of Pregnancy
Baby’s growth and size
Baby is just over a pound this week, probably somewhere between 1 – 1.25 lbs and measures just over 11 inches long.
What’s new developmentally?
Your baby will spend the next several weeks filling out and packing on that fat. Every day that passes, baby is looking more and more like a newborn.
He or she is moving all around in there. Your partner might even be able to feel baby from the outside at this point, such an exciting milestone!
Baby continues to be able to hear sounds from the outside and is working hard to learn your specific voice, mama.
Research shows that babies not only can learn their mother’s voice while still inside the womb, but also that they show a preference to mom’s voice over others – so sweet!
Fun facts about your week 23 baby
- You might notice your baby reacts or gets more active in response to you eating or drinking
- The subtle flutters you have been feeling are likely turning into distinguishable kicks and jabs
- Baby’s brain is developing very quickly
WHAT’S GOING ON WITH MAMA?
Week 23 of Pregnancy
23 week pregnancy symptoms
- Stretch marks
- Melasma or “mask of pregnancy”
- Darker and larger nipples and areola
- Braxton Hicks contractions
- Pregnancy brain
- Moderate swelling in feet/ ankles
- Hot flashes
- Linea nigra
- Leg cramps
- Hemorrhoids
- Round ligament pain
How should I be feeling at 23 weeks pregnant?
Your growing uterus, baby, and belly might be “getting in the way” of some things. As your uterus continues to expand, sitting right on top of your bladder, you might find yourself making several bathroom runs during the night.
Additionally, it might just be tough to get comfortable in the bed. Some mamas prefer a pregnancy pillow while others like several smaller pillows to support them.
It can help to put pillows behind your back, under your belly, between your knees, really wherever you can squeeze them.
Other than tired, and maybe a bit on the big side, you might also be feeling excited! I know it can be such an exhausting time, mama, but putting together a nursery and working on a baby registry can also be a lot of fun and a nice, low energy (at least physically) project.
WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON?
More Week 23 Info
23 weeks pregnant ultrasound
There is a good chance you have already had your anatomy scan by this point, it typically happens between 18 and 22 weeks.
Some babies are less cooperative during the anatomy scan than others and like to play hide and seek, typically scoring themselves an additional ultrasound.
If the ultrasound tech was not able to visualize all of baby’s organs and body parts during the initial anatomy scan, then you probably have a follow-up ultrasound scheduled for them to look at whatever parts they were unable to see.
There are some other conditions that might warrant additional ultrasounds during pregnancy. Having a history of preterm birth, carrying multiples, concerns over baby’s growth, and certain medical conditions might lead to additional ultrasounds past the 20-week anatomy scan.
23 weeks pregnant is how many months?
At 23 weeks you are in your 6th month of pregnancy. Most commonly you will hear, “you are 20 weeks pregnant or I’m 25 weeks pregnant.”
It does get a little tricky when you start referring to pregnancy in months because it’s not an equal comparison. If this helps, you will be in your 6th month of pregnancy for weeks 23-27.
WHAT’S GOING ON WITH YOUR BUMP?
23 Weeks Pregnant Belly
1. Jane
2. Mary
3. Jo
TIPS & RESOURCES
Tips for 23 Weeks Pregnant
- Do some research on baby nurseries to figure out what you might want
- Start thinking about your baby registry
- Invest in a belly support band – my personal favorite
- Purchase a pregnancy pillow – I have a couple on my Amazon Storefront to help you narrow your search
- Start researching babymoons if you plan on taking one
- It’s never too early to start looking into childcare options – trust me on this one, mama, preschools and daycares fill up fast
- Make a point to check in with your mental health – it’s never too early to start doing this and mama, you sure deserve it
- Treat yourself to a prenatal massage or pedicure this week – you have earned it mama
- Begin researching birth classes – I offer online birth classes that you can take all from the comfort of your own home – learn more here
- Sign up for my free second trimester prep pack to receive my second trimester checklist, baby registry checklist, and old wives’ tales checklist!
- Sign up for MLN weekly pregnancy updates to stay up to date on everything going on with your pregnancy. So much good information and it’s all free!
TIPS & RESOURCES From MLN
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