23 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect?

With technology advancement, the journey into your baby’s womb is now possible and the developments in all stages of pregnancy are learned. A normal pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks and is split into three trimesters. 23 weeks pregnant falls under the second trimester, which is a crucial period for both mom and baby.

You’re halfway through the journey of pregnancy at week 23. The body undergoes significant physical and hormonal changes at this stage of pregnancy as the foetus grows and develops critical organs. The bump becomes evident as the baby grows, and this is the time to feel your baby moving inside.

Baby’s Growth During Pregnancy – Week 23

Week 23 is the time from which your baby begins to gain considerable weight. The baby’s skin is saggy at this juncture as it grows much faster than the fat. Blood vessels are developing in the lungs at week 23 to help breathe, and billions of brain cells will develop over the next few weeks. There’s a good sense of movement and the baby can feel you’re moving.

 

What is the Baby’s Size?

Your baby is about 11 inches long and a little over a pound in weight at this juncture. The baby’s 23 weeks pregnant size is similar to the mango size. At this stage, the baby grows very fast and will double in weight over the next four weeks.

 

23-week Symptoms of Pregnancy

While you kissed nausea and fatigue for goodbye for the first trimester, you are dealing with the discomfort that symptoms of pregnancy can cause for 23 weeks. This may include the following:

• Swollen ankles and feet: Some puffiness is quite normal. Treat your feet as much as you can, take regular walks, and drink plenty of water. If you have extreme or sudden swelling, call your doctor, which may be a sign of a dangerous complication of pregnancy called preeclampsia.
• Braxton Hicks contractions: The first time you notice your belly becoming super tight, it’s a completely weird feeling! Your muscles are flexing, basically in order to prepare them for the Wonder Woman-like tightening they will have to do during work. So as long as they leave fast, they are only par for the course of pregnancy. Drink plenty of water and frequently change positions to remain comfortable.

 

• Backaches: Sorry, but you should expect lingering backaches as your growing baby starts bending your spine and stressing the muscles of your back. Backaches are particularly common among women who are pregnant with twins for 23 weeks. Pain might be worrying, on the other hand, so tell your OB if it really hurts.
• Bleeding and/or swollen gums: You probably did not expect your mouth to be affected by pregnancy! Pregnancy hormones increase blood flow, increasing the chances of swelling and bleeding of your gums. If you feel more sensitive than usual in your mouth, switch to a soft bristle toothbrush and continue to floss with TLC. And stick to your normal dental examination routine, seeing the dentist every six months at least. In fact, while you’re pregnant, your dentist may want to do additional checks— but will avoid X-rays that are usually not recommended for pregnant women.

23weeks pregnant belly

A typical 23-week pregnant belly measures from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus about 21 to 25 centimeters. (That’s the fundal height.) You probably gained about 12 to 15 pounds at a pregnancy of 23 weeks. And if you’re pregnant with twins for 23 weeks, so far you should have earned at least 23 pounds. You will reduce your risk of preterm labor by gaining the recommended amount of weight for a twin pregnancy.

 

Baby movement is likely to feel pretty cool at 23 weeks pregnant— and it’s always a comfort knowing baby’s wiggling around in there. You will get to know the routine of your 23-week fetus if you pay attention: baby is less active when he or she sleeps and a kung fu master when he or she wakes up. Some parents even swear that after birth they maintained similar routines as they did in utero. So, consider this a warning if your kicker keeps you up at night!

 

23 Weeks Ultrasound

Do you wonder what you would see if you had an ultrasound that was pregnant for 23 weeks? Well, at this stage, the baby’s forming small nipples (yes, really!). And the face of your cute little 23-week-old fetus is fully formed— he or she needs just a little extra fat to fill it up. By listening to your voice and your heartbeat, Baby’s entertaining him-or-herself, and can even hear some loud sounds like hanging cars and barking dogs.

Enjoy all the poking, prodding and peeing in a cup for a little time off. Right now, you are only seeing your OB once a month, so you may not have an appointment from a doctor or an ultrasound that is pregnant for 23 weeks. And your genetic testing may be done.

You will be more busy with appointments in the third trimester, seeing your doctor every other week. And you might not be as vigorous as you are now. Use this time to do things and get them out of the way!