At 23 weeks pregnant, baby’s getting ready for his or her big debut by listening in on what’s going on in the outside world.
Give him/her a daily treat by reading, talking, or singing to her. Your partner can also do the same! We know you’re getting ready too.
How Big Is Baby at 23 Weeks Pregnant?
You’re 23 weeks pregnant, and baby is as big as a grapefruit! The average 23-week fetus measures 11.4 inches from head to foot and weighs 1.1 pounds. Yep, baby’s almost a foot long, and is finally able to be weighed in pounds! And baby’s not just getting bigger, he or she’s getting even cuter and starting to look more like a baby.
23 Weeks Pregnant Is How Many Months?
If you’re 23 weeks pregnant, you’re in month 6 of your pregnancy. Only 3 months left to go! .
What does my baby look like in week 23?
They might get hiccups and you may feel the tiny jerks when it happens! They can also suck their thumb.
Have you been feeling flutters and bubbles from your little one? These have probably turned into kicking and little jabs by now. Over the next few weeks they’ll become more noticeable and regular as your baby grows and gets stronger, rolling and dancing inside you.
You might even notice a kind of pattern emerging. Often when you rest, your baby will spring into action and when you’re busy on your feet your baby will be rocked to sleep by the motion.
It’s a good idea to get to know your baby’s sort of routine, so you can get in touch with your midwife if the movements slow down, or stop, or something doesn’t feel right to you.
Your baby’s movements is a sign that they are well and that is why you should report any reduction to your midwife or hospital immediately.
Pregnancy Symptoms at 23 Weeks
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Bleeding and/or swollen gums:
You probably didn’t expect pregnancy to affect your mouth! Pregnancy hormones increase your blood flow, making your gums more likely to swell and bleed. If your mouth is feeling more sensitive than usual, switch to a soft bristle toothbrush and continue flossing with TLC. And stick with your normal dental exam routine, seeing the dentist at least every six months. In fact, your dentist may want to do extra checks while you’re pregnant—but will avoid X-rays, which aren’t usually recommended for pregnant women.
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Hearty Appetite:
It’s perfectly normal to find yourself wanting to devour the contents of your kitchen cabinets and fridge (you have a growing baby to feed!). So try to stock your home with healthy snacks such as fruit, cut-up veggies, nuts and whole-wheat crackers.
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Backaches:
Sorry, but lingering backaches are to be expected, as your growing baby starts to bend your spine and stress your back muscles. Backaches are especially common for women who are 23 weeks pregnant with twins. Pain, on the other hand, could be cause for concern, so tell your OB if it really hurts.
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Snoring:
This fairly common (and annoying) pregnancy symptom can disrupt your sleep and your partner’s. Partly due to nasal congestion caused by extra weight and swollen mucous membranes in your nose, snoring can be alleviated by wearing a nasal strip at bedtime and running a warm-mist humidifier in your bedroom.
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Braxton Hicks contractions:
It’s a totally weird sensation the first time you notice your belly getting super tight! Your muscles are flexing, basically to prep for the Wonder Woman-like tightening they’re going to have to do during labor. So as long as they go away quickly, they’re just par for the pregnancy course. Drink plenty of water and change positions frequently to stay comfortable.
Tips For The Week
- In the third trimester, you’ll be busier with appointments, seeing your doctor every other week. And you may not feel as energetic as you do now. So use this time to get stuff done and out of the way!
- Being active during pregnancy has many benefits for you and your baby. Not only can it help you sleep better, but it can also make you less likely to feel anxious and depressed.
- You should try to limit the amount of caffeine you have to no more than 200mg a day – the equivalent of two cups of instant coffee.
- While you’re weeks away from meeting baby, it’s time to start thinking about maternity leave. Connect with both HR and your supervisor to make sure you’re all on the same page.
- Keep a bottle of water by your side at all times. Staying hydrated helps maintain your additional blood volume, renews amniotic fluid and bolsters milk production.
