23 Weeks Pregnant is How Many Months?
If you’re 23 weeks pregnant, you’re in the sixth month of your pregnancy. Only 3 months to go!!!
How Big is Your Baby at 23 Weeks?
At 23 weeks, your baby is about 28.9cm long, and weighs around 498g. Baby’s size can now be weighed in pounds! Your baby is about the size of a mango and he’s starting to look more like a baby.
Facts about Your Baby at 23 Weeks
- The eyes are now fully formed even though they don’t have any colour yet.
- Your baby is moving around more because there’s still plenty of room.
- Your baby is getting familiar with loud noise from outside the womb, such as a dog barking. At first, your baby’s ears can hear only low-pitched sounds, meaning he can hear male voices more clearly than female voices.
- Your baby’s lungs are continuing to develop by practicing breathing motions on his own. You may be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat through a stethoscope.
23 Weeks: Symptoms
- Backaches
- Braxton Hicks contractions
- Swollen ankles and feet
- Leg cramps
- Nasal congestion
- Frequent urination
- Skin discolorations
Braxton Hicks contractions: At 23 weeks, you might be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions also known as prodromal or false labor pains. Braxton-Hicks contractions are the body’s way of preparing you for true labor, but they do not indicate that labor has begun. The contractions come irregularly and usually last for about 30 seconds.
Skin discoloration: As your pregnancy develops, you may experience some dark irregular patches on your face most commonly on the upper cheek, nose, lips, and forehead. This is called ‘chloasma’ or the ‘mask of pregnancy’. It may help to protect your skin by not staying in the sun for a long time.
Leg Cramps: If you have painful leg cramps, you are not alone. Many pregnant women often experience leg cramps in the second or third trimester, mostly at night. While the exact cause of leg cramps during pregnancy isn’t clear, you can take the steps below to prevent them:
- Massage your calves in long downward strokes
- Stay active
- Stay hydrated
- Get adequate calcium
- Choose proper footwear
Tips at 23 Weeks Pregnant
Stay Hydrated: Always 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.
Make Plans for Maternity Leave: Now that everyone can see that you’re pregnant, it’s a good time to finalise your maternity leave for after the baby is born.
Baby Names: You might also begin deciding on a baby name if you haven’t already.
Did you find this helpful? Read this next: 24 Weeks Pregnant.
