At 23 weeks pregnant, I remember feeling a mixture of excitement and mild panic. My baby was growing quickly, and I could feel every little kick and wiggle, which was thrilling. But I also started to feel the aches and pains that come with carrying a growing baby. I wasn’t sure if the back pain was normal or if I should be worried about some of the new symptoms popping up. I was halfway through my pregnancy and starting to realize just how much I had to learn — about my body, my baby, and how to stay healthy.
If you’re 23 weeks pregnant right now, I know you’re probably feeling a lot of the same things — the joy of knowing your baby is moving and growing, mixed with the discomforts that come with pregnancy. Trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and today, I’m sharing everything you need to know to feel supported and stay comfortable. Whether it’s understanding your baby’s development, dealing with swelling, or finding ways to manage pregnancy symptoms, I’ve got you covered.
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1. Your Baby’s Development at 23 Weeks Pregnant
At 23 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing quickly and undergoing some pretty important developments. Here’s what’s happening inside your belly right now:
Size and Weight
Your baby is about the size of a grapefruit, mango, or eggplant — roughly 11 to 14 inches long and weighing just over 1 pound. It’s amazing how quickly your little one is growing at this stage!
Skin and Body
Your baby’s skin is still thin and reddish, as there’s not much body fat yet. But don’t worry, that fat will start to fill in soon. This is an exciting time, because your baby’s body is starting to look a lot more like a newborn.
Senses
Your baby’s sense of hearing is developing. The bones in their inner ear are fully formed now, so they can hear sounds from the outside world, including your voice, your partner’s voice, and even loud noises like a dog barking. I remember talking to my baby all the time during this stage — it felt like a great way to bond.
Motor Skills
Your baby’s movements are becoming more coordinated, and you’ll likely start feeling more pronounced kicks and jabs. These movements are a sign of your baby’s growing strength and control. It’s such a reassuring feeling when you know your little one is actively moving around in there!
Lungs
Your baby’s lungs are developing, and they’re starting to produce surfactant — a substance that helps the lungs inflate after birth. This is a key step toward your baby being able to breathe on their own once they arrive.
2. What’s Happening to Your Body at 23 Weeks Pregnant?
As your baby grows, your body is going through some changes too. Here’s what to expect:
Swelling
Mild swelling in your ankles and feet is common at 23 weeks pregnant. It’s all part of the pregnancy process, as your body holds onto extra fluid to support your growing baby. Try elevating your feet when you can and staying hydrated to help manage the swelling. I found that this made a big difference in how I felt at the end of the day.
Aches and Pains
Backaches, leg aches, and round ligament pain (sharp or dull pain on the side of your abdomen) are all common at this stage. Your growing uterus is putting more strain on your body, and it’s adjusting to accommodate your baby. I recommend practicing good posture, using a supportive pillow, and stretching gently to ease the discomfort.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
You might begin to feel Braxton Hicks contractions. These are “practice” contractions, which can feel like tightening in your belly. They’re usually irregular and subside when you change positions. I remember being a little nervous when I first felt them, but my doctor assured me they were completely normal.
Sleep Troubles
As your belly grows, you might find it harder to get comfortable at night. Leg cramps, back pain, and frequent trips to the bathroom can make sleep challenging. A pregnancy pillow can really help you find a comfortable position, and I highly recommend it! I used mine every night and it helped me sleep so much better.
Vision Changes
Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can cause minor changes to your vision, such as dry or blurry eyes. These changes are temporary, but if you notice sudden or severe changes, you should definitely reach out to your doctor. I had a bit of blurry vision at this stage, but it cleared up as my pregnancy progressed.
Skin Changes
You might notice the appearance of a dark line running down your belly called the linea nigra. Stretch marks and darker nipples are also common at this point. It’s all part of the pregnancy process — your body is changing, and these marks are a sign that your baby is growing.
3. Practical Tips for a Smooth 23rd Week
Now that you know what’s going on with your baby and your body, here are some tips to help you stay comfortable and prepared during the 23rd week of pregnancy:
Stay Active (But Take It Easy)
It’s important to keep moving, but listen to your body. Gentle exercises like walking or swimming can improve circulation, reduce swelling, and ease back pain. Just be sure to avoid anything too strenuous, and take breaks when you need them. I found that a 20-minute walk every day helped me feel more energized.
Keep Hydrated
Staying hydrated is key to preventing swelling and keeping your body functioning at its best. Try to drink plenty of water throughout the day. It will also help reduce leg cramps and keep you feeling better overall.
Use a Pregnancy Pillow for Better Sleep
I can’t recommend a pregnancy pillow enough! As your belly grows, finding a comfortable sleep position can be tough. A pregnancy pillow supports your growing belly and helps ease back pain, making it much easier to get restful sleep.
Monitor Baby’s Movement
At 23 weeks pregnant, you’ll start to notice your baby’s patterns of movement. Every baby is different, but it’s important to pay attention to these movements. If you notice a decrease in activity or sudden changes, reach out to your doctor. I made it a habit to track my baby’s movements and talk to my doctor if anything felt off.
Plan for Maternity Leave
It might feel early, but now is a great time to start thinking about your maternity leave plans. Talk to your employer about when you plan to take time off and start organizing the logistics. Getting this sorted out early will give you peace of mind as your due date approaches.
4. Expert Insights on Pregnancy at 23 Weeks
Expert Insight on Baby’s Development
Dr. Emily Harris, OB-GYN, shares, “By 23 weeks, your baby’s lungs are developing rapidly, and they are starting to practice breathing. The baby’s senses of hearing and touch are also advancing, which means they’re already interacting with the outside world, even in the womb.”
Advice on Hydration and Swelling
According to the American Pregnancy Association, staying hydrated helps reduce pregnancy swelling and supports healthy amniotic fluid levels. It’s recommended to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day to keep your body in balance.
5. Wrapping Up with Love & Support
Mama, I know pregnancy can feel like a rollercoaster — one day you’re feeling great, and the next, your body is throwing new symptoms your way. But take a moment to give yourself some credit. You’re doing an amazing job, and every week brings you closer to meeting your little one. Take it one day at a time, and don’t forget to ask for help when you need it. You’ve got this!
What’s been the biggest change for you at 23 weeks pregnant? Is it feeling your baby’s movements more or dealing with some new symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below — I’d love to hear from you! And if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with a friend who’s also expecting. Let’s support each other through this beautiful journey! 💕