Learn what’s happening in week 23 of pregnancy and find out how your baby is developing.
Your pregnancy is now in full swing and your little one keeps growing with each passing day. At 23 weeks of pregnancy, you may notice you are gaining weight steadily.
It shouldn’t be surprising because your baby is also developing rapidly. At this stage, your baby is the size of a papaya and is getting a little plumper.
What Happens in Your Body in Pregnancy Week 23?
Many developments are occurring within your body this week. By week 23 of pregnancy, most women are gaining an average of half a kilogram a week. By the end of your pregnancy, you can expect to gain about eleven to fourteen kilograms or even more.
Back pain is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy at 23 weeks, Your belly stretches and your joints and ligaments soften in preparation for childbirth.
Clumsiness is also a normal part of pregnancy due to a baby’s rapid growth. This happens because pregnancy hormones loosen your joints and cause you to retain extra fluids. It makes your grasp on objects less firm and sure.
Fatigue and dizziness are also common pregnancy symptoms at 23 weeks and they can make it easier to both trip and drop when you’re too tired.
In the twenty-third week of pregnancy, you might also experience indigestion and heartburn. High levels of hormone progesterone cause the stomach to empty into the small intestine more slowly. Then acids build up in the stomach and back up into the esophagus.
In order to prevent heartburn, don’t to bed with a full stomach. Eat at least two or three hours before bed.
Changes in Your Body at 23 Weeks Pregnant
In week 23, you may notice the dark line (linea nigra) running between your belly button and your pubic area. This dark line is a result of the same pregnancy hormones that cause all the skin discolorations you might be noticed on your face and body.
Many women will notice dark patches around their noses, on their forehead, cheeks and eyes.
Your hands and your feet might become red and you might be more prone to heat rash and skin tags. You may also notice stretch marks and varicose veins on your body.
Your Baby at 23 Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is now eight inches long and weighs about a pound. This week marks the beginning of a baby’s rapid weight gain. Your little one should double his/her weight over the next four weeks.
At this stage, a baby’s skin is a bit saggy because it grows a lot faster than fat. But soon your baby will start to fit its tiny frame as fat deposits fill things out.
Your developing baby is practicing breathing, moving amniotic fluid in and out of the lungs. This practice is crucial for developing his/her diaphragm muscles.
You’ve probably heard your baby’s heartbeat through a Doppler already, but this week you can also hear it through a standard stethoscope.
Pregnancy Week 23 Tips
Stick to a balanced diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight throughout the rest of your pregnancy. Always look for opportunities to be more active, so sit less and move more.
For example, choose the stairs instead of the lift. Avoid grains and sugar to prevent extra weight gain and gestational diabetes.
Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and to reduce swelling in your ankles and feet.
