The initial phase of nausea and dizziness will be replaced with a heightened sense of connection with their unborn child. This is a pivotal stage as your baby is approaching fetal viability, meaning the baby has the chance to survive outside the womb.
Baby Growth At Week 23
By 23 weeks of gestation, the foetus has evolved into the size of a large grapefruit, papaya or mango. The foetus measures between 28 and 30 centimetres and weighs almost 500 grams or about a pound. Though the baby’s stature is small, its internal organs are growing in full swing. Even if the baby is born preterm at this stage, though the risk of complications is high, under advanced neonatal surveillance, a small percentage of babies can survive.Structural Development: Most internal organs have already formed, and by week 23, most of the priority goes into strengthening the parts. The spines, ribs, and limbs continue to improve as bones are filled with calcium to support the baby after birth.
Pulmonary Development: Lungs begin to grow, and babies start their foetal breathing movements. The alveolar sacs and surfactant, a lipid-protein important for postnatal breathing, are beginning to form.
Neurological Growth: Billions of neurons start establishing synaptic connections, laying the basis for neural communication. Rapid eye movements and dream-like activities are also monitored during this week.
Sensory Development: Skin, nails, and hair continue to grow. Skin is still delicate, translucent and wrinkled due to the lack of subcutaneous fat. The nose and ears become defined, and the baby starts to develop its facial features. The baby's ears are well developed during this stage, and it can hear and respond to the mother's heartbeat, digestive sounds, and voice.
Cardiovascular Development: The heart is developed fully, pumping oxygenated blood to support overall circulation. A foetal heart beats approximately 120 to 160 times per minute.
Maternal Changes At Week 23
At week 23 of gestation, your belly will be noticeably bigger as it supports the baby’s growth. Your uterus grows about 1.5 inches above the navel, and it will continue to expand. As the baby grows, you will start gaining weight and your spine will curve a little to support the extra kilos, causing backaches. However, not all women will experience every symptom as everybody is different. The other not-so-lovely maternal changes that can happen to your body while you’re pregnant are:- Your breasts will grow bigger and firmer to prepare for lactation
- Your heart rate may increase as the body produces more blood to supply nutrients to the foetus
- Pregnancy can cause blemishes because of hormonal changes
- The skin stretches to fit the growing belly and breasts, causing itching and stretch marks
Medical Checkups To Do At Week 23
Pregnancy is all about multiple trips to the hospital. When you are 23 weeks pregnant, you have to undergo multiple tests to ensure your baby is safe inside and you are healthy to support the foetal growth. A typical checkup includes:- Fundal height measurement measures from the mother's pubic bone to the top of the bump to measure the height of the uterus, which shows the growth of the baby.
- Foetal heart rate monitoring, using a Doppler, doctors listen to the baby's heartbeat.
Nutrients And Supplements For Your 23-Week Pregnant Body
Pregnancy is in no way a smooth journey. Each woman, depending on her body and environment, faces certain challenges. But you can always rejoice in good food that supports your mental health, your body, and your growing baby. Here are certain food ingredients you should give extra importance to support your growing child in the uterus by week 23.- Folic acid supports the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Get folic acid from asparagus, spinach, broccoli, avocado, peas, sprouts, lentils, liver, banana, and citrus fruits.
- Low-Glycemic index carbs to alleviate nausea, grumpiness, and to give that much-needed extra kilojoules.
- Potassium is needed to build protein and a healthy kidney. Draw potassium from meat, banana, beetroot, and potato skin.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for building and maintaining cells. Fish has the highest omega content. If you don't eat fish, swap it with walnuts, flaxseed oil.
- Magnesium for repairing body tissues, bones, cartilage and teeth. Find magnesium in seeds, pulses, grains, green leafy vegetables, eggs, and fish.
- Iron to alleviate anaemia, which is common in pregnancy. Taking vitamin C with iron helps improve absorption. Fill up on iron by consuming beans, broccoli, apricots, and pumpkins, red meat, and legumes.
How to Prepare for The Next Few Weeks?
A 23-week pregnant woman should focus on maintaining a clean lifestyle, prioritising comfort, and keeping emotions in check. Preparing for the third trimester starts now.- Get ready to see major changes in your skin and body
- Run tests to find any lack of nutrients in your body
- Keep your partner in the loop for any major changes
- Learn ergonomic postures and stretching techniques
- Discuss maternity leave and seek family support
By week 23, the baby can hear you well and feel your emotions. So keep talking good things to the baby and encourage your partner to do the same. During this time, integrating relaxation exercises, yoga, and breathing techniques can improve stability, correct imbalances, and help you feel relaxed and resilient.
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FAQs on Here’s What The Week 23 of Your Pregnancy Will Look Like
- Is my baby fully formed at 23 weeks?
No, babies are not fully formed at 23 weeks. Though their major organs are formed and they can hear and sense, their skin is still wrinkly and red. - What pains are normal at 23 weeks pregnant?
At 23 weeks of pregnancy, it is normal to feel mild ligament pain, backaches, and Braxton-Hicks contractions. You will also feel pain in your ribcage and leg cramps. These are common as you gain weight and your uterus expands to accommodate the baby. - What are the signs of miscarriage at 23 weeks pregnant?
The most common signs of miscarriage at 23 weeks pregnant are
-Heavy vaginal bleeding
-Less presence of fetal movement
-Harsh stomach pain
-Losing pregnancy symptoms
-Passing blood clots and tissue
-Brown discharge or spotting