Week 23 of pregnancy: baby growth and movements

Welcome to week 23 of your pregnancy at Happymami! We know that every week brings its own emotions, expectations and questions. As you approach the third trimester, it is normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. But it is important to remember that you are not alone on this journey.

At Happymami, we are committed to offering you not only information backed by the latest scientific evidence, but also to sharing our experience as mothers and health professionals. Over the years, we have supported many women like you through this very special process, and we are here to guide you and give you our support.

So dive into this article and discover everything you need to know about week 23 of pregnancy. Let's explore it together!

Week 23 of pregnancy: baby development

At this point, your baby measures around 28 centimetres long and weighs about 500 grams. As they continue to grow, their body becomes more proportionate, with their legs and arms increasingly well defined.

One of the highlights of this week is the development of your baby's hearing. Their ears are increasingly developed, which allows them to hear sounds inside the uterus, such as your heartbeat, your voice and other background sounds. They may even react to auditory stimuli by moving or responding!

In addition, your baby's eyelids, which were previously fused, begin to separate, allowing their eyes to open and close. Although their eyes do not yet have pigment, they can detect light through the walls of the uterus.

Your baby is also developing their sucking reflex, a crucial skill they will use to feed once they are born. They may even start sucking their thumb at this stage.

Week 23 of pregnancy: Symptoms

During week 23 of pregnancy, you may experience a range of common symptoms as your body continues to adapt to your baby's growth and development. Here are some symptoms you might experience at this stage:

Increase in the size of your abdomen: As your uterus continues to grow to accommodate your growing baby, you will probably notice a significant increase in the size of your bump.

Foetal movements: As your baby grows stronger, you may start to feel more defined and regular movements, such as kicks and turns, which is an exciting experience for many pregnant women.

Back pain: Weight gain and its redistribution can put extra pressure on your back, which can cause discomfort and pain in this area.

Pelvic pain: The growth of the uterus can put pressure on the pelvic ligaments, which can cause pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen and pelvis.

Heartburn: The increased pressure of the uterus on the stomach and hormonal changes can contribute to heartburn and acid indigestion.

Constipation: Pregnancy hormones can slow down the digestive system, which can lead to constipation and abdominal discomfort.

Skin changes: You may notice changes in your skin, such as dark patches on your face (melasma), stretch marks and itching on your abdomen as the skin stretches to accommodate your baby's growth.

How does the mum-to-be feel at week 23?

It is normal to feel a mix of emotions during this stage of pregnancy. You may feel excited about your baby's arrival, but you may also feel anxious or worried about the birth, raising your baby and the changes that lie ahead in your life.

As your baby becomes more active and their movements are more noticeable, you may feel a stronger emotional bond with them. This can be an exciting and reassuring experience for many pregnant women. Even though the first few months of pregnancy are behind you, you may still experience fatigue and tiredness at week 23. Weight gain, hormonal changes and physical discomfort can contribute to feeling more tired than usual.

As you approach the third trimester of pregnancy, you may start to think more about the future and what life with a baby will be like. You may worry about things such as parenting, balancing work and family life, and preparing for your baby's arrival. During this stage of pregnancy, it is important to have the emotional support of your partner, family and friends. You may feel the need to talk about your worries and emotions with trusted people who can offer you support and understanding.

At Happymami, with our experience as midwives, we deeply understand all the emotions you are going through at this stage. We want to remind you that every feeling, every concern, is a natural part of the process of becoming a mum.

Week 23 of pregnancy: Happymami tips

At week 23 of pregnancy, it is essential to prioritise your physical and emotional wellbeing while you prepare for your baby's arrival. At Happymami, we would like to offer you some tips to help you make the most of this stage:

Listen to your body: During this phase, it is important to pay attention to the signals your body sends you. Rest when you need to and do not feel guilty about taking some time for yourself.

Stay active: Unless your doctor has advised you otherwise, try to keep up a gentle exercise routine suitable for pregnant women. Walking, swimming and yoga are excellent options to stay active and improve your physical and mental health.

Look after your diet: Make sure you follow a balanced and nutritious diet that includes a variety of foods rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for you and your baby. Do not forget to drink enough water to stay hydrated.

Remember that A Happymami bottle designed to match the shape of your breast can support feeding, whether you plan to breastfeed, combination-feed or use formula.

Because you may not know whether you will ever need it, but if you do, a Happymami bottle designed to match your anatomy as closely as possible increases bottle acceptance rates and also prevents teat and nipple confusion in your newborn.

Manage stress: Pregnancy can be an emotionally intense time, so find ways of managing stress that work for you. Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing or mindfulness.

Keep communication open: Talk to your partner, family and friends about your worries and needs during pregnancy. Emotional support is essential at this stage, so do not hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Prepare your baby's space: Take advantage of this stage to start preparing your baby's room and getting the items you will need for their arrival. Arrange their space with love and anticipation.

Schedule regular prenatal visits: Keep attending your scheduled prenatal appointments with your healthcare professional to make sure that you and your baby are healthy and well.

Frequently asked questions about week 23 of pregnancy

Is it normal to feel a lot of baby movements at 23 weeks?

Yes, it is completely normal to feel frequent baby movements at this stage of pregnancy. As your baby grows, their movements become stronger and more noticeable.

What should I do if I experience pelvic pain or pain in the lower abdomen?

Pelvic pain and pain in the lower abdomen are common at this stage due to the growth of the uterus. However, if the pain is intense or persistent, it is important to discuss it with your doctor to rule out any complications.

How much weight should I have gained by week 23 of pregnancy?

Weight gain during pregnancy varies from woman to woman and depends on each individual situation. In general, a weight gain of around 5 to 10 kilograms is expected at this stage, but it is always best to check with your doctor to determine whether you are within the healthy range.

Is it normal to experience skin changes, such as dark patches or itching?

Yes, it is common to experience skin changes during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Dark patches on the skin (melasma) and itching on the abdomen are normal symptoms. However, if the itching is intense or persistent, it is important to tell your doctor, as it can be a sign of conditions such as pregnancy cholestasis.

How can I relieve back pain during week 23 of pregnancy?

Some ways to relieve back pain include keeping a correct posture, doing gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, wearing comfortable shoes and having gentle massages on the affected area. If the pain persists, consult your doctor or a physiotherapist.