23 Weeks Pregnant

23 Weeks Pregnant

How is Your Baby Growing at 23 Weeks?

Week 23 comes along with lots of baby movements. You’ll find that your baby moves around a lot more when there is music playing as their ears are now incredibly sensitive to different sounds.

 

Their lungs are still developing, getting ready for proper breathing after birth.

 week 23 foetus

How Big is Your Baby at 23 Weeks?

At week 23, your bay is 29 cm (about the size of a squash) and weighs 500 g.

 

What Happens at 23 Weeks?

At week 23, your baby’s heartbeat will be audible through a stethoscope.

 

Your hands and feet might start to swell quite a lot (known as oedema) at this stage. This is due to the increased blood flow, fluid retention, and extra weight that you are carrying.

 

This swelling should reduce after you’ve given birth, but in the meantime, try to elevate your legs when you are sat down and wear compression stockings if you can tolerate them. Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time.

 

You may also experience tingling sensations or pain in your hand and wrist. This is known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and it is caused by extra pressure on one of the main nerves that supply your hand caused by swelling in the area. If you are experiencing a lot of pain, let your GP or midwife know. They may offer you a wrist splint to wear.

 

What Symptoms Will You Have at 23 Weeks?

Some of the common symptoms that you might experience in week 23 include:

  • Tiredness
  • Backache
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Greasy skin
  • Headaches
  • Mood swings
  • Nose bleeds
  • Piles
  • Stretch marks
  • Swollen and bleeding gums
  • Swollen hands and feet
  • Thicker, shinier hair