Week 23 of Pregnancy

Baby Size Comparison in Week 23

In week 23 of pregnancy your baby measures about 29 cm long and weighs about 500 grams: roughly the size of Grapefruit. Remember these are approximate averages from standard growth charts; every baby grows at their own pace, and your doctor follows your baby's personal growth curve across visits, not a single number. If an ultrasound measures a little bigger or smaller than average, that is usually normal as long as growth continues at a steady rate.

Baby Development in Week 23

The lungs develop very quickly in preparation for breathing: tiny blood vessels form around the air sacs, and production begins of surfactant, the substance that keeps the lung from collapsing at the first breath. The fetus can hear external sounds more clearly; it startles at sudden loud sounds and calms with quiet music.

The skin is less transparent as fat accumulates, and the wrinkles gradually begin disappearing. Rapid eye movements are regular, and the fetus distinguishes between light and darkness through the belly wall. The pancreas produces insulin, and the nervous system continues maturing. The weight has passed half a kilogram; the rapid growth stage has truly begun.

The lungs develop quickly: tiny blood vessels form around the air sacs, and production begins of surfactant, the substance that keeps the lung from collapsing at the first breath. The fetus hears external sounds more clearly; it startles at sudden loud ones and calms with quiet ones. The skin becomes less transparent as fat accumulates, and rapid eye movements become regular. It distinguishes between light and darkness through the belly wall, and the pancreas produces insulin. The weight has passed half a kilogram; the rapid growth stage has truly begun.

Your Body Changes in Week 23

Ankle and foot swelling increases, especially in heat and at day's end; raise your feet and cut down salt. Back pain may extend to the thighs, and gum bleeding continues.

You may feel numbness or tingling in the hands (pregnancy carpal tunnel) from fluid retention. Heartburn intensifies at night; raise your bed's head. Frequent nighttime urination interrupts sleep. Weight gain is about 7 to 9 kilograms. Beware of sudden, severe swelling in the face and hands with headache or blurred vision; it may be a sign of preeclampsia and calls for an urgent visit.

Sudden severe swelling with headache calls for an urgent visit. Watch your blood pressure at every visit. Cut down salt and drink plenty of water. And nighttime hand numbness is eased by a wrist brace.

Practical Tips for Week 23

• Avoid very loud and sudden sounds as much as possible; the baby's hearing is sensitive now.
• Cut down salt and raise your feet when swollen; drink plenty of water despite the urination.
• Raise the head of the bed 15 cm or sleep on extra pillows against nighttime heartburn.
• Watch your blood pressure at every visit; preeclampsia usually begins after week 20.

Frequently Asked Questions About Week 23