We really pray your journey has been without any complications so far. If you are 23 weeks pregnant, then your soon-to-be baby is getting ready for making her or his big debut. We know that it is a fascinating experience for you but keep in mind, having nursery painted and filled with diapers is also important during pregnancy symptoms week 23 but there are some other less fun-to-dos you should have on your checklist. Financials!
Prepare yourself for upcoming days like call your health insurance company to see what is going on with your account and decide what kind of adjustments you can make for your baby. It is the right time to plan it.
Let us ask you, have you started your baby’s savings account? If you are like, what savings account? Then it is not too late, you can plan it now. Even making small deposits will help you a lot in the future. It is generally observed that kids who have their own savings account are more likely to go to college.
Let us congratulate you on this victory as you have completed 5 months of your pregnancy. Only 4 months left to go! Can you believe it? You are going to start in month six.
Baby at 23 weeks pregnancy
This week, your baby is as big as an apple or like a grapefruit. The average of 23 weeks old fetus measures about 11.4 inches and weighs around 1.1 pounds. Finally, you can calculate your baby’s weight in pounds.
Your baby at 23 weeks is not just getting bigger day by day but also getting cuter and starting to look more like a baby.
23 weeks pregnant ultrasound
You may see your cute little 23 weeks baby’s face fully formed if you have a 23 weeks pregnant ultrasound. Baby is entertaining her or himself by listening to your voice and your heartbeat. Baby can even listen to some other loud sounds like cars honking.
You can enjoy a little time off all the poking, prodding, and peeing for tests. You are seeing your doctor only once a month.
In the next trimester, you will be very busy with your doctor, seeing your doctor every week. You will not have time to plan events as your energy level get down. So, get your stuff done and have a lot of fun now.
23 weeks pregnant belly
While pregnancy symptoms week 23 occur, your belly typically measures around 21 to 23 centimeters. You have gained about 12 to 15 pounds but if you are pregnant with twins, the recommended weight gain is 23 pounds by the end of this week.
The benefit of gaining the recommended weight when you are pregnant with twins, you will reduce the risk of preterm labor.
Now let’s talk about the baby’s movements, it feels amazing when you know that baby is wiggling around in your belly. If you pay a little attention to baby’s movements, you will come to know that your baby is less active when sleeping but a Kung Fu master when baby awakes.
You may wonder to know that your baby will keep similar routines after birth as he or she is following now. So if his or her kicks keep you up at night, this can be a warning.
Also Read: Pregnancy Symptoms Week 22
23weeks pregnant: What to expect?
While you just have said good-bye to first-trimester nausea and fatigue, now you are dealing with the pregnancy symptoms week 23. This can include:
Swollen feet and ankles
You may experience a little puffiness on your feet and ankles in pregnancy symptoms week 23 but it is totally normal. You can treat it by putting your feet up as much as you can, take daily walks, and lastly drink plenty of water.
23 weeks pregnant headache
As you are gaining weight and belly growing, it is normal to feel pains and aches. At week 23, you may have sore muscles and mild headache due to sudden hormonal changes in your body. You can deal with it by taking warm baths, massaging on affected areas, or having a lot of rest.
Fetal movements
You may be getting used to feeling these light kicks but let us tell you these will get more powerful, pronounced and even painful.
23 weeks pregnant cramping
To be very honest, cramps are very common in the second and third trimester so, do not worry. You can try massage calves in long downward strokes or contact your doctor if you have any concerns.
Braxton hicks’ contractions
We can understand this is a totally weird sensation when you first time experience these contractions. Your belly getting super tight, muscles are flexing and tightening of the uterus. Preparing your body for labor.
Bleeding and swollen gums
Your hormones increase blood flow in your body, making your gums bleed and swell. Switch to a soft bristle toothbrush. Make sure regular checkups to your dentist.
Stomach pain while 23 weeks pregnant
You may feel more pain in your lower abdomen if you are pregnant with your first baby or with twins. Your womb is expanding and accommodate your growing uterus. But it only lasts for a few seconds. Speak with your doctor immediately as it can be a sign of early labor if it lasts for minutes.
Also Read: How Do Babies Get Hiccups In The Womb?
Pregnancy transformations during 23 weeks of pregnancy
Snoring
This is a very common but annoying symptom that can disrupt your sleeping at night. It might be triggered due to nasal congestion caused by extra weight gain and swollen mucous membranes of your nose. You can use a nasal strip at bedtime in order to avoid snoring.
Tingling hands
Swelling during pregnancy period can put pressure on your nerves in the wrist. It can cause the tingling of hands which is associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Take hand stretching exercises regularly.
Hearty appetite
It is common to find yourself wanting to devour the contents in your kitchen and fridge so, you can find anything to eat. It is good to stock your home with healthy snacks.
Skin discoloration
You may believe it or not, but skin discoloration is a very common and frequently occurred symptom in your pregnancy. It is also known as Linea Nigra. It is also happened due to hormonal changes, but it will fade away after childbirth.
Showing at 23 weeks of first pregnancy
Every pregnant woman has different experiences depends upon your age, previous pregnancies, height, and fitness. You may have to wait a bit longer to have 23 weeks pregnant bump as compare to other women. Your uterus needs a little extra time for expanding and stretching.
But you will show earlier if you are pregnant with twins and pregnant with your second baby.
Precautions during 23rd week of pregnancy
- Look at salt quantity in your diet, recommended salt consumption in a day is 1 tablespoon.
- Avoid food poisoning by not eating raw or uncooked foodstuff.
- Get a good night sleep.
- Get to know about preterm labor sings, discuss with your doctor.
Checklist – pregnancy symptoms week 23
- Plan a maternity photoshoot
- Ask about maternity leave
- Get to know about your life insurance
- Start thinking about savings account for your baby
- Keep an eye on our website in order to get amazing content on your pregnancy experience
Also Read: Pregnancy Symptoms Week 24