At twenty-three weeks pregnant, your baby is developing quickly! Your baby’s movement will still feel like flutterings, but in a few weeks, they will feel stronger. Baby movement isn’t your only focus this week as you start to feel breathless and your breasts start to leak.
While that doesn’t sound pleasant, you are one week closer to meeting your baby! What else can you expect from your twenty-third week of pregnancy? This article will tell you! Keep reading for a detailed look at your twenty-third week of pregnancy and everything you need to know about it.
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 23 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 23 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 23 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 23 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is about the size of a grapefruit
- Your baby’s limbs are in proportion
- You might experience Braxton Hicks contractions
- Your symptoms could include tiredness, headaches, and stretch marks
- Your baby’s health and development will be monitored in an ultrasound if you have not already had one
- You might gain weight this week as your baby continues to grow
What Does It Mean To Be 23 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-three weeks pregnant, your baby starts developing sleeping and waking patterns, preparing for life outside your womb! They will also practice breathing and are continuing to grow!
Your growing baby bump might also cause some discomfort as your rib cage expands to make room for your bump. You might also feel more breathless than last week as pressure is placed on your lungs. Resting can help to relieve some of this discomfort.
You look visibly pregnant at twenty-three weeks pregnant and can expect to feel more of your baby’s movements over the next few weeks. Soon, each kick and punch will be felt! You might also start thinking towards your baby’s arrival, planning a baby shower, or considering your birth plan.
You might also experience Braxton Hicks contractions at twenty-three weeks pregnant. These practice contractions can happen throughout the remainder of your pregnancy and feel like actual contractions, with your uterus contracting; they can be uncomfortable but only last a minute or two. Your doctor can provide more guidance about Braxton Hicks if you have concerns.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 23 Weeks?
Pregnancy can be detected at twenty-three weeks pregnant, but not all home tests will be accurate. Home pregnancy tests rely on high levels of pregnancy hormones in your urine to confirm a pregnancy. The main hormone used is human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG. The levels rise dramatically in the first three to four months of pregnancy before reducing. This means at twenty-three weeks, some women’s hCG levels will be too low to yield a positive pregnancy test.
Your doctor’s blood test might still confirm a pregnancy, or an ultrasound will be used. An ultrasound scan of your abdomen may confirm your pregnancy, date it, and provide an estimated due date if you have not already had one.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
You can have an ultrasound at twenty-three weeks pregnant if you wish. By now, you will have had your mid-trimester pregnancy scan and might not have an ultrasound booked for a few weeks. Your doctor might request an ultrasound at twenty-three weeks to follow up on any concerns at your previous scan, or you can arrange for a private scan if you want to see your baby again.
An ultrasound at twenty-three weeks will show you your growing baby, where you will see their limbs now in proportion to their body! Depending on their position, you might have your baby’s sex confirmed; let the sonographer know beforehand if you want to be surprised.
Your ultrasound will also look closely at the baby, checking they are developing correctly and shows no signs of any defects or complications that could impact birth. Your sonographer might also ask for a second opinion; if anything is found, a doctor will explain your options. Don’t panic about this until there is a need to; you don’t want to add unnecessary stress to your plate!
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
You will be offered screening tests during your second trimester, which could take place at twenty-three weeks pregnant. They include the following:
- A glucose screening test for gestational diabetes
- A multiple market test to check for neural tube defects
- An amniocentesis to check the amniotic fluid for chromosomal disorders
- A percutaneous umbilical blood sampling to check the umbilical cord for disorders in the foetus
You might also be offered several genetic screening tests. Whether you are offered these depends on your medical history and is optional for you to take. Your doctor might recommend certain tests to see if your baby will likely develop a genetic condition, but you can refuse them if you wish.
You will also be offered a whopping cough and COVID-19 vaccination during your second trimester to protect your baby.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
A heartbeat can be detected at twenty-three weeks pregnant. An ultrasound scan will detect a heartbeat, allowing you to hear your baby’s heart beating and for the doctors to check for no issues. A Doppler machine can also be used to detect a heartbeat. This machine resembles a small microphone, typically used by midwives between ultrasounds to monitor your baby’s heartbeat.
You can purchase a Doppler machine to use at home, too. Depending on your baby’s position, it can take a few minutes to get the correct position of the Doppler to hear the heartbeat, so don’t panic if you can’t hear anything straight away.
Your baby’s heartbeat will be fast, with a rate of 110 to 160 beats per minute. Any abnormalities here will be discussed with you by your doctor.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
The common symptoms at twenty-three weeks pregnant include tiredness and trouble sleeping, stretch marks, and pains on the side of your stomach. These symptoms can vary in severity and frequency from day to day and woman to woman. You might experience some, all, or none of these this week, which is normal; don’t panic!
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels will drop at twenty-three weeks pregnant, averaging between 1,400 and 53,000u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at twenty-three weeks pregnant. You might notice pains on the side of your stomach, known as round ligament pains. Your expanding uterus causes these. You might also experience leg cramps.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness usually happens in the first trimester of pregnancy but can happen throughout your pregnancy, including week twenty-three.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts will likely feel tender or sore at twenty-three weeks pregnant. They might also feel full, ache, or experience some leaking.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout pregnancy, including at twenty-three weeks pregnant. You might notice some weird food cravings or food combinations.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at twenty-three weeks pregnant. As your baby bump moves up and away from your bladder, you should notice a reduction in this.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common at twenty-three weeks pregnant, with many women struggling to sleep. Adding extra pillows to your bed, sleeping with a pillow between your knees, and meditation can help you sleep. A body pillow can also be helpful and make you feel more comfortable in bed.
Will I Feel Bloated At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Feeling bloated is common at twenty-three weeks pregnant. Eating smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding eating late at night can help prevent bloating.
Will I Get A Headache At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common at twenty-three weeks pregnant. Pregnant women who suffer from headaches before pregnancy tend to experience them worse than other women during pregnancy.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth can happen throughout pregnancy but is more common in the first few months.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell usually occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy but can also happen in your second trimester.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath or feeling breathless is totally normal at twenty-three weeks pregnant. As your pregnant belly grows, your uterus takes up more space, leaving less for your lungs and heart, causing you to feel breathless. Avoiding laying on your back can relieve the feeling of breathlessness.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal at twenty-three weeks pregnant and throughout your pregnancy. Monitor it and report it to your doctor if it lasts over forty-eight hours.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can happen throughout pregnancy, including week twenty-three. White or milky discharge is considered normal but speak to your doctor if you notice any changes.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at twenty-three weeks pregnant as your ligaments stretch, putting pressure on your joints.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings typically happen in the first trimester of pregnancy but can affect you at twenty-three weeks pregnant. Changes in your hormone levels can cause mood swings.
Is Spotting Normal At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Light spotting is normal at twenty-three weeks pregnant. Monitor the spotting and seek medical advice if it lasts more than twenty-four hours, becomes heavier, or is accompanied by other symptoms.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 23 Weeks Pregnant?
Other common pregnancy symptoms at twenty-three weeks pregnant include the following:
- Shinier and thicker hair
- Spotty or oily skin
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
- Vaginal infections
- Urine infections
- Swollen feet and hands
- Dizziness
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Leg cramps
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nosebleeds
- Piles
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
How Big Is A Baby At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-three weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a large mango. They will measure roughly 28.9 cm from head to heel. Your baby’s development continues at twenty-three weeks, with all of their limbs now in proportion. They are also falling into walking and sleeping routines, practising breathing too.
Your baby’s skin still has a fine layer of hair and is still a little saggy, but fat is forming that helps prevent wrinkles. Your baby is also aware of your voice and loud sounds outside of the womb now. It is the perfect opportunity to start talking to your baby and bonding with them. Singing or reading to your bump can also be beneficial at this point.
Can You Feel The Baby At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
You should feel your baby move at twenty-three weeks pregnant. Your baby’s movements will still feel subtle, like bubbles or flutterings in your stomach. Most women feel their baby move by twenty-four weeks of pregnancy, so don’t panic if you have not felt your baby move yet.
You might feel the movements after food if you sit still and focus on your stomach. Don’t worry if you do not; wait until the end of next week and speak to your doctor or midwife about this. Speak to your doctor sooner if you become concerned or notice other symptoms like heavy bleeding.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
In Australia, a miscarriage at twenty-three weeks is considered a stillbirth. The common symptoms include heavy bleeding, abdominal cramps, backache, and decreased fetal movements. The bleeding may start light and quickly become heavy, with clots or tissue in the blood. Your cramps can also vary in pain, with some experiencing periods like cramps and other women experiencing contractions.
You might also notice that any pregnancy symptoms you had, like sore breasts, disappear. The symptoms range in severity from woman to woman, but you should speak to your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
You will need to deliver your stillborn baby at twenty-three weeks, which can be traumatic for parents. Your doctor will guide you through this, discussing your options of medially induced labour or one that happens naturally. They will support you through this and the next steps, arranging for you to have time with your baby and setting up long-term support.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
The chance of a stillbirth at twenty-three weeks is very low for the average pregnancy. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 1% of all babies born from twenty to twenty-eight weeks are stillborn.
Your chance of a stillbirth does rise depending on certain factors, like pregnancy complications, age, or family history. Your doctor can talk you through your chances of a stillbirth if you have any questions or concerns.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
The following precautions can be taken to maintain your health at twenty-three weeks pregnant.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Continue taking your prenatal vitamins at week twenty-three. These will give you and your baby the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy. A prenatal multivitamin can be taken; look for one with vitamin D if you are pregnant during the winter.
Your healthcare provider can guide you if unsure which prenatal vitamin you should take.
Eat A Healthy Diet
You should try to eat a healthy and balanced diet to maintain your health during pregnancy. You should eat a varied diet of lean protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables. Keep an eye on how many salty foods you eat, and avoid spicy foods if you are struggling with heartburn.
Your doctor can help you create a diet plan to follow if needed.
Stay Hydrated
Alongside a healthy diet, you should stay hydrated. Drinking water throughout pregnancy benefits you and your baby’s health. Research by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG found that drinking water during pregnancy aids digestion, circulates nutrients around your body, and helps form the amniotic fluid around your baby. The ACOG recommends drinking eight to twelve glasses daily throughout pregnancy to remain hydrated.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking as soon as possible to maintain your and your baby’s health. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoking during pregnancy can double your risk of abnormal bleeding. It can also increase the risk of birth defects and your baby’s chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Your doctor can help you quit smoking if needed.
Look After Your Mental Health
Your mental health is as important as your physical health, so take care of it during pregnancy! Reach out for support if you are feeling anxious, and implement some self-care techniques into your routine to improve your mental health.
These could include keeping a journal, breathing or meditating exercises, a daily walk, or sitting down to speak to someone. Your doctor can provide you with access to mental health support; don’t be afraid to reach out if needed.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-three weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks at twenty-three weeks pregnant. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can increase your risk of a miscarriage and impact your baby’s development. Research by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) found that your baby is at risk of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which covers a variety of disorders like behavioural, intellectual, physical, and psychological disorders.
There is no safe alcohol level to consume during pregnancy; contact your doctor if you need support to stop drinking.
You should also reduce your caffeine level to 200mg a day. Drinking too much caffeine during pregnancy can increase your risk of preterm birth or lower birth weight, the Royal College of Midwives found.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid high doses of vitamins A, C, and E throughout pregnancy, as these can harm your baby. You should also avoid any supplements that are not suitable for pregnant women. The label on the supplement will indicate whether pregnant women can take them. Your doctor can provide you with more information if needed.
Can I Exercise While 23 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at twenty-three weeks pregnant, but you must take care. Avoid exercises where you could fall, involve excessive bouncing, contact, or are 2,500m above sea level.
You should opt for low-impact exercises like swimming and walking that can exercise your body without putting too much pressure on your joints or muscles.
Your doctor can offer guidance on what exercises to incorporate if you did not regularly exercise before pregnancy.
Is It Safe To Travel When 23 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to travel at twenty-three weeks pregnant, but there are some considerations you need to make. Speak to your doctor if you have pregnancy complications, deep vein thrombosis, or high blood pressure before flying.
Before travelling to another country, you should also check if you need any vaccinations or if there are advisories for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at twenty-three weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 23 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at twenty-three weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
You might struggle to get comfortable and sleep at twenty-three weeks pregnant. You can try adding extra pillows, using a body pillow, or sleeping with a pillow between your legs.
You might need to add a nap during the day to your routine to ensure your body gets enough sleep.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 23 Weeks Pregnant?
You should sleep on your side at twenty-three weeks pregnant. This is considered a safe sleeping position for you and your baby.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 23 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date at twenty-three weeks pregnant is to use the date of your last pregnancy. This is the LMP method, a common way to calculate due dates. Take the first date of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days.
At this stage in your pregnancy, you will be provided with an estimated due date from your doctor. They will use the first ultrasound, your dating scan, to measure the baby, check its development and provide you with an estimated due date.
This date is just an estimate; don’t panic if your due date passes you by and your baby does not arrive! Estimated due dates are handy for parents to work towards rather than use as a set delivery date.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 23 Weeks Pregnant?
This week, your body undergoes several changes, including a growing uterus and pregnant belly. As your uterus grows, it pushes up, stretching your rib cage as it does. This can be uncomfortable and puts pressure on your lungs, too. You might feel breathless when you lay on your back; avoiding this can help.
Weight gain can occur as your pregnant belly grows, too. Following a healthy diet and regularly exercising can prevent excessive weight gain, which could cause complications in your pregnancy.
Another body change at twenty-three weeks pregnant is your breasts starting to leak. Colostrum might start leaking from your breasts, an early type of milk. This could stain your bras, so consider adding a breast pad to protect them.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is making room for your expanding womb! Organs like your lungs will feel this brunt as your bump rises. This won’t last for your entire pregnancy, as your belly will start to lower when your pregnancy approaches the end of the third trimester.
Your body continues supplying increased blood flow to you and your baby. Your blood flow slows slightly as it has more blood to travel further, making you feel dizzy sometimes. Avoid getting up too quickly to prevent this.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips will help you to prepare for pregnancy.
Speak To Your Doctor
You should regularly contact your doctor and midwife as your pregnancy progresses. Not only does this help you prepare for the rest of your pregnancy, but it also means you have someone to contact should you have any concerns. Your doctor and midwife can provide reassurance support and ensure you and your baby are monitored throughout your pregnancy.
You should also speak to your doctor if you are trying for a baby. They can run any tests, answer your questions, and offer support as you try to conceive.
Maontain A Helahty Wegith
You should also try to maintain a healthy weight to prepare for pregnancy. Weighing too much or too little can make it harder for you to conceive and cause complications during pregnancy. Research by the RCOG found that higher BMI and weight can raise the risk of gestational diabetes, miscarriage, and anaesthetic complications.
Being underweight can cause problems, too. The Office on Women’s Health found low BMI during pregnancy can induce preterm labour and lower birth weight.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, even with the weight gain that comes with pregnancy. Your doctor can help you here if needed.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You should also make some lifestyle changes to prepare for pregnancy. This includes stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs. All of these are detrimental to your health and your baby’s. Your doctor can help you here to make these lifestyle changes.
Consider Your Birth Plan
As the due date approaches, start thinking about your birth plan. You don’t need to make any firm decisions yet, but consider what you might like to do when delivering your baby.
You can view the following questions:
- Do you want a natural birth?
- Do you want medical intervention?
- Do you want a water birth?
- Do you want pain relief? What pain relief would you like?
- Do you want anyone in the delivery room with you?
These questions will help you create a rough plan to discuss with your partner, midwife, and doctor. Your midwife will ask you about a birth plan as your due date approaches. It will be more detailed than the questions here, but it’s worth considering what you want now. Remember, a birth plan is just a plan; things might not work out as you want, especially if there are any complications in your pregnancy or delivery.
Attend Pregnancy And Birthing Classes
You can also join a pregnancy and birthing class to attend as your second trimester draws to a close. These will provide you with information as your pregnancy progresses and any support you might need. They are also an excellent opportunity to meet other expecting parents in your area. These could become friends, offering you support, guidance, and a space to share your worries or concerns.
Final Thoughts
Week twenty-three of pregnancy is exciting as your baby continues to grow and develop. You might feel more movement as your baby moves, while other women will not feel their baby move for another week. You might experience breathlessness as your growing uterus adds pressure to your lungs, but this won’t last long. Soon enough, your baby will be in your arms!