23 WEEKS PREGNANT
Oh wow! Is it 23 weeks already? Time sure flies. Well, At 23 weeks pregnant, the little one is all ears, eagerly listening in on the happenings of the outside world.
You will also find that at 23 weeks, the little one is a lot more energetic. Do expect many unabashed kicks and jabs along the way with baby’s increased movement.
With the new found energy that the 2nd trimester brings, it would be a great time to start preparing for the little one’s arrival. Get the nursery done, attend as many baby fairs as you can to stock up on diapers, formulas and just about anything the little would need upon its arrival.
At this point in time, it is also advisable to work out your finances to prepare for the little one’s future. It’s a great time to talk to your financial advisor and invest in some financial policies.
23 WEEKS BABY SIZE
How big is baby at 23 weeks? Your baby is the size of a grapefruit, which is about 29cm.
The current weight of your baby is about 500grams (0.5kg).
23 WEEKS PREGNANT WEIGHT GAIN
This is the weight gain that you must achieve this week.
| Underweight | (BMI <18.5) | 0.44kg to 0.58kg |
| Normal weight | (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) | 0.39kg to 0.50kg |
| Overweight | (BMI 25 to 29.9) | 0.23kg to 0.33kg |
| Obese | (BMI ≥ 30) | 0.16kg to 0.25kg |
During the second trimester, you will need to eat an extra 340 calories a day.
23 WEEKS PREGNANT SYMPTOMS
With another week in, it’s yet another week of pregnancy symptoms that you’ve got to face. But we’re guessing it’s nothing you can’t handle considering the nauseous phase you experienced in the 1st trimester.
Being 23 weeks pregnant, here are some signs and symptom that your body might be experiencing:
- Swollen limbs. With the increased amount of built up body fluid, you might find yourself having a thicker set of limbs. With pregnant legs being one of the more common pregnancy symptoms at this stage of your pregnancy, you can counter it by taking more strolls to relieve the swelling. Most importantly, do drink more water to prevent water retention and this would help significantly with the swelling. Do however, watch out for unusual levels of swelling as that might be an indication of pregnancy complication which must be looked at immediately. Other than that, keep calm and walk on to keep those limbs swell-free.
- Braxton Hicks contractions. Not going to lie, but at first, you might find Braxton Hicks contractions really strange. A Braxton Hicks contraction will find your abdomen tightening and for many women, they akin the feeling of Braxton Hicks contractions to that of a mild menstrual cramp. Essentially, Braxton Hicks contractions is a means to prepare your body for labour. While there’s really nothing much you can do about this contractions, it’s ideal to move about the change your sitting positions regularly to stay comfortable.
- Backaches. Yes, it was here last week and it’s not about to leave this week. Backaches in common theme from here on as the little one is growing continually. With the increased growth, the little one would soon be stretching and getting him or herself comfortable in your belly. This would ultimately result in your spine bending with added stress to your back muscles. Also, with growth and hormones working hand in hand, your muscles and ligaments are a lot more relaxed which really doesn’t sit well for your back. One of the best ways to relieve back ache at this stage of your pregnancy is to swim more often. The weightlessness of swimming or even dipping in the pool helps with the pressure and strain on your back. So find the nearest swimming complex and dip yourself in a pool of much needed relief.
- Swollen gums. What has pregnancy got to do with my mouth you ask. Yes, unfortunately, pregnancy has a way to mess with our body and it has found its way in our mouth. Swollen and even bloody gums are not uncommon when it comes to pregnancy due to the increase in blood flow coupled with, yes, you guessed it – pregnancy hormones! With our gums being more sensitive at this point, it would be of great relief if you changed your toothbrush to one with a soft bristle. Should you continue to face continual discomfort, do seek a dentist.
You might find the first Braxton Hicks contraction that you experience to be a really strange feeling. you will find your abdomen tightening and for many women, they akin the feeling of Braxton Hicks contractions to that of a mild menstrual cramp. This means your body is preparing for labour.
23 WEEKS THE PREGNANT BELLY
23 weeks in, you will find that your pregnant belly would measure about 21cm – 25cm from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. You would also find yourself gaining approximately 5.5kg by this time.
It is also at this time that you will find that the little one is a lot more fidgety. Stretching and wiggling his or her way to a more comfortable position, you will find that you’ll be experience more kicks and strange belly contortion during the course of the day unless the little one is sleeping.
Interesting fact: Some parents find that there is a similar ‘kicking’ patterns when the little one is in the utero as and after birth.
HOW IS MY BABY 23 WEEKS PREGNANT?
If you’re at 23 weeks and did an ultrasound, you’re in for a treat!
You will notice that the little has grown so much in just a week. At 23 weeks, baby’s forming little nipples.
Not only that, baby’s bone marrow is starting to make blood cells. With his or her tiny heart beating stronger, blood is pumped around the little body.
During the ultrasound, you would also see a fully formed fetus face. You may want to start entertaining your little one with his or her keen sense of hearing at this stage.
WHAT TO DO AT 23 WEEKS PREGNANT
Reminders for the week:
- Get your nursery ready for baby
- Attend baby fairs
- Start to work on your finances for baby’s arrival
