Your growing baby
Your baby is about the size of a large mango 29cms (head to heel) and weighs around 500g.
You may now be able to see movements under the skin as your baby squirms around. The sense of movement is now quite well developed and you may find that your baby will react if you dance to music.
The ears are now remarkably sensitive and your baby can hear everyday noises from outside the womb.
After birth you may be surprised to discover that your baby is totally at home with the noise of your dog barking or the sound of the vacuum cleaner. This is because it has had several months to become accustomed to these sounds.
Blood vessels in the lungs are continuing to prepare for breathing after birth. Your baby’s heartbeat can now be heard through a normal stethoscope.
Pregnancy week 23 – What’s happening to you
At 23 weeks pregnant a little discomfort may creep into your pregnancy and you might notice that your ankles and feet swell up a little during the day especially in summer.
This oedema or water retention is caused by a combination of changes to your blood chemistry and sluggish circulation in your legs.
After delivery this excess water will be excreted from your body in the form of urine and sweat, but to relieve the symptoms before birth remember to elevate your legs whenever possible and lie on your side in bed.
Avoid sitting or standing in one position for any lengthy period. Try to keep exercising as this increases the circulation and if possible, wear maternity support tights and low-heeled sensible shoes.
Some women suffer Carpel Tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy. This is tingling and/or pain in the hand and wrist which is caused by pressure on a major nerve in the hand – usually due to swelling from water retention.
The problem usually resolves within a few months of giving birth, and in the meantime there are self-help measures, such as wearing a wrist splint at night, that you can take. Ask your health professional for advice.
Need to know
Things for you to consider during week 23 of your pregnancy
Don’t reduce your fluid intake in the hope that any swelling will go down. In fact, the opposite is true, you need to drink more water and stay well hydrated to prevent fluid retention.
Always take a bottle of water with you so that you can keep your fluid levels up when you are out and about.
If you are finding it hard to get comfortable at night, try putting a pillow between your legs and another under your bump.