Congratulations, you’re in week 23 of your pregnancy! You are now almost halfway through the journey and the excitement must be building up as you prepare for your little one’s arrival.

Development of Your Baby

At week 23, your little bundle of joy is now about the size of a grapefruit. Your baby has grown to almost 28 centimeters in length and weighs approximately a pound.

Your baby’s sense of hearing and taste is continuing to develop. They can now hear your voice and may even be able to recognise it once they are born.

They are also beginning to distinguish between sweet and bitter tastes based on what you eat, so it’s important to maintain a healthy diet.

Your baby’s body is now covered in vernix caseosa, a waxy white substance that protects the skin from getting wrinkled as your baby floats in amniotic fluid.

How Your Body is Changing

By week 23, you may notice that your belly is getting bigger, which could cause discomfort and back pain. You may also experience muscle cramps in your abdomen as your uterus expands.

Your body is now producing more blood, and your heart is working harder to pump the additional blood, which may cause you to feel fatigued. You may also experience shortness of breath as your growing baby pushes against your diaphragm.

During this time, your skin may become itchy and dry as your body undergoes hormonal changes. Using a moisturizer can help keep your skin hydrated and prevent stretch marks from forming.

What to Expect During Your Prenatal Checkup

During your 23rd week of pregnancy, your doctor will likely schedule a prenatal visit to check your baby’s growth and development.

Your doctor will also check your blood pressure, urine, and weight to make sure you and your baby are healthy.

Preparing for Your Baby

As your due date approaches, it’s never too early to start preparing for your baby’s arrival. During this time, you can start creating a birth plan and shopping for baby essentials.

Make sure to schedule a hospital tour, so you know what to expect during labour and delivery. You can also use this time to consider your options for pain management during childbirth.

It’s also advised to start researching and interviewing pediatricians for your baby’s medical care after birth.

Exercise During Pregnancy

By now, you have likely been incorporating some form of exercise into your daily routine to help you maintain a healthy pregnancy.

It’s important to continue with low-impact exercises during your 23rd week of pregnancy to help you manage any pregnancy-related discomfort you may be experiencing.

Examples of low-impact exercises include walking, swimming and prenatal yoga.

Avoid Certain Foods

It’s natural to crave various types of food during pregnancy, but it’s essential to avoid certain types of food for your and your baby’s safety.

During your 23rd week of pregnancy, it’s essential to avoid raw or undercooked meat, seafood, and eggs.

It’s also advised to avoid unpasteurised dairy products, soft cheeses, and deli meats, which can carry listeria bacteria that can harm your unborn baby.

Conclusion

Week 23 of your pregnancy is an exciting time, and it’s essential to take care of yourself and your growing baby. By now, your baby is almost fully formed and continually growing and developing.

Continue with your exercise routine, seek prenatal care, and follow a healthy diet for the rest of your pregnancy.