“Every flutter, every kick, every heartbeat is a quiet celebration of life growing inside you.”
Welcome to Week 23 of your pregnancy! You’re well into your second trimester now, and both your baby and your body are transforming in incredible ways. This week is all about the blossoming of your baby’s senses and the deepening of your connection to the life inside you.
What’s Happening Inside Your Belly?
At 23 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a large mango—around 11.4 inches long and weighing over 1 pound. But beyond size, the real marvel this week is the development of the five senses. Your baby’s sense of hearing, sight, taste, touch, and smell are all coming to life!
- Hearing: Tiny bones in the ears are hardening, and your baby can now hear your heartbeat, voice, and even external sounds like music or loud noises.
- Touch: Nerve endings are forming, and your baby may now respond to gentle pokes and touches by moving or shifting positions.
- Sight: While the eyelids are still fused, the baby is beginning to perceive light and dark through the uterine wall.
- Taste: Taste buds are developing, and the amniotic fluid changes flavor based on what you eat. Your baby is beginning to “taste” the world.
- Smell: The olfactory system is developing, although this sense will become active after birth.
This sensory awakening plays a big role in your baby’s brain development and future bonding after birth.
How Your Body is Changing
Your growing belly is more prominent than ever. By week 23, you may have gained between 10 to 15 pounds, and your uterus is now about an inch above your belly button.
Common physical changes and symptoms at this stage include:
- Backaches: As your center of gravity shifts, back pain is common. Consider prenatal yoga or gentle stretching.
- Swelling: Mild swelling in your feet and ankles is typical. Try to elevate your feet and stay hydrated.
- Stretch marks: Your skin may start stretching more quickly. Moisturizers and hydrating lotions can help soothe itching.
- Braxton Hicks contractions: Some women begin experiencing painless “practice” contractions. They usually go away with rest or hydration.
- Increased vaginal discharge: A thin, white discharge called leukorrhea helps keep the birth canal clean and infection-free.
Emotionally, you might be riding a rollercoaster. Hormonal shifts can trigger anxiety or mood swings. Be gentle with yourself—your mental health matters just as much as your physical wellness.
Prenatal Checklist for Week 23
- Continue prenatal vitamins: Ensure you’re getting enough iron, folic acid, and calcium.
- Schedule your glucose screening test: Usually performed between weeks 24–28 to check for gestational diabetes.
- Review your birthing options: Start thinking about where you want to give birth and the type of birth experience you envision.
- Track baby kicks: Around this time, you may start noticing consistent movement patterns. Kick counts will become more important in the third trimester.
- Buy maternity essentials: Consider maternity bras, belly bands, or comfortable clothing if you haven’t already.
Nutrition Tips for Week 23 of Pregnancy
Your baby’s bones are hardening this week, so calcium and magnesium are key nutrients. Be sure to include:
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and cheese
- Fortified plant-based milks (almond, oat, soy)
- Almonds and seeds (especially sesame and chia)
Also, keep your iron levels in check. Pair iron-rich foods (like lentils, tofu, or red meat) with vitamin C sources (like oranges or bell peppers) to enhance absorption.
Self-Care & Emotional Wellness
This stage of pregnancy can feel like a pause before the final stretch. Use this time to nurture yourself emotionally and mentally. Here are some ways to care for your mind:
- Daily affirmations: Simple reminders like “My body knows how to grow this baby” can shift your mindset positively.
- Connect with your partner or support system: Talk openly about your hopes and fears.
- Pregnancy journal: Capture milestones, feelings, and thoughts—it’s a beautiful keepsake.
- Mindful movement: Gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga boosts mood and circulation.
Feeling anxious about labor or parenthood is completely natural. If your anxiety feels overwhelming or persistent, speak with your healthcare provider. Mental health support during pregnancy is essential and empowering.
Partner’s Corner
Your partner may now feel kicks when they place a hand on your belly—an exciting bonding moment! Encourage your partner to attend prenatal visits, read aloud to the baby, or simply talk to your bump daily.
This is also a great time to start discussing shared responsibilities after birth—from nighttime duties to baby-proofing the home. Communication now paves the way for a smoother postpartum experience.
Looking Ahead to Week 24
Next week marks the official threshold of viability—the point where your baby could survive outside the womb with medical help. It’s a big milestone!
We’ll explore what this means, how the lungs and immune system are maturing, and what changes you may feel in Week 24.
Join us each week as we continue this beautiful journey of pregnancy, one heartbeat at a time. 💛