Welcome to Week 23 of your pregnancy journey! This journey has been incredible so far, and I’m excited to share what’s happening with baby, what changes I’m experiencing, and some of the ways I’m staying comfortable and active during this stage. Here, we’ll cover what to expect for both you and your baby during this week, along with some personal insights from my own experience as I navigate my fourth pregnancy.
What's Happening with Your Baby
At 23 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a romaine lettuce head—or for a fun reference, the size of Cher’s iconic phone from Clueless! Baby’s skin is still wrinkled and slightly transparent, but they are starting to put on fat, which will help them plump up in the coming weeks.
Here’s a glimpse into your baby’s development:
Lung Development: At this stage, your baby is continuing practice breaths, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid to strengthen their lungs. The blood vessels in the lungs are developing, preparing for the moment they take their first breath in the outside world.
Viability Milestone: One of the most significant aspects of this week is that many hospitals consider week 23 as the first stage of viability. While medical interventions can sometimes help preterm babies survive if born at this stage, most hospitals set viability closer to 24 weeks. If you have any risk factors for preterm labor, now is a good time to ask your provider about their policies.
Changes You Might Experience
As your baby grows, your body continues to adjust. Here are some common experiences during Week 23:
Increased Vaginal Discharge: Many women notice an increase in vaginal discharge around this time. It might have a different odor (thanks to heightened pregnancy hormones and an enhanced sense of smell). However, if the discharge is gray, green, thick like cottage cheese, or has a fishy smell, it could be a sign of an infection. Infections during pregnancy should be addressed promptly as they can contribute to preterm labor.
Darkening of Nipples: Your nipples may appear darker due to hormonal changes. This natural change acts as a bullseye for your baby when they are born. Don’t worry—your nipples will return to their usual shade post-pregnancy or after breastfeeding.
Frequent Urination: With your baby growing and pressing on your bladder, frequent bathroom trips are inevitable. However, if you find yourself waking up more than once per night to pee, it could indicate pelvic floor issues, and consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist might be helpful.
Leaking Colostrum: Some moms, particularly those who have breastfed before, may begin leaking colostrum (the nutrient-rich early milk). Don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you’ll run out before baby arrives. Your body will continue to produce milk as needed.
My Personal Experience in Week 23
This week included my second-trimester prenatal appointment with my home birth midwife. My checkups have now increased to every three weeks (from six), marking the second half of pregnancy. It’s exciting to see the increased frequency of care as we get closer to delivery.
Here are some more personal insights:
Feeling Baby Move More: Baby girl is moving all around, and I can now feel body parts pressing outward, like a tiny foot or knee. I even saw her movements from the outside! The other day, she kicked me so hard I thought someone poked me. It turns out she was just responding to my sneeze!
Prioritizing Self Care: To relax, I’ve been taking warm baths in the evening. My husband recently gifted me a bath pillow and tray, making these moments even more enjoyable. He also keeps me stocked with sore muscle bath salts—a small but wonderful self-care practice.
Managing Discomfort: I had some tailbone pain this week but managed it with myofascial release techniques and hip shifts, which helped ease the discomfort quickly.
Final Thoughts
At 28 weeks, I’ll have another ultrasound to monitor baby’s growth due to my thyroid condition. At that point, I’ll also check her position to see if any adjustments are needed to encourage her to settle head-down.
I’m grateful that my pregnancy is progressing smoothly and that I’m feeling good physically and emotionally. Hopefully, you’re feeling great too as you navigate week 23! If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, know that you’re not alone.
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