Week 23 of Pregnancy
Second trimester
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
Baby is
about the size of a large mango
11.4 inches · 1.1 pounds
Baby this week
- •Can hear sounds more clearly, including your voice and heartbeat
- •Developing more regular sleep-wake cycles
- •Lungs are developing air sacs (alveoli) in preparation for breathing
- •Skin is becoming less translucent as fat deposits increase
You this week
- •Increased backaches as your center of gravity shifts
- •Swelling in feet and ankles, especially in warm weather
- •Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions) may begin
- •Shortness of breath due to uterus pressing on diaphragm
- •Increased appetite and food cravings
- •Possible gestational diabetes screening symptoms (increased thirst)
This week's tips
- •Schedule your glucose screening test if you haven't already—this happens around weeks 24-28
- •Invest in supportive, flat shoes to ease back pain and accommodate swelling
- •Practice pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) daily to strengthen muscles for labor and delivery
- •Sleep on your left side to improve blood flow to your baby and reduce swelling
- •Stay hydrated and elevate your feet when sitting to minimize ankle swelling
- •Listen to your baby—talk, sing, or play music; baby can hear and respond to your voice
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
You're entering the final stretch of your second trimester. Your baby is becoming increasingly viable outside the womb, and you'll soon enter the third trimester where appointments become more frequent. Many people find weeks 23-27 to be the sweet spot of pregnancy—you're showing clearly but haven't yet reached the most uncomfortable final weeks.
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For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and baby is different. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for guidance specific to your situation.
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