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.

    Week 22Week 24

    Baby is

    about the size of a large mango

    11.4 inches · 1.1 pounds

    Baby this week

    • Can hear and respond to sounds, including your voice
    • Developing a regular sleep-wake cycle
    • Bones are hardening and becoming more dense
    • Lungs are developing air sacs (alveoli) in preparation for breathing

    You this week

    • Increased back pain as your center of gravity shifts
    • Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
    • Swelling in feet and ankles, especially by evening
    • Shortness of breath as the uterus takes up more space
    • Leg cramps, particularly at night
    • Increased urination

    This week's tips

    • Invest in supportive, comfortable shoes—your feet may swell and hurt more from here on
    • Try prenatal yoga or gentle stretching to ease back pain and prepare for labor
    • Stay hydrated and elevate your feet regularly to help with swelling
    • Sleep on your left side, which improves circulation and kidney function
    • Practice pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to support bladder control
    • Eat iron-rich foods to prevent anemia, which can worsen fatigue

    Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.

    Looking ahead

    At week 23, your baby is considered viable, meaning they could theoretically survive with medical support if born now. This is a reassuring milestone for many parents. Over the coming weeks, your baby will continue to gain weight and your body will prepare increasingly for birth.

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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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