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 pound 1 ounce
Baby this week
- •Can hear and respond to sounds, including your voice
- •Developing taste buds and swallowing amniotic fluid
- •Lungs are developing air sacs (alveoli) needed for breathing
- •Footprints and fingerprints are forming
- •Heart is strong enough to be heard clearly with a stethoscope
You this week
- •Increased Braxton-Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
- •Backaches from shifting weight and posture changes
- •Swelling in feet and ankles, especially by evening
- •Leg cramps, particularly at night
- •Shortness of breath as uterus presses on diaphragm
- •Continued heartburn and indigestion
This week's tips
- •Stay hydrated—aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily, which helps reduce swelling and leg cramps
- •Stretch before bed and change positions frequently to minimize leg cramps
- •Wear supportive, flat shoes and elevate your feet when possible to manage swelling
- •Practice good posture and use pregnancy pillows for back support while sleeping
- •Eat smaller, more frequent meals to ease heartburn
- •Time your exercise for mornings when you typically have more energy
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
As you enter the third trimester in just a few weeks, your baby's survival odds outside the womb continue to improve significantly. This is a good time to finalize birthing plans and take a childbirth education class if you haven't already.
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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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