Pregnant: What happens in week 23 of pregnancy

Your baby's development in the 23rd week of pregnancy

All organs formed: In week 23 of pregnancy, all important internal organs and bodily functions are formed in the fetus. In the coming weeks, there are only fine-tuning left. Thus your baby is now generally considered viable, if it is born prematurely. However, it then depends on medical care. Consequently: The longer your child remains in the womb until the estimated due date, the better. Survival chances increase with each additional week of pregnancy.

Vernix is produced: In week 23, the fetus's sebaceous glands produce the so-called vernix (vernix caseosa). Still your baby is covered with this until after birth, to protect its skin from drying out due to the amniotic fluid. It also helps the fetus during birth, to slide more easily through the birth canal.

More movement: The baby becomes increasingly active and its movements more deliberate. It now also likes to turn from one side to the other. From the outside, the movements are often visible by a deformation of your abdominal wall to recognize. There you can see your child's little kicking movements in action.

The first memories: The fetal brain functions are already so developed this week that your baby can gather the first experiences and store them – these include your voices, first sensory perceptions and the gentle touches to your belly.

Weight gain: Even in week 23 of pregnancy your baby continues to grow by a few centimeters – even if growth spurts are currently smaller. Weight gain, however, progresses much faster. The skin, which has been very wrinkled until now, is from week 23 increasingly padded out with the necessary fat reserves and gradually appears smoother.

The nostrils open: In the 23rd week of pregnancy, your baby is now training the breathing now also through the nose. Previously the openings were still closed, but now your child actively lets the amniotic fluid flow in and out. Since the diaphragm is not yet fully functional,it therefore gets hiccups more often. You will probably notice this again and again as a "flutter" in your belly.

The inner ear continues to develop: In week 23, the fetus not only perceives sounds. From now on it also transmits them to the brain,where they are processed. In addition, with the maturation of the inner ear, the sense of balance . Your baby doesn't really need this yet, however, because it safely floats in the amniotic fluid in the womb.

What can be seen on the ultrasound image?

Your baby is swimming in the 23rd week of pregnancy in a half a liter of amniotic fluid. In itit moves actively and exercises its muscles – for you, this will probably occasionally be noticeable as a fluttering in your belly. Often the little kicks against the abdominal wall are also visible from the outside. Depending on your baby's position you will see your little human in action.Arms and legs as well as the face are increasingly recognizable and appear more impressive than ever. The fetus is now approximately 29 cm long – which corresponds to the size of an eggplant. In addition, your child currently weighs 450 to 500 grams

on the scale.

Physical changes – what happens to the mother in week 23 of pregnancy?Your belly appears in the 23rd week of pregnancy a bit rounder again. pregnancy complaints occur in the 6th month, comparatively fewer symptoms appear. From circulatory problems to iron deficiency to sensitive gums – you can learn more about this here:

Weight gain: With the steady weight gain of your baby and the associated changes in your belly, you also gain more weight. An increase of 4.5 to 7 kilograms since the start of pregnancy are completely normal in the current month of pregnancy. Also your blood volume has now increased by around 50 percent.

The body's center of gravity changes: As the belly grows, your center of gravity also changes. Many women tend at this time to a arched lower back. The unfamiliar body sensation can also lead to pregnant women more often suffering from balance problems. Moving a little more consciously and slowly helps you to compensate for these insecurities.

Circulatory problems: The additional blood often accumulates in the legs and feet. That's why you often feel dizzy with sudden movements. Your baby usually doesn't notice this, because it is supplied by its own blood circulation. If your symptoms get worse, this may indicate an iron deficiency indicate.

Iron deficiency: Many women suffer from iron deficiency during pregnancy. The deficiency often leads to dizziness, weakness and fatigue. To counteract iron deficiency, you should maintain a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy maintain it. If the side effects of iron deficiency are too severe, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Sensitive gums: With the increasing blood volume your gums are more highly perfused. This can cause them to swell more easily. Pregnant women therefore often complain of bleeding gums. A soft toothbrush and gentle toothbrushing are extremely helpful here.

Annoying belching: The baby, together with the placenta and uterus, increases in size every week. In week 23 it needs more and more space. Inside the mother, the organs make room by being compressed. With a constricted stomach, your stomach also has little space to easily digest food. This now leads more often to unpleasant heartburn. However, you can counteract this by eating small portions spread over the day.

Hemorrhoids: Because your body stores more fat, your connective tissue loosens. In addition, around the 23rd week of pregnancy your uterus presses more on the pelvis and thereby impedes blood flow. Both bodily changes can lead to hemorrhoids, an enlarged vascular cushion at the anus.

23rd week of pregnancy: What is important now

Childbirth preparation class: For many expectant parents, the 23rd week of pregnancy is exactly the right time to gradually engage more intensively with the birth. In addition to initial info brochures and active exchange with your midwife, a childbirth preparation class is also ideal to approach the subject.
Choosing a place of birth: Even if the due date is still in the future and the baby feels very comfortable in your belly, you should already think in the middle of pregnancy about where you would like to give birth. As long as your doctor or midwife has no objections, you can basically choose between three different places to give birth: at home, in a birth center or in the hospital. Discuss your options and birth preferences best with your partner and your trusted persons. Only then choose your preferred place of birth.
Arrange support: For many it is natural that the partner is present at the delivery, provides emotional support and keeps the family informed about developments. If it is still unclear to you who will be present at the birth, week 23 is the ideal time to ask your loved ones who can accompany you in this event – your own mother or your best friend are certainly strong support.

For the 24th week of pregnancy