Pregnant: What happens in week 23

Your baby's development in week 23 of pregnancy

All organs formed: In week 23 all important internal organs and bodily functions are established in the fetus. In the coming weeks, only minor finishing touches to be done. As a result, your baby is now generally considered viable, if it is born too early. Nevertheless, it will then depend on medical care. Therefore: 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 of pregnancy, the fetus's sebaceous glands produce the so-called vernix (vernix caseosa). Still until after birth your baby is covered with it, 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 and more movement: The baby is becoming increasingly active and its movements more purposeful. It now also likes to turn from one side to the other. From the outside, the movements are often noticeable by a deformation of your abdominal wall to be seen. There you can see the little kicking movements of your child in action.

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

Weight gain: Even in week 23 your baby is still growing by a few more centimeters – even though growth spurts are currently smaller. Weight gain happens noticeably faster. The skin, which has been very wrinkled until now, from week 23 onwards is increasingly padded out with the necessary fat reserves and gradually appears smoother.

The nostrils open: In week 23, your baby now practices the breathing through the nose as well. Until now the openings were still closed, but now your child actively lets the amniotic fluid flow in and out. Because the diaphragm is not yet fully functional,it often gets hiccups. You will probably notice this repeatedly 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. Additionally, with the maturation of the inner ear the sense of balance. Your child does not necessarily need it yet, as it floats safely in the amniotic fluid in the uterus.

What is visible in the ultrasound image?

Your baby is swimming in week 23 of pregnancy in about half a liter of amniotic fluid. Therein it moves actively and exercises its muscles – this will probably manifest for you now and then as a fluttering in your belly. Often the little kicks against the abdominal wall are even visible from the outside. Depending on the position of your baby you can see your little person in action on the ultrasound. Arms and legs as well as the face are becoming increasingly distinct and look more magnificent than ever. The fetus is now about 29 cm long – which corresponds to the size of an eggplant. In addition, your child currently weighs between 450 and 500 grams on the scales.

Physical changes – what happens to the mother in week 23?

Your belly appears in week 23 of pregnancy a bit rounder again. Besides the clear weight gain since the start of the pregnancy and the past pregnancy complaints there occur in the 6th month comparatively fewer symptoms . 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 accompanying changes in your abdomen, you also gain more weight. A increase of 4.5 to 7 kilograms since the beginning of pregnancy is 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: With the growing belly, your center of gravity changes. Many women tend during this time to an arched lower back. The unfamiliar body sensation can also lead pregnant women to experience balance problems more often. Moving somewhat more consciously and slowly helps you to compensate for these uncertainties.

Circulatory problems: The additional blood often pools in the legs and feet. Therefore you often feel dizzy during sudden movements. Your baby normally does not notice this, as it is supplied by its own circulation. If your symptoms worsen, this may indicate an iron deficiency .

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. If the accompanying symptoms of iron deficiency are too severe, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Sensitive gums: With the increasing blood volume, your gums receive increased blood flow. As a result, they can 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, along with the placenta and uterus, increases in size with each 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 digest food easily. Now it happens more often to experience unpleasant heartburn. You can counteract this by eating small portions spread throughout the day.

Hemorrhoids: Since your body stores more fat, your connective tissue loosens. In addition, around week 23 your uterus presses more on the pelvis and thereby impedes blood flow. Both physical changes can lead to hemorrhoids, an enlarged vascular cushion at the anal opening.

Week 23 of pregnancy: This is important now

Childbirth preparation class: Week 23 is for many expectant parents the right time to slowly start engaging more intensely with the birth. In addition to initial info brochures and lively exchange with your midwife, a childbirth preparation class is also ideal for approaching the topic.
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 consider in the middle of pregnancy where you want to give birth. As long as your doctor or midwife have no objections, you can generally choose between three different places for delivery: at home, in a birthing center, or in a hospital. Discuss your options and birth preferences best with your partner and trusted persons. Only then choose your desired place of birth.
Arrange support: For many, it is natural that the partner is present at the birth, provides emotional support, and keeps the family informed about developments. If you are still unclear about who will be present at the birth, week 23 is an ideal time to ask your loved ones who can accompany you at this event – your own mother or your best friend will certainly be strong support.

For the 24th week of pregnancy