Now that you have reached 23 weeks of your pregnancy, your baby is as big as a grapefruit. You are still in your 2nd trimester and you will observe various changes in your body as well as in your baby. You are more than half way of your pregnancy and you 2nd trimester is also closer to its end. The doctors will advise various prenatal testing procedures to keep a track of your baby’s development and growth. To know more about the body changes and 23 weeks pregnant symptoms continue reading this article.
The baby’s development:
Your baby is now about eight inches in length and slightly over a pound in weight. This week marks the beginning of some quick weight gain and your baby would double his weight over the next few weeks. The skin will still be saggy, but once the fat starts to deposit, the baby will be plump and filled with chubby cheeks and chubby toes. He will also become less transparent once the fat settles down under the skin.
Another most important symptom of 23 weeks pregnant is that your baby can hear outside noises and feel the movements and so it’s time to start singing and dancing. Research has stated that music stimulates the baby and it may even cause him to breathe along to the rhythm. The fetus will now have a fully formed face and the lungs will start to produce a special substance and prepare him for breathing air after birth. All the baby’s muscles have begun to coordinate with each other and so you will observe some definite movements like kicking rather than just the fluttering feeling. This week your baby will also begin to have rapid eye movements and the baby’s tongue will also develop taste buds.
Changes in your body:
This is the time when your pregnancy is in full swing and you are gaining weight steadily every week. Your baby will become very active and your stomach muscles will continue to stretch due to the growing fetus. The uterus will rise about 1 ½ inches above the belly. This is the time when you may occasionally feel dizzy. This is very common as your body has to nourish the baby and make you feel weak. Sticking to a balanced diet and regular exercise may help to stay fit. With your growing belly you are going to feel less graceful and you may even bump into things very easily. Since your center of gravity will change, you may find it difficult to maintain a balance.
Another most important 23 weeks pregnancy symptom is that you may have mixed emotions about the baby’s arrival. First time moms may worry about their being able to be a good parent and others may be scared about the labor pain. You may feel more forgetful and disorganized during this time. Some other common problems include stress, leg cramps, frequent urination or even the inability to get into a comfortable position and sleeping may also become more difficult.