23 Weeks Pregnant

At 23 weeks, you’re more than halfway there. By now you may have a visible baby bump and some swelling in your feet and ankles. This is also around the time people start noticing stretch marks on their belly, thighs or breasts. Many people have an increase in appetite around this time, which is great because it means baby is growing. Here’s what else is in store at 23 weeks pregnant.

How Many Months Is 23 Weeks Pregnant?

23 weeks pregnant in months is nearly six months pregnant, which is part of the second trimester of pregnancy. And if you’re unsure about your actual due date, you can use our due date calculator to figure it out.

Your Baby at 23 Weeks

At week 23 of pregnancy, baby is still transparent—but not for long! That will change when they begin to store fat. Here are some other exciting developments with baby this week.

• Breathing practice: According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), blood vessels in baby’s lungs are developing to help them breathe. (While in utero, they’re breathing amniotic fluid.)
• Major growth: In the next month, your baby will grow significantly, doubling in weight in only four weeks by gaining about six ounces per week.
• Strong heartbeat: When you’re 23 weeks pregnant, your baby’s heartbeat is so strong you could hear it through a stethoscope.

How Big Is a Baby At 23 Weeks?

Your baby is 7.8 inches from crown to rump and weighs 1.1 pounds this week. That’s about the size of a Sony Handycam.

Your Body at 23 Weeks

From leaking breasts to swelling to the constant need to pee, you may have a lot going on right now. And all those other symptoms like the weird cravings you’re feeling? Totally normal.

23 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Here’s the breakdown of some of what you may be experiencing at 23 weeks pregnant.

Leaky boobs

As your boobs morph from decoration to lactation, you may notice they leak a little colostrum or pre-milk. (Some nursing pads may come in handy.)

Darker nipples

Your nipples may also start to darken and stick out more. They’ll return to their lighter color when you’re done breastfeeding (or sooner, if you choose not to).

Swollen feet and ankles

You tend to retain water during pregnancy, which causes mild swelling. To deal with it, prop up your feet when you sit, change positions often and exercise regularly. Also, while it seems counterintuitive, drink plenty of water to reduce risk of water retention. Severe or sudden swelling is cause for concern since it could be a sign of preeclampsia. Notify your healthcare provider if you’re worried.

Strange cravings

Pregnancy is known for food cravings, but what if you’ve got a hankering for something that’s not food? Tell your doctor! Non-food cravings can sometimes can be a symptom of a condition called pica. If you’re craving something odd, like dirt, clay or salt, it may be a sign of low iron or another nutritional deficiency. Your healthcare provider can test you and treat you so you go back to craving things like ice cream again.

Frequent bathroom breaks

Your baby is growing enough to start putting pressure on your bladder. It is very common to need to pee frequently or even leak a little.

Pregnancy Symptoms Coming Up In Week 24

As you enter week 24 of pregnancy, here’s what may be on the way:

• Weak pelvic floor: Kegels, anyone? Pregnancy weakens the pelvic floor, which is made up of the muscles surrounding the vaginal and anal area. Kegel exercises can help with common symptoms like poor bladder control and hemorrhoids.
• Discharge: It’s normal to have an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Just look out for a fishy smell, a colorful discharge, itchiness or continuously clear fluid, says Dr. Malavika Prabhu, a board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist. “I think any discharge that is different from the patient’s typical baseline warrants a call to the doctor, midwife or OB provider,” says Dr. Prabhu. Your care provider will determine whether these changes are normal or worrisome. “It all depends on the circumstances,” she says.
• Weight gain: Weight gain should keep steady at about a pound per week now and until you give birth. Fundal height—the distance between your pubic bone and the top of the uterus—at 23 weeks is usually around 21 to 25 centimeters.

Commonly Asked Questions About 23 Weeks Pregnant

Is my vaginal discharge normal?

Don’t mean to make it weird, but sometimes you need someone to tell you what’s going on in your undies. It’s normal to have an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy. It’s called leukorrhea. But there are some things to look out for:

• Fishy-smelling discharge after sex: This is a sign of bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection.
• Yellow-green, brown, green, pink-tinged or yellow discharge: These could mean you have an STD.
• Continuous clear fluid: This could be your amniotic sac ruptured. Unsure whether it’s a little bladder leakage or amniotic fluid? Usually, amniotic fluid is odorless and either comes in a gush or a trickle that doesn’t stop. If you suspect it’s amnio, call your healthcare provider immediately.
• Itchiness: It may be related to bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection or an STD. Get it checked out.

All these issues are treatable, so call your doctor if you think something’s up.

What should I be doing with my time?

You may not be up to your pre-pregnancy social life, but it’s good for the soul to spend time with your nearest and dearest. Once you throw kids into the mix, it’s natural for friendships to shift and evolve, but the stronger the foundation, the more likely you and your friends will weather the season of parenthood together.

Plan a day that’s just for you (though friends or partners can join, if you want them to). Head to the beach, have a movie marathon or partake in your favorite craft. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as it’s something that makes you feel good.

Can I exercise?

Yes! Lots of expecting parents find benefits from yoga. But if yoga isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are more ways to get your fitness on, even as your belly grows. Look for alternative prenatal classes in your area, head to the community pool or hit a well-paved hiking trail. If the weather has you stuck at home, search online for pregnancy mat Pilates videos (like this one).

Sources

• Dr. Malavika Prabhu, MD, board-certified maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist and attending physician at Massachusetts General Hospital.
• The presence or absence of fetal breathing movements as a predictor of outcome in preterm labor
• Pica Cravings During Pregnancy