23 weeks in months is 6 months and you are looking pregnant now. You have three more months to go. Have started stocking up diapers, decorating the nursing room yet? Before you do that, here's all you need to know what's happening inside your tummy this week:
Baby Development:
Your baby is now size of a large mango
Size of the baby when you are 23 weeks pregnant is that of eggplant. The bones in the baby's ears have hardened making it more perceptive to sound. This is the best time to introduce your baby to your choice of music, stories and sounds. Baby at 23 weeks pregnancy has a thin skin with red hue due to underlying veins and arteries development. 23-week pregnancy baby movements are not just flutters, they are now more pronounced kicks. The position of the baby at 23 weeks in the womb may be described as the head being closer to your diaphragm while the legs pointing towards the bottom of your uterus. This position might change because the baby is floating in amniotic fluid. 23 weeks pregnant ultrasound shows darkened baby skin as the fine hair growing on the baby's skin is thickened.
Body Changes
Your body must have been introduced to 23 weeks Braxton hicks, i.e, false contractions that happen to prepare you for labour. Contact doctors if you are experiencing 6 of 23 weeks pregnant cramping like period(Braxton hicks) in an hour which last at least 30 seconds, and don’t seem to go away. A 23 weeks pregnant belly has a noticeable baby bump. The uterus has moved an inch above to your belly button. 23 weeks pregnant weight gain is usually around 5-6 kgs.
Find your due date/Calculating your due date:
Unless you've been tracking your ovulation, for a health practitioner to exactly know when you ovulated and conceived is hard to say. Most women ovulate about two weeks after the first day of their period. So, to calculate a standard timing, most health practitioners calculate the due date from the first day of your last menstrual period.
23 weeks pregnant symptoms:
Here are a few number of common symptoms a woman may notice throughout her Pregnancy Symptoms Week 4.- Inflamed and bleeding gums
- Stretch marks & itchy abdomen
- Tingling hands
- Darkening of the areola
- Forgetfulness
- Fetal movements
- Pelvic pressure
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Sore & leaky breasts
- Swollen hands and feet
- Headaches
- Bloating and constipation
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Leg cramps & backaches
- Thicker and shinier hair
- A heightened sense of smell
Tips for You This Week
You can support your body to prepare for pregnancy by following the tips below:Mood swings are common now, so keep your stress levels under control. False contractions called Braxton-Hicks contractions occur which is normal and doesn't harm you and your baby. So, keep yourself healthy and relaxed. Elevate your feet slightly when you sit. Keep nursing pads handy to tackle leaky breasts. Use "non-comedogenic" and "unscented" skincare products to tackle oily skin and stretchmarks. Always stand slowly after prolonged sitting or sleeping position as the blood pressure of the body is low at this stage. Try sleeping on your left side with a pillow between your knees and ankles. Avoid heavy lifting and sitting with legs crossed. Take prenatal vitamins. Wear loose fit breathable clothing to tackle the hot flushes. Stay away from skin or hair treatments involving harsh chemicals. Avoid taking hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas.