WeMoms
9 Apr 2024

My baby at 23 weeks of pregnancy

Your Baby at 23 Weeks
As big as a zucchini
Length
11.8
Weight
1.32
Reaching 23 weeks, your baby has grown to the size of a zucchini, weighing approximately 1.3 pounds and measuring about 11 inches long. 
This stage in your pregnancy showcases a rapid development pace, with your baby gaining around 6 ounces per week.
What's new this week?
Baby’s Changes Overview
Open 3D Baby to see all changes
  • Facial Features: Facial features are becoming more defined, with baby fat contributing to their emerging chubby cheeks.

  • Bone and Muscle Growth: Bones are solidifying, and muscles are strengthening, enabling more vigorous movements and kicks.

  • Hair Pigmentation: Eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair remain white as they have yet to develop pigment.

  • Inner Ear Development: The inner ear is fully developed, enhancing your baby's sense of balance and response to external sounds.

  • Startle Reflex: The startle reflex is now active, helping your baby react to loud noises or sudden movements.
Your baby, the size of a large mango, is developing a sense of balance. Many moms, around 75%, begin to notice patterns in their baby's activity.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
Helping baby's development
  • Low-Impact Exercise: Opt for gentle activities like walking or swimming to keep fit without straining your joints. Aim for up to 30 minutes a day.

  • Stay Hydrated: Keep water close by during exercise to ensure you and your baby remain hydrated.

  • Rest as Needed: Listen to your body's signals. If you feel tired or strained, take a break. It's essential to balance activity with rest.

  • Find an Exercise Buddy: Engaging in physical activities with a partner or friend can make exercise more enjoyable and motivate you to stay on track.

  • Consult Your Doctor: Before starting or continuing any exercise routine, discuss it with your healthcare provider to ensure it's safe for your pregnancy stage.
Top Asked Questions
When should I start considering childbirth classes?

It's a good idea to consider enrolling in childbirth classes during the second trimester, ideally between weeks 20 and 24, to prepare for labor and delivery.

What is the purpose of the glucose screening test?

The glucose screening test, done around week 24-28, checks for gestational diabetes by measuring blood sugar levels after drinking a sweet solution.

How can I relieve back pain during pregnancy?

To relieve back pain, maintain proper posture, use supportive pillows, consider prenatal massage, and perform exercises that strengthen your back and core.

Are there any foods I should avoid during pregnancy?

Yes, it's important to avoid certain foods like raw seafood, unpasteurized dairy, and undercooked meat to prevent foodborne illnesses that can harm the baby.

Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
View sources
">
Read more
T
Tina
11 Nov 2023

hello girls I am 23 weeks pregnant and I feel the movement of the baby very weakly. Should I feel this way at 23 weeks? are you too Should I be worried?

1 comments
D
Darla
The farther you get the bigger the moves will be. I’m 26 weeks and now feel like my baby is moving furniture 😂🤣😂
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

C
Coco
28 Oct 2023

If You’re Having A Baby Boy What Are Your Symptoms?? I Wanna Know What My Symptoms Are Saying I’m Having Because Idk Yet At 23 Weeks. 🥹

11 comments
A
Ashley
You haven't had an anatomy scan yet?
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
C
Coco
No.. not yet 🥹 I really wanna know what it is but they denied me for the blood test in the beginning & I had a a ultrasound at the hospital but they said they couldn’t tell me anything 🤦🏾‍♀️
27 Mar 2024

Answer


B
Brittany
5 Oct 2023

So our sweet baby girl made her appearance at 35 weeks and 4 days. My water broke at 4:30 AM on 9/23/23 and our sweet baby girl was born at 3:27AM on 9/24/23. She is still in the NICU but we are so happy our baby girl is here. ❤️❤️

1 comments
B
Basqui
Congrats! Did they keep her in the NICU for long?
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

M
Maria
5 Sep 2023

My doctor said I’m at the 94 % my baby is big at 23 weeks she said I’m measuring as if I was 27 weeks

7 comments
M
Maria
It’s my first baby should I expect a c section 😭
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

A
Alexys
27 Feb 2023

Names we’ve thought of so far! 23 weeks along with our baby girl 🎀 Which is your favorite?

2 comments
K
Kasey
Aww my husband and I love Eleanor too!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
H
Hailey
If my baby was a girl talula was the name I wanted too!!
27 Mar 2024

Answer


M
Masie
20 Jan 2023

I'm gonna have a big baby I think 😭😭 I'm scared! I don't want 9lbs 😅 at 23 weeks 2 days I'm at 1lb 8oz

10 comments
D
Decierra( 24weeks)
Lol I’m 24 & 4 & he weighs the same!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Melissa
Im 24 and my baby weigh 1.3oz
27 Mar 2024

Answer


P
Peaches
2 Nov 2022

Any moms have or has had an anterior placenta? When did you start feeling your baby? I’m 23 weeks and still don’t feel him 🥺

7 comments
S
Shauna
Same I’m 20 weeks i feel like small little thuds but I’m not sure if that’s him or not 🥹
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
P
Peaches
Same! I felt a little flutter on my side but I wasn’t sure if that was him or not
27 Mar 2024

Answer


H
Hannah
22 Aug 2022

23 weeks and still don’t look pregnant at all 😭 getting depressing at this point

7 comments
S
Shailee
It’s okay I don’t look pregnant either and I’ll be 23 weeks soon
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
J
Jaden
I say try to enjoy it now bc soon you'll probably start to show.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


H
Heavanlee
16 Jul 2022

At how far along did you start showing? I started showing at 23 weeks I'm currently 23 weeks and 4 days

5 comments
A
Ajah
I felt like I started showing at 20 weeks.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Ashley
15 weeks and now I’m 23 weeks and 5 days and I look more poped now from then
27 Mar 2024

Answer


N
Nessa
11 Jun 2022

Happy 23 weeks to my baby mommy is so proud of you your doing so good heart rate is 157 and his anatomy scan went perfect💙🥰

4 comments
E
Esmeralda
Aw does he have his thumb in his mouth?? Mine did 😂
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
N
Nessa
No lol the lady said he had his hands over his face being mean lol 😂
27 Mar 2024

Answer


Related articles

Hot topics