Welcome to Week 23 of your pregnancy! You’re more than halfway there, and your baby is growing quickly inside your beautiful belly. This week, you may be feeling a mixture of excitement, fatigue, and curiosity as both physical and emotional changes continue to unfold.

From baby’s first hiccups to an increasing belly and swelling feet, here’s everything you can expect during week 23 of pregnancy.

23rd week of pregnancy

How Many Months Is 23 Weeks Pregnant?

At 23 weeks, you’re about 5 months and 1 week pregnant. You’re in the second trimester, and the third trimester is just around the corner. This is often considered the “golden period” of pregnancy — energy levels are usually decent, morning sickness is mostly gone, and baby kicks are becoming more regular and strong.

Baby Development at 23 Weeks Pregnant

Your little one is hitting some serious milestones this week. Let’s take a closer look.

🍼 How Big Is the Baby?

At 23 weeks, your baby is about the size of a large mango — roughly 11.4 inches (29 cm) long and weighing about 1.1 pounds (500 grams).

👶 Baby’s Skin and Lungs

Your baby’s skin is still translucent and thin, but it’s starting to gain pigment. Lanugo (fine body hair) is still present, and blood vessels are visible beneath the surface. The lungs are forming rapidly and beginning to produce surfactant, a crucial substance that helps with breathing after birth (Liggins et al., 1972).

💓 Movements and Reflexes

At 23 weeks, your baby might start having hiccups, which feel like tiny rhythmic jerks inside your belly. Baby’s movements are getting stronger and more coordinated — and yes, they might be reacting to sounds now too.

Your Body at 23 Weeks Pregnant

By week 23, your growing belly is impossible to miss. Let’s talk about what’s happening physically and emotionally.

🤰 Weight Gain and Bump Size

Your uterus is about 1.5 inches above your belly button, and your bump is stretching outward. A healthy weight gain by this point is roughly 10 to 15 pounds, though every pregnancy is unique.

😰 Common Symptoms

Here’s what many parents-to-be experience this week:

  • Swelling in feet and ankles (edema)
  • Backaches and hip pain
  • Stretch marks
  • Leaky breasts (colostrum)
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Braxton Hicks contractions

These symptoms are often caused by your growing uterus, hormonal shifts, and increased blood volume.

😴 Trouble Sleeping

You may be experiencing insomnia or discomfort at night. A pregnancy pillow or sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can help (Mindell et al., 2017).

😮 Increased Libido (or Not)

Hormonal changes may cause a spike (or dip!) in your sex drive. Both are normal. If you feel like being intimate and your doctor has no restrictions, it’s safe to do so.

23 Weeks Pregnant Belly: What to Expect

By now, your belly button may start to pop out, and that’s normal. It usually returns to its usual shape after delivery. Skin around your abdomen may feel tight and itchy — staying hydrated and applying gentle lotions can help.

You may also notice a linea nigra, a dark vertical line running from your belly button down — completely normal and typically fades postpartum.

What’s Safe This Week?

Let’s talk safety and wellness tips for week 23.

🧼 Skincare

Check your skincare products. Ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid, and hydroquinone should be avoided (Kroumpouzos & Cohen, 2001). Look for pregnancy-safe options like vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

🏋️ Prenatal Exercise

If cleared by your provider, you can continue low-impact workouts like:

  • Swimming
  • Prenatal yoga
  • Walking
  • Stationary biking

Avoid exercises that require lying on your back for long periods, high-risk sports, or anything causing pain.

🍲 Nutrition Tips

Focus on iron-rich foods to support your growing baby and avoid anemia. Good options include:

  • Lean red meat
  • Legumes
  • Spinach
  • Fortified cereals

Pair with vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges or strawberries) to increase absorption (Allen, 2000).

When to Call Your Doctor at 23 Weeks Pregnant

Call your doctor if you experience:

  • Persistent cramping or back pain
  • Bleeding or fluid leaking
  • Painful or frequent contractions
  • Severe swelling in the face or hands
  • Vision changes or headaches

These could be signs of preterm labor or preeclampsia and should be checked promptly.

Emotional Well-Being at 23 Weeks Pregnant

Pregnancy isn’t just physical — it’s a deeply emotional time. Around week 23, you may feel:

  • More connected to your baby
  • Moodier or weepier than usual
  • Occasional anxiety about the future

Make time for self-care, connect with loved ones, and consider journaling or mindfulness meditation to manage emotions.

Tips for Partners and Support People

If you’re supporting someone pregnant at 23 weeks:

  • Offer back rubs or foot massages
  • Attend prenatal visits when possible
  • Learn about fetal development together
  • Help prep meals or take on physical chores

Your involvement can mean the world right now.

Things to Start Thinking About

Here are some to-dos and mental notes for week 23:

🧸 Register for Baby Gear

If you haven’t already, start building your baby registry. Think about essentials like:

  • Crib or bassinet
  • Car seat (rear-facing)
  • Diapers and wipes
  • Nursing or bottle-feeding supplies

🏥 Choose a Pediatrician

Ask your OB-GYN or midwife for recommendations. You’ll want to have one picked before delivery.

📚 Take a Prenatal Class

Start researching childbirth education classes, which are often offered in-person or online. Look for classes that cover:

  • Labor and delivery
  • Pain management
  • Newborn care
  • Breastfeeding basics

Your Week 23 Prenatal Checklist

✅ Schedule or attend your prenatal appointment
✅ Track baby kicks and movement
✅ Stay hydrated and eat iron-rich foods
✅ Buy a belly support band if needed
✅ Moisturize your belly
✅ Sleep on your side (left is best)
✅ Avoid long periods of standing
✅ Write down any questions for your OB or midwife

Check out Week 22 of Pregnancy – What To Expect for comparisons week to week!

Looking Ahead: Week 24 and Viability

Next week, your baby will reach a major milestone: viability. That means if born prematurely, there’s a chance of survival with intensive care. While you still want baby to stay put, it’s a meaningful threshold for many parents.

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