Your Pregnancy at Week 23
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Written by Mindsmaking Medical Writer
Fact Checked by Mindsmaking Professionals
2nd, June, 2025
At 23 weeks, you're in your 6th month with 17 weeks left. Your baby's growth will accelerate, doubling in size soon, making your bump more noticeable.
At 23 weeks, you are in your sixth month and have only three months or 17 weeks to go. From this week onwards, your baby's growth will accelerate rapidly, with your baby doubling in size over the next few weeks. Expect your bump to become much more noticeable.
Key Facts
Your baby's sense of movement is well developed, and they may react to music or everyday noises from outside the womb.
Your baby measures around 11.38 inches and weighs about 501 grams, comparable to a grapefruit.
The uterus pressing on your bladder can cause fluid leakage into your underwear, which might be difficult to distinguish from amniotic fluid.
Your fundal height in centimetres will approximately match the number of weeks you're pregnant, so at 23 weeks, it should be around 23 centimetres, with a variation of plus or minus 2 centimetres.
Nasal congestion due to increased weight and swollen membranes can cause snoring. Use nasal strips and a humidifier to improve breathing during sleep.
If you experience a sudden gush of fluid, contact your healthcare provider or emergency services immediately.
Carbohydrates provide energy during pregnancy, so aim for a minimum of 175 grams daily.
Your baby can now respond to familiar sounds, including your voice. So, talking or singing to your baby daily can create bonding moments with your baby and your pregnant partner.
Being informed and knowing what to watch for is important for your health and your baby's health, so take some time to familiarise yourself with pregnancy warning signs that should not be ignored.
Take a peek
Well-developed hearing
Your baby's hearing is improving, and they will react to sudden loud noises like a dog barking, a door closing, or a car engine.
Baby's skin
Your developing baby’s skin is a little saggy, but not for long, as fat begins to form underneath. The skin has a pinkish-red tone (true for all skin colours) due to the developing veins and arteries just beneath the surface
A boxer
Your baby is gaining muscle and becoming stronger. You might even notice punches poking through from the outside!
Baby Development at Week 23
Your baby is gaining weight, and they'll start to fill out more in the coming weeks. The fine hair covering your baby's body, called lanugo, might darken now, making it visible on an ultrasound. (2)
Although fat is starting to accumulate on your baby's body, the skin still appears loose, giving your baby a wrinkled look. Your baby also regularly exercises the muscles in their fingers, toes, arms, and legs, which means you may notice stronger movements. (6)
Your baby's sense of movement is now well-developed, so you might notice your baby reacting when you dance to music. The ears have become very sensitive, allowing your baby to hear everyday noises outside the womb. After birth, you might be surprised your baby is comfortable with familiar sounds like your dog barking or the vacuum cleaner. This is because your baby has had several months to get used to these noises.
Meanwhile, the blood vessels in your baby's lungs continue to develop in preparation for breathing after birth. Your baby's heartbeat is also strong enough to be heard through a regular stethoscope.
Body Changes at Week 23
Your uterus extends about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) above your belly button, and your weight gain should be around 12 to 15 pounds (5.4 to 6.8 kg). People might comment on your size, suggesting you're either too big or too small for your gestational age. Don't take these comments personally; consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes.
With your uterus pressing directly on your bladder, you might experience fluid leakage into your underwear. It can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between urine and amniotic fluid. If your membranes have ruptured, you will leak amniotic fluid, which can come as a sudden gush or a constant trickle. Amniotic fluid is odourless, so if you notice any leakage, check if it smells like urine or is odourless. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if it doesn't seem to be urine. (2)
Your breasts may start producing colostrum this week. Colostrum is the early form of breast milk, perfectly suited for your baby's needs in the first few days of life. It is thicker than the milk that will come about 3–5 days after birth. However, don't worry if you don't see any colostrum yet. It doesn't mean you'll have trouble nursing. Colostrum might not appear until much closer to delivery.
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Baby Bump at Week 23
Now that you're 23 weeks pregnant, your belly bump is likely becoming more noticeable. After 20 weeks, your healthcare provider will measure your fundal height, the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. From now on, your fundal height in centimetres will approximately match the number of weeks you're pregnant. From now on, the measurement of your baby bump (fundal height) in centimeters will roughly correspond to the number of weeks you are pregnant.
So, at 23 weeks, it should be around 23 centimetres, with a variation of plus or minus 2 centimetres. By this time, you've likely gained about 12 to 15 pounds. If you're 23 weeks pregnant with twins, you should have gained around 23 pounds. Gaining the recommended amount of weight for a twin pregnancy helps reduce the risk of preterm labour.
Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 23
Linea nigra
The line running between your belly button and pubic area, called the linea nigra, may become darker. This is due to the same pregnancy hormones that cause other skin discolourations. These changes are temporary and typically disappear within a few months after giving birth, so there's no need to worry.
Bleeding and or swollen gums
You might not have expected pregnancy to affect your mouth, but it does! Pregnancy hormones increase blood flow, making your gums more likely to swell and bleed. If your mouth feels more sensitive than usual, try using a soft-bristle toothbrush and floss gently. Keep up with your regular dental check-ups, seeing the dentist at least every six months. Your dentist might even want to do additional checks while you're pregnant.
Breast leak
This week, you might start to see a milky, yellowish fluid called colostrum leaking from your breasts. Although this can be surprising, it's a normal part of pregnancy. Colostrum is rich in nutrients, antibodies, and antioxidants to help boost your newborn's immune system. It's the first type of breast milk you'll produce, and it will change into regular breast milk within two to four days after you give birth. You might notice colostrum as a fluid leak or as a dried substance on your nipples, both of which are normal. It's also perfectly fine if you don't see any colostrum at 23 weeks pregnant, so there's no need to worry if you haven't noticed it yet.
Snoring
This common but bothersome pregnancy symptom that can disturb your sleep and your partner's. It is often caused by nasal congestion due to increased weight and swollen mucous membranes in your nose. Try wearing a nasal strip at bedtime and using a warm-mist humidifier in your bedroom to reduce snoring. These can help open your nasal passages and ease breathing during sleep.
Swollen feet and ankle
At 23 weeks pregnant, you might start feeling discomfort, and you may notice your ankles and feet swelling, especially during the day and more so in the summer. This swelling, known as oedema or water retention, is due to changes in your blood chemistry and slower circulation in your legs. After delivery, your body will eliminate this excess water through urine and sweat. To alleviate symptoms before birth, elevate your legs whenever possible and lie on your side in bed. Avoid sitting or standing in one position for too long, and try to keep exercising to boost circulation.
Headaches
Due to hormonal changes, headaches are very common during pregnancy. Stress and exhaustion can exacerbate them. To help prevent headaches, avoid overheating and dehydration. If you do get a headache, try lying down in a dark, quiet room to rest or eating a snack to alleviate the discomfort.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Some women experience Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy. This condition causes tingling and pain in the hand and wrist, resulting from pressure on a major nerve in the hand, often due to swelling from water retention. The issue typically resolves within a few months after giving birth. In the meantime, self-help measures such as wearing a wrist splint at night can provide relief.
Difficulty moving
As your baby grows rapidly and hormones loosen your joints and ligaments, your belly becomes bigger, making it hard to see your feet. This can make your movements seem clumsy, and you might experience leg swelling and cramps. It's important to slow down your daily activities and be cautious to avoid tripping accidentally.
Pregnancy Concerns at Week 23
As your uterus expands, it puts pressure on your bladder,causing more frequent trips to the bathroom. You may also experience some leakage, especially when laughing or coughing or if you can't reach the bathroom in time. Although rare at this stage, some of this leakage might be amniotic fluid rather than urine, indicating a rupture in the membrane surrounding the baby. While a ruptured membrane is normal during labour, it's too early in pregnancy for this to happen.
If you ever feel a sudden gush of fluid, contact your healthcare provider or emergency services immediately. Amniotic fluid is usually odourless, so any leakage that doesn't resemble urine should be reported promptly.
Regular prenatal visits are crucial. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure to detect any sharp increases, which could indicate preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. Discuss with your healthcare provider the symptoms of preeclampsia and when to seek medical help. If you're at higher risk, your doctor may suggest monitoring your blood pressure at home.
Fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, burning sensation while urinating, and pelvic pain are symptoms of urinary tract infection. Speak with your OB-GYN or midwife if you experience any of these. Your obstetrician will give you some baby-safe antibiotics to use.
Pregnancy can worsen chronic conditions. Severe headaches can be a symptom of an underlying illness. Take all prescribed medication and exercise regularly. Also, regularly checking your blood pressure or blood sugar level is important.
Health Tips for Pregnancy Week 23
Drink plenty of fluids
Staying well-hydrated during pregnancy is crucial. While water is the best choice, you can also drink vegetable juice, fruit juice, milk, and herbal teas. Coffee and sodas are advisable to avoid due to their caffeine content, which acts as a diuretic and can lead to dehydration. Adequate hydration is indicated by pale yellow or clear urine; dark yellow urine suggests you need more fluids. Drinking enough water helps prevent headaches, uterine cramping, urinary tract infections, and swelling.
Enjoy some sunshine outside
Getting enough vitamin D is crucial during pregnancy, and the best source is sunlight. The body naturally produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. To ensure you're getting enough, spend 5 to 10 minutes outside in the sun, 2 to 3 days per week. However, It's important to balance sun exposure to avoid the risk of sunburn, so protect your skin if you plan to be outside for longer periods.
Eat more carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are essential during pregnancy for providing energy. It's recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women consume a minimum of 175 grams of carbs daily. However, not all carbs are equal. Opt for healthier options like whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice over refined carbohydrates such as white bread and pasta.
Consume salt in moderation:
Check your salt intake and ensure you consume salty foods in moderation. Health experts advise limiting sodium intake to 2,300 mg daily, which equals one teaspoon of table salt. Steer clear of high-sodium foods such as frozen processed foods, canned soups and broths, and other heavily processed products.
Sleep on your side
It's a good idea to start sleeping on your side now, as it's considered the safest position during pregnancy, whether you choose your left or right side. Sleeping on your back after 28 weeks can double the risk of stillbirth, but if you wake up on your back, don't panic, you can't control your sleeping position while asleep. Just switch to your side and try to go back to sleep.
Advice for Partners
Paternity leave is when the father takes time off work following the birth of a child. It's important to check with your employer to understand what paternity leave options they offer, as currently, most paternity leave is unpaid. However, some states are working on laws to change this to paid leave. Discuss paternity leave options with your partner and create a plan for the first few weeks after your baby is born to ensure a smooth transition into parenthood.
Your baby can now respond to familiar sounds, including your voice. Try talking or singing to them daily to create bonding moments with your baby and pregnant partner. You might even feel some tiny movements or kicks in response.
Pregnancy Checklist for Week 23
- If you'll need childcare after your baby arrives, start arranging it now. Consider options like childcare centres or hiring a nanny, considering the pros, cons, and budget implications for your family.
- If you have older children, now is a good time to prepare them for their new sibling's arrival. They might have many questions about where babies come from, so be ready for various reactions!
- Take time to familiarise yourself with pregnancy warning signs that should not be ignored. Being informed and knowing what to watch for is important for your health and your baby's health.
- If you're interested in hiring a doula (a trained labour coach who will support you during labour and delivery), it's a good idea to start your search now. Seek referrals from your healthcare provider, birth class instructor, or friends.
- This week is a good time to contact your health insurance provider to review your current coverage and make any necessary adjustments for your impending arrival.
Pregnancy by Week
Welcome to the enchanting journey of motherhood, where every week unfolds a new chapter of anticipation, growth, and wonder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is my baby at week 23?
This week, your baby has grown much bigger, and not only have they grown bigger, but they are also starting to look like babies because the body is almost fully developed. Your baby weighs 501 grams this week and measures 11.38 inches in length. Your baby can be compared to the size of a grapefruit, and from here, they will only get bigger and maybe double their current size in the next month or so.
How big is a pregnant belly at 23 weeks?
Now that you're 23 weeks pregnant, your belly bump is likely becoming more noticeable. After 20 weeks, your healthcare provider will measure your fundal height, the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. From now on, your fundal height in centimetres will approximately match the number of weeks you're pregnant. So, at 23 weeks, it should be around 23 centimetres, with a variation of plus or minus 2 centimetres.
What's my baby doing at 23 weeks?
A lot is happening with your baby this week. Your baby regularly exercises the muscles in their fingers, toes, arms, and legs, which means you may notice stronger movements. Your baby's sense of movement is now well-developed, so you might notice your baby reacting when you dance to music. The ears have become very sensitive, allowing your baby to hear everyday noises outside the womb. After birth, you might be surprised your baby is comfortable with familiar sounds like your dog barking or the vacuum cleaner. This is because your baby has had several months to get used to these noises.
Will I feel my baby move every day at 23 weeks?
It depends on several factors, such as the position of your placenta and whether this is your first pregnancy. It's possible you haven't felt your baby move yet, as some first-time mothers don't feel kicks until close to the third trimester. The position of your placenta can also affect how soon you feel movements, so you might only notice a few. Don't worry about counting kicks until you're 28 weeks along. Try paying attention after you've eaten, as the increase in blood sugar often makes your baby more active.
Is my baby fully developed at 23 weeks?
Not just yet! At 23 weeks pregnant, your baby establishes sleep and wake cycles, and their limbs are proportionate. However, full term isn't until 39 weeks. Babies born around 24 weeks can survive prematurely with specialised care in a neonatal unit. However, extreme preterm births (before 28 weeks) are very rare, occurring in only two to five pregnancies per 1,000.
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