If you didn’t know that you were pretty special already, you are probably feeling pretty special at 23 weeks pregnant. The attention is great and your joy shines through. With a pregnancy that was unplanned you have had time to get used to the idea and may even be feeling pretty special as your body is busy creating a new little person to be introduced to the world by you.

 

 MOM

Discomforts of pregnancy like backaches and shoulder soreness can easily be managed. Keep up with strengthening exercises. Some women get sciatica, which causes severe pain, tingling or numbing in the lower back and hips. Check with your doctor regarding relief.

Your uterus is pushing higher above your navel. You can feel the baby move around regularly and may even see him or her bouncing around in there occasionally. There will be some ease of movement lost around this time. You will be able to do most everything up until you deliver, but it will take longer and more energy as you carry around more weight and loose mobility around your middle.

Some women get a stitch-like pain down one side of their abdomen. This is because your uterine ligaments are stretching as your uterus is enlarging. The pain will usually go away after you have rested and it is nothing to be worried about. However, if the pain does not go, or if you have any bleeding or vaginal discharge with the pain, then you should ring your doctor or midwife and talk about it.

Stay motivated with good eating habits and drinking lots of water.

BABY

At almost a foot long and reaching his or her first pound, the baby is moving along nicely in development at 23 weeks pregnant. He or she will fit in the palm of your hand. Your baby is now forming a pattern of activity and sleep, and this may be different from yours! Your baby may be more active when you want to sleep.

The lungs prepare for breathing by sucking amniotic fluid in and out. The baby will be developing the fat needed and double his or her weight in the coming weeks. The baby will react to outside sounds especially real loud sounds.

 

LIFE

You are ready to sleep in the bathroom, and when outdoors you always look for the nearest restroom, just to be close to a toilet. It is the pressure of the baby on your bladder that keeps you up and in the bathroom through the night. Enjoy some sleep in time with your partner. Have breakfast, lunch, or even dinner in bed and grab every moment of sleep and relaxation you can.

Go over some of the lists you made during those fatigued weeks at the beginning. Evaluate how you are doing and what still needs to be done. If using used furniture, check on line that it meets current safety standards.

These months of being pregnant will seem like a blink of an eye in the big picture of your life. Enjoy everything that you can about it.

24 Weeks Pregnant

22 Weeks Pregnant

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