Home / Weeks / Week 23
23

23 weeks pregnant: baby, body and what to expect

Trimester 2 of 3About 5.5 months17 weeks to go
Week 23 of pregnancy: baby is about the size of a grapefruit
Week 23 at a glance

At 23 weeks, the baby is roughly 27 to 30 cm (about 11 to 12 inches) long and weighs around 500 to 600 g (about 1.1 to 1.3 pounds). The lungs are making practice breathing movements, though no air enters them yet.

23 weeks pregnant is about 5.5 months. You are in month 6 of pregnancy and the second trimester.

Your baby at 23 weeks

Baby's Lungs Practice Breathing Movements

At 23 weeks, the lungs are making practice breathing movements to prepare for life after birth.

What is happening this week

The baby is roughly 27 to 30 cm (about 11 to 12 inches) long and weighs around 500 to 600 g (about 1.1 to 1.3 pounds). Air does not enter the lungs yet, but the breathing system is already practicing, and the body's organs keep maturing.

  • The lungs make rhythmic breathing movements to prepare for birth.
  • The brain, skin, muscles, and senses continue to develop.
  • The baby moves more actively, and kicks may become easier to feel.
An ultrasound at this stage may show breathing-like movements or frequent position changes. If the baby seems less active for a while, it is often part of a normal sleep cycle. Still, tell your provider if you notice a change.

How this week may feel

In the second trimester, your belly is becoming more noticeable, and many people feel movements more clearly. Heartburn, evening swelling, and back or pelvic discomfort are common and can still happen.

Call your provider right away if you have bleeding, severe pain, fever, a noticeable drop in movement after you have already felt regular movement, or a sudden worsening in how you feel.
3D
See week 23 in 3DNova shows how your baby grows each week and keeps a symptom log for your doctor. Try Nova

Your body at 23 weeks

Normal or a Warning Sign?

During the second trimester, many pregnant people notice their shoes feel tighter by the end of the day. Here is why this happens and when to call your provider.

Why does swelling happen?

Swelling from extra fluid in the body's tissues (edema) is common during pregnancy. The growing uterus can press on large veins in the pelvis, which can slow the return of blood from the legs. Your blood volume also increases, and hormone changes can make your body hold on to more sodium and water.

Mild swelling that is worse in the evening and goes down after a night's rest is usually a normal change of pregnancy.

When to call your provider

Some swelling needs medical attention. Call your provider right away if you have any of these signs:

  • Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet.
  • Swelling in only one leg, especially with calf pain, warmth, or redness. This can be a sign of a blood clot.
  • Severe headache that does not go away with rest.
  • Vision changes, such as blurred vision or seeing spots.
  • Pain in the upper belly, under the ribs.
  • Sudden weight gain, such as several pounds in a few days.
  • Swelling that does not get better after a full night of rest.
These symptoms can be signs of preeclampsia, a serious condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy. If you have severe symptoms, such as a severe headache, vision changes, or chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Common symptoms at 23 weeks

Leg and ankle swelling

Mild swelling that is worse by evening and better after rest is common as fluid builds up. Elevating your legs, walking often, and wearing comfortable shoes can help.

Backache

A growing belly shifts your posture and can strain your lower back. Good supportive shoes, a pillow under your belly when you lie on your side, and gentle stretching may ease the discomfort.

Heartburn

Pregnancy hormones relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus, so acid can rise more easily. Smaller meals, staying upright after eating, and checking with your provider before taking any antacid can help.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Occasional tightening of the belly that comes and goes without a regular pattern is common. Changing position, drinking water, or resting often eases them, but regular or painful tightening should be reported.

Tingling or numbness in the hands

Fluid buildup can press on nerves in the wrist, which may cause tingling, especially at night. Shaking out your hands, sleeping with wrists straight, and mentioning it at your next visit can help.

Your week 23 checklist

Tests and appointments

  • Routine prenatal visit. Your provider will usually check your blood pressure, weight, urine, and the baby's heartbeat, and may ask about swelling and other symptoms.
  • Glucose screening. Many providers offer a blood sugar screening test between about 24 and 28 weeks, so you may hear about scheduling it soon.
For your partner: You can offer to take on tasks that need standing or bending, like cooking, laundry, or grocery runs. Helping with foot rubs, bringing a pillow for back support, or joining short walks together can also make this stage feel more comfortable.

Questions about week 23

How many months is 23 weeks pregnant?

23 weeks pregnant is about 5.5 months. You are in month 6 of pregnancy and the second trimester.

What trimester is 23 weeks?

Week 23 is in the second trimester. The first trimester runs through week 13, the second from week 14 to 27 and the third from week 28 until birth.

What is happening with the baby at 23 weeks?

At 23 weeks, the baby is roughly 27 to 30 cm (about 11 to 12 inches) long and weighs around 500 to 600 g (about 1.1 to 1.3 pounds). The lungs are making practice breathing movements, though no air enters them yet.

Is it normal to have swollen feet at 23 weeks?

Mild swelling in the feet and ankles is common in pregnancy, especially by evening. It often improves after resting with your feet raised. Tell your provider about any swelling that is sudden, severe, or on one side.

What can help with heartburn during pregnancy?

Eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down right after eating, and limiting spicy or greasy foods may help. Ask your provider before using any over-the-counter antacid or medicine for heartburn.

Why do my hands tingle at night?

Extra fluid in the body can press on the wrist nerve, which may cause tingling or numbness, often at night. Resting your wrists in a neutral position may help. Let your provider know if it is persistent or worsening.

Safe or not?

Generally OKCan I eat shrimp while pregnant?LimitCan I take a hot bath when pregnant?Generally OKCan you eat spicy food while pregnant?LimitCan I drink green tea while pregnant?

Guides for this stage

Mental healthFeeling Less Attractive in Pregnancy: Learning to Accept a Changing BodyMedical careCervical length check in pregnancy: what the test showsHealthManaging chronic conditions during pregnancyFeedingColostrum Leaking in the Second Trimester: What's Normal and What to Do
Coming up next weekWeek 24: Baby's Lungs Begin Making SurfactantRead week 24 →
← Week 22All weeks

Learn more

Follow your pregnancy in Nova

Week-by-week growth, a symptom log and a report for your doctor.

Get it on the App Store

General information only; it does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife.