Pregnancy Week 23
Your 23th Week of Pregnancy
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Your Baby - 23 Weeks Pregnant
Your Body - 23 Weeks Pregnant
You may find yourself having (or starting) mood swings. Don't worry; these are normal and will subside either late in your third trimester or shortly after the birth of your baby. These mood swings are from the rising hormone levels as your body readies itself for delivery. Your regular doctor appointments will continue and he/she may palpate your abdomen. This palpation is the doctor's way of feeling the position of the baby. Your doctor will also continue the use of a tape measure to measure your fundal height (cm measured from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus). Your fundus (top of your uterus) will be approximately one to one-and-a-half inches above your navel at this point. You may worry if you are a bit bigger or smaller than the average, but it is normal for you to be individual in your measurements as every mother is different. However, if you continue to worry, be sure to ask your doctor about your concerns. Your Pregnancy Week by Week NewsletterFollow your pregnancy, week 23 and beyond, with our FREE pregnancy development newsletter! When you subscribe you'll also get access to Member Only Content, Message Boards, Pregnancy Journals, and FREE tips and special offers! Enter your due date or baby's birthday Common Pregnancy Symptoms in Week 23
Early Pregnancy QuestionsBabies Online Members in their 23th week of pregnancy have commonly asked the following questions:
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The body of your baby is getting plumper but his skin is still fairly wrinkled due to the lack of subcutaneous fat. He's starting to drink the amniotic fluid he's floating in, and his digestive system is mature enough to absorb nutrients. Not only is your baby starting to drink and taste, but all of his sensory systems are maturing as well. Your baby's face and body is looking more and more like those of an infant. The bones of his inner ear are beginning to harden and his pancreas is developing (the pancreas is very important in the production of insulin). Your baby's fingernails are almost fully formed
and the lanugo (fine hair) that covers his body is getting darker. Your baby continues to grow in preparation for the journey of birth. Your baby is now more than 11 inches long and weighs over a pound. (
Your baby still has lots of room to move around, so the kicks, punches and movements you had felt before will continue. In fact, there will be times when you will be able to see your baby moving from the outside! This is a good time to get Dad to feel the baby moving, too.
