What is 23 weeks of pregnancy. Twenty-third week of pregnancy: “Mom, I hiccup!” Growing flowers with a child

The development of the fetal digestive system requires so many internal resources that there is not enough energy for bone tissue growth.

If before the twenty-third week of pregnancy the fetus was fed in only one way - through nutrients from the mother’s blood, now the unborn child is preparing to digest food independently.

Structure and functions of the fetal gastrointestinal tract

The human digestive tract has the following sections with their inherent functions:

All sections of the gastrointestinal tract, formed at twenty-three weeks of pregnancy, are almost ready to perform direct duties - digestion and assimilation of food.

Changes in the mother's body

Due to the growth of the uterus, the location of the internal organs changes: the intestines are pushed aside, the load on the bladder increases.

Normally, this does not bring any unpleasant sensations. If there is a chronic condition, it occurs, intensifying at night.

Objective data

With regular monitoring of body weight, you can notice signs of beginning. To this end a “fasting day” is assigned followed by weighing.

If “unloading” does not give the expected effect, it is therefore due to the accumulation of fluid - hidden edema.

Ultrasound examination

During ultrasound examination, special attention is paid to the condition of the placenta.

The degree of maturity should be assessed according to the tabular data as “zero”, and the thickness corresponds to the period of pregnancy and is the same number of millimeters.

Twenty-three weeks of pregnancy – 23 mm.

If there are complaints of active fetal movement, areas with reduced blood supply, so-called calcifications, are identified.

Exceeding acceptable weight gain(7-8 kg during the period of gestation) leads to postpartum obesity and the development of metabolic syndrome with its most dangerous complication - type II.

If you are 23 weeks pregnant, you can safely congratulate you on the fact that the sixth month is coming to an end and very soon you will become a mother.

Your baby is 21 weeks old, he is still developing intensively, getting to know himself, and constantly learning something new.

As for the expectant mother herself, she already feels a strong emotional connection with her baby, learning to understand the child better every day.

As a rule, at week 23, many pregnant women are concerned about weight gain. It is considered absolutely normal if the expectant mother has gained from five to seven and a half kilograms to her original weight. Further weight will be added, approximately by half kilogram every week.

What happens at 23 weeks

At this stage, your baby continues its active development in the womb. Since the previous week his weight has increased by about 100 grams and is now about 450-500 g. The increase in height is still more modest - about one centimeter, that is, in general, the height of the fetus should be approximately 28 cm.

Such active weight gain the baby is explained by the fact that during this period he accumulates subcutaneous fat. His skin becomes denser, not as transparent as before, but, nevertheless, it still looks reddish and wrinkled, because the skin grows at a faster pace than adipose tissue, and therefore the excess skin hangs down a little.

As for the expectant mother herself, her figure by this moment is noticeably rounded. And even if pregnancy can still be hidden behind wide and loose clothing, it is still not difficult to notice an interesting position, for example, by a changed gait.

Uterus of a woman who is 23 weeks pregnant is raised above the navel by more than 3.5 centimeters. The height of this organ above the pubis should be 23 centimeters. About the norm of this parameter depending on the duration of pregnancy, read. The accumulation of amniotic fluid is completed by this time.

Now the growing baby will experience some lack of space as he develops. Its movements and tremors will become more and more noticeable, but much less sweeping, but the grown fetus will no longer be able to turn over intensively and often.

Of great importance during this period is state of amniotic fluid, which change their properties and functional purpose throughout pregnancy. Amniotic fluid contains various biologically active substances (vitamins, hormones, free amino acids, etc.). It is thanks to such a rich composition that amniotic fluid can take part in metabolic processes. In addition, it protects the fetus from injury.

Many expectant mothers begin to notice around the 23rd week of pregnancy that The baby develops a daily routine. Now it is not difficult to track the phases of his sleep and wakefulness. All these changes please pregnant women, because there is nothing more pleasant for them than to feel and understand their own child, even if he has not yet been born.

How a woman feels at 23 weeks

In principle, the sixth month of pregnancy can be called the most favorable, because debilitating toxicosis is far behind, and before giving birth there is still time to enjoy yourself and your unusual position.

During the normal course of pregnancy, a woman should feel well, however, depending on individual physiological characteristics, various phenomena may appear, including not very pleasant ones.

Of course, no expectant mother will be happy about unwanted skin pigmentation or, for example, hemorrhoids, but it is important to remember that all these difficulties are temporary, they will pass after the birth of the baby.

Possible physical sensations

As already mentioned, the 23rd week can proceed differently for each individual woman. For some, this time is truly calm and cloudless, when you can have plenty of rest before future motherly worries, take care of yourself, enjoying every minute of your situation. And for some, this period of pregnancy can be overshadowed by various unpleasant sensations, among which are often:

Training contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions at 23 weeks may or may not occur. In principle, this phenomenon is quite common, which manifests itself in the form of mild cramps in the uterus. There is no need to worry about this; training contractions are absolutely normal, because they are an important part of preparation for future labor. So, if a pregnant woman places her hand on her lower abdomen, she may feel muscle contractions. The closer the birth is, the stronger the training contractions can be. Read about how to distinguish training contractions from real ones.
Weight gain- the phenomenon is also quite natural, because the uterus of a pregnant woman continues to grow, and at the same time the amount of amniotic fluid increases and the placenta grows. Some women feel that their belly is too big or, on the contrary, too small for the given period, but do not panic, because every child develops differently. In addition, a slightly increased appetite can also affect body weight.
Feeling of heaviness and pain in the legs appears more and more often during this period. This is primarily due to a woman’s weight gain.
Phlebeurysm also very often appears precisely by the 23rd week of pregnancy. This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the wall of the veins relaxes under the influence of hormones, and the outflow of blood is disrupted due to the uterus, which puts pressure on the veins located in the pelvis. Read more about varicose veins
Increase in foot size in a woman, just like varicose veins, it can occur due to heavy load on the legs, as well as under the influence of the hormone relaxin, which weakens the ligaments. Because of this, the arch of the foot may sag, its bones diverge slightly, and the foot itself becomes flatter. In this case, the old shoes may be too small, so you will have to buy new, more spacious ones. It is also useful to wear special orthopedic insoles that can provide effective support for the arch of the foot.
Haemorrhoids at 23 weeks it can appear and cause a woman a lot of inconvenience, especially if, along with this trouble, constipation also begins to bother her. Because of this, characteristic pain sensations, bleeding during bowel movements, and prolapse of nodes appear. As a rule, hemorrhoids go away after childbirth, but sometimes special treatment may be required, which should only be carried out by a doctor.
Skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation often occurs in pregnant women due to high levels of hormones in the blood. So, lovers of sunbathing often get pigment spots instead of a pleasant tan. To prevent this from happening, you should be careful in the sun and preferably wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Skin pigmentation most often expressed in darkening of the nipples. Also, in expectant mothers, the path to the bottom of the navel becomes significantly darker.
Nausea, which at this time is explained by the fact that the enlarged uterus begins to put pressure on the bile ducts and somewhat disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system. If nausea inevitably appears after eating, experts advise taking knee-elbow pose. Being in this position also helps improve kidney function.
Discharge from the genital tract in the sixth month can be called one of the indicators of a successful pregnancy. The nature of these secretions is always determined by the state of the woman’s microflora. Normal discharge is considered to be those that do not have an unpleasant odor, are perhaps slightly sour, have a milky color and a uniform consistency. If the discharge begins to be pathological (becomes too abundant, smells bad, etc.), most likely the woman has an infection in her body. Bloody discharge, which may indicate placental abruption, requires immediate consultation with a doctor. Read about the nature of discharge during pregnancy
Pain if the body is in an uncomfortable position, they may appear in the lower back, sacrum or abdomen. The baby is already kicking quite actively and changing his position several times a day, which can cause nagging pain. In addition, sharp pain may occur when the uterine ligaments are strained, but it will quickly go away if you change your body position to a more comfortable one.
Heartburn- one of the most common complaints at 23 weeks. This phenomenon occurs very often during pregnancy because, under the influence of hormones, the sphincters between the stomach and esophagus relax, which means that gastric juice can easily enter the esophagus. To avoid heartburn, experts advise you to adhere to a special diet;
Change in gait and posture in the sixth month becomes very noticeable. Due to the divergence of the pelvic bones, the gait becomes “duck”, the shoulders deviate more and more, and the tummy, on the contrary, protrudes forward.

As you can see, the 23rd week of pregnancy can be accompanied by a wide variety of sensations. Moreover, only the most common symptoms are described above. However, even if you have experienced some of the troubles that sometimes accompany pregnancy, or you simply feel discomfort, try not to think about it, because very soon everything will pass, you just need to wait for the baby to be born.

Possible emotional experiences

At week 23, expectant mothers usually experience very mixed feelings. On the one hand, every woman experiences joyful excitement from the fact that very soon she will have to perform in a completely new role for herself - the role of a mother. But the birth of a child is accompanied by certain changes in life that can be frightening, and the process of childbirth itself causes jitters even in women who have already given birth. In addition, absolutely all mothers worry about the health of their baby.

It should be noted that such conflicting feelings absolutely natural. Often, at week 23, expectant mothers experience mood swings, and these emotional swings will become more severe as the birth approaches.

During this period, a pregnant woman needs to share her experiences with loved ones. Discussing your own fears helps you get rid of them faster.

The main thing is not to focus on your own worries, especially if you have no reason to fear for the health and life of the child.

Communication with other expectant mothers, whom you can meet, for example, in your antenatal clinic, can be very helpful emotionally at week 23. In addition, discussing your own emotions and feelings during pregnancy is much more pleasant with those who completely understand you.

Perhaps the expectant mother will want to communicate with other people's babies - the children of her friends and acquaintances - in order to get a little used to them. Often pregnant women have never even met a single baby, so it is natural that they have a fear that they will not be able to cope with caring for a newborn. But even if other people’s children do not cause any delight, you should not worry about this, you will definitely love your baby and become a wonderful mother to him.

The fact is that the maternal instinct, which forces a woman to take care of her own child, awakens during the process of childbirth, at the sound of the voice of a newly born baby.

Reviews from women about week 23

It is impossible to underestimate the importance of every day when your future son or daughter grows and develops under your heart. For every pregnant woman, this time is associated with excitement, a feeling of pleasant anticipation and a little fear. Here's how some expectant mothers describe their feelings at 23 weeks:

Marianne: “I’m now at 23 weeks, I feel just great! But if before I didn’t even think about the upcoming birth, now every day I feel more and more scared, after all, this is my first child. I’m starting to think about partner childbirth, but I still can’t decide whether I really want my husband to be with me directly when the baby is born and see it all with his own eyes.”

Svetlana: “Now I feel my baby so clearly, I know all the tastes. For example, she simply can’t stand loud music and starts kicking me with all her might, so much so that it really hurts me. And by the way, my belly became noticeable to others only at 23 weeks; before that it was as if it had never existed at all.”

Nelya: “Yesterday my husband and I went to the antenatal clinic for an ultrasound and found out that our son is already 30 centimeters tall and weighs as much as 480 grams. Now we’re looking at his photo, thinking about who he looks more like.”

Elena: “I just started my 23rd week, but instead of moving much more actively, the baby became completely quiet. I’m very worried whether this is normal, it’s good that I’ve already made an appointment tomorrow.”

Ksenia: “It also happened to me that the baby practically did not move for two days. Frightened, I ran to the doctor, but she told me that there was no reason to worry. The thing is that the child has his own routine and, perhaps, at the time when I expected some kind of activity from him, he was simply sleeping.”

Vlada: “I started my 23rd week, and I finally fully realized that I was pregnant. It became difficult to walk, lying on my stomach was completely impossible. I feel constant drowsiness and some kind of passivity. I have also become very lazy; sometimes I can’t bring myself to get up and, for example, clean the apartment or make tea.”

Irina: “And I haven’t slept on my stomach for almost two months, but this was the most comfortable position for me! It seems like 23 weeks is not such a long time, but my belly is huge. And my weight gain of almost 8 kilograms worries me very much.”

Elmira: “I began to get very tired. Now it is difficult to climb the stairs to the third floor. But the baby in my stomach is constantly moving and responding to my touches. We’re already thinking about a name for our son.”

Evgenia: “My baby is also actively kicking! It’s just a pity that the ultrasound still doesn’t show who we’re going to have. By week 23, I began to feel a slight heaviness in my legs and even noticed the first signs of varicose veins, now I’m worried about this. I heard that there are some special compression underwear and tights, at my next doctor’s appointment I’ll find out if I can wear these.”

Fetal development at 23 weeks of gestation

The height of the fetus at the 23rd week of pregnancy is already 28-30 cm, and its weight is approximately 520-530 g.

The diameter of the baby's head at this moment becomes approximately 53.6 millimeters, the chest - 56.5 millimeters, and the tummy - 57.6 millimeters. The thickness of the placenta during this period should be 24.5 millimeters.

Now, as the gestational age increases, the weight and height of babies will vary more and more, because each child is individual and develops in its own way. As a result, by the beginning of labor, the weight of the fetus can be 2500-450 0 grams.

Necessary tests

Usually during a routine visit to the antenatal clinic at 23 weeks of pregnancy the woman undergoes the following laboratory tests:

general analysis and ;
if necessary, repeat analysis for sexually transmitted infections.

In urine analysis Infectious processes are detected if they suddenly exist in the body. This study also allows us to identify the presence of serious abnormalities that occur, for example, with elevated sugar or protein levels.

Blood analysis makes it possible to assess the level of hemoglobin, glucose, platelets, leukocytes and red blood cells. Using this analysis, anemia can be detected, which causes oxygen starvation of the fetus.

Ultrasound at 23 weeks of pregnancy

It is necessary to do this at week 23, if it has not already been done. This study allows the specialist to carefully examine the fetus for possible developmental defects. The circumference of the baby's head, chest and tummy is also measured, and the size of the limbs is also noted. In addition, ultrasound shows the size of the uterus and the diameter of the blood vessels feeding it. The maturity and location of the placenta is assessed.

However, the most expected information that can be obtained from this ultrasound is the gender of the unborn baby. It is possible to understand who will be born in approximately 90% of cases; in the remaining 10%, the child “hides” from curious parents. However, sometimes during this study you can get unreliable information when, during the third planned ultrasound examination, it suddenly turns out that instead of the promised boy there will be a girl.

To prevent the development of various unpleasant symptoms that are frequent companions in the second half of pregnancy, as well as to ease their well-being if they could not be avoided, women are recommended to do the following:

move more and try not to sit for too long, as lack of activity leads to congestion in the pelvis and legs;
if your professional activity involves sitting for a long time, you must periodically get up from your workplace and warm up by simply walking around the room;
the work chair should have comfortable armrests, a firm seat and a straight back;
To avoid hemorrhoids or alleviate the course of an already existing disease, you need to rest lying on your side several times a day - this will help relieve the veins in the pelvic area. You should also not forget about nutrition, which in this case should also be special.

Nutrition at 23 weeks

As already stated, proper diet during pregnancy will help improve a woman’s well-being and avoid many problems, including hemorrhoids and constipation, which are especially unpleasant. To prevent their occurrence, it is necessary to include foods rich in coarse fiber in your daily diet. You should also follow a drinking regime, drinking at least one and a half liters of liquid per day.

Otherwise, the diet at 23 weeks of pregnancy does not differ from the diet recommended at earlier stages. Vitamins, calcium and other beneficial microelements are still important for the body of the baby and his mother. All kinds of semi-finished products, smoked meats, sausages and other food products with many artificial additives should be excluded from the diet for now. Also it is advisable to limit And salt intake, because this will help avoid swelling.

Instead, pregnant women should lean on fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, dairy products, and nuts. It is preferable to stew or steam meat, poultry and fish; you should also include cereals and wholemeal products in your diet. If suddenly the expectant mother wants to try something unusual, you can safely turn to exotic fruits, such as kiwano or mango. The consumption of seafood: mussels, shrimp, etc. is also not prohibited. however, if a woman has never eaten these foods before pregnancy, it is better not to do so, as an allergic reaction may occur.

Sensitive questions

At the 23rd week of pregnancy, certain restrictions appear that must be observed in the sexual sphere. And future mothers themselves are often afraid that sex can harm the baby.

Certainly, There is no need to completely give up sexual contacts, especially if the woman herself wants intimacy, because this is how she receives positive emotions, which are then transmitted to the baby. But the choice of positions for this activity becomes very limited, and the process itself should be carried out very carefully. Read about safe sexual positions for pregnant women

In general, it can be said without exaggeration that the sixth month of pregnancy is the happiest time. Perhaps it’s time to think about a name for your future baby. A dictionary of names will provide you with excellent help with this, which also explains what each name means.

Video about 23 weeks of pregnancy

23rd week of pregnancy - second trimester truly the most unforgettable period in the development of pregnancy. This period deserved such a review due to the positive influence of hormones that made the skin incredibly silky and the hair thick.

Pay special attention to nutrition - anything that can in any way cause constipation or heartburn should be excluded from the diet. In the kaleidoscope of sensations of the development of pregnancy, now there is heaviness in the legs, get plenty of rest and it is advisable to get comfortable shoes.

Your baby's size:

What happens in the twenty-third week of pregnancy.

Mostly, pregnancy at this stage goes smoothly for most, without any particular complaints. But not everything happens as smoothly as we would like. Discomfort arises due to pain in the sacral or pubic area; all this is normal, if in moderation; in case of severe pain, it is best to seek advice from a specialist.

An increase in the weight of the expectant mother causes sprains, resulting in heaviness in the legs. The optimal solution would be shoes with orthopedic insoles; if possible, do not go hiking, give your feet a rest, and do not stand still for a long time.

On In the twenty-third week of pregnancy, varicose veins may develop some representatives of the fair sex. This is because the walls of the veins are weakened due to a hormonal surge. Keep an eye on this in order to intervene in a timely manner, thereby preventing undesirable consequences.

Ultrasound images at 23 weeks of pregnancy:

Fetus at 23 weeks of pregnancy.

At this stage pregnancy development The baby makes itself felt in full force - it moves, you can even determine that this was a leg, and this is a hand. Having a loose baby, at 23 weeks of pregnancy, causes pain, you need to be tolerant. The baby has already gained weight - 450 g, and his height is already about 20 cm.

The fetus in the twenty-third week develops step by step, continuously grows, gains mass, and sensory organs are formed.

Research by Columbia University scientists has proven that even at this stage of pregnancy, the baby is able to dream! The baby's movements are clear, he shows interest in the world around him - he pulls the umbilical cord, touches himself.

Outwardly, he is still thin, his eyes have already opened and are reacting to light changes. Sharp and excessively loud sounds and noise frighten him, and the voice of his mother humming lullabies calms him.

“New” body: getting used to it and enjoying it - at 23 weeks of pregnancy.

You can see that the body has undergone significant transformations. Some mothers are calm about such transformations of their body at 23 weeks of pregnancy, others are a little upset, especially because of the enlarged belly. The former radiate vitality, beauty, are active and self-confident, while the latter are ashamed of their new image. In the modern world, consultations with specialists - psychologists - come to the rescue during the development of pregnancy. They will help you overcome psychological barriers within yourself and put everything in its place. Remember, you are the protector of your child, so there should be no room in your head for stupid thoughts and prejudices, no stress or negative emotions.

The priority is healthy food at the 23rd week of pregnancy.

Constipation, heartburn, hemorrhoids are frequent companions in the twenty-third week of pregnancy. Avoid foods that may cause these side effects. You should completely exclude everything spicy, smoked, fried. Sweets are also taboo, including fast food. Watch your weight, the normal addition to your usual weight is 6.5 -7 kg. Excess weight has a detrimental effect on both your health and the development of pregnancy in general.

Include more vegetables, milk, grains, meat, and fish in your diet. Don't forget about fruits, but don't indulge in exotic ones that cause allergic reactions.

Ultrasound at 23 weeks of pregnancy at 23 weeks of pregnancy development.

A general blood and urine test is the main thing that can be done at this stage of pregnancy. Also, a second ultrasound can be prescribed precisely during this period of pregnancy.

Ultrasound evaluates the degree of maturity of the placenta, the state of amniotic fluid, and also identifies possible developmental defects. The doctor can confidently indicate the sex of the child. You should not skip an ultrasound if it is prescribed.

Feelings at 23 weeks of pregnancy.

Your skin is very sensitive and the oversaturation of ultraviolet rays causes significant pigmentation on the body. Darkened nipples and a pronounced line in the lower abdomen are normal in the twenty-third week of pregnancy.

You may notice that the growth of hair and nails has accelerated, a wonderful opportunity to change or improve your image.

Comfort - above all, pamper yourself with good clothes and comfortable shoes.

The 23rd week of pregnancy has arrived. The baby continues to develop and delight her mother, who is getting used to new sensations. In just a few months, the little one will be born, and the long-awaited meeting will take place.

Pregnancy Control Necessary item
phases of change
how much product is in liquid
who will help

The 23rd week of pregnancy pleases with the baby’s kicks, which begin to be felt more and more. The little one greets her mommy and makes herself known. This is an incomparable feeling that usually gives mom great pleasure.

When pregnancy reaches 23 weeks, the uterus is approximately 3.7 cm above the level of the navel. At this stage, the girl’s figure is noticeably rounded. Weight gain is about 5 to 7 kg.

Impressive belly shape and size

New mommy sensations

Perhaps, at week 23, every mother strives to find out what is happening in her body. This is a very favorable period, so most girls feel good and enjoy their position. It's easy to calculate how many months the 23rd week of your pregnancy is. This is the beginning of the sixth month, which is marked by the following sensations and changes.

At week 23, the girl’s weight begins to increase noticeably as the fetus develops and the uterus continues to grow. At the same time, the volume of amniotic fluid increases and the placenta enlarges.
Quite often contractions appear, which are expressed by mild spasms in the uterus. This is quite normal, so there is no need to worry. The uterus is simply preparing for the upcoming birth. If you put your hand on your stomach, you can feel muscle contractions that were not there before. Thus, the uterine muscles begin to train. Later, contractions may intensify, so it is important not to confuse training contractions with regular ones. In the latter case, they bring painful sensations.
During the 23rd week, your baby is already actively kicking, so you may feel kicks in the lower or middle of the abdomen. It changes its position several times a day and may begin to hiccup, so girls often feel a nagging pain, especially if the body is in an uncomfortable position. Try sitting or lying down differently, and the pain will quickly go away. At this stage, pain in the symphysis area may bother you, and your gait often changes as the pelvic bones diverge, preparing for future childbirth.
Your legs may feel painful or heavy. Old shoes often become tight because the foot lengthens due to sprains and weight gain. Static flat feet may develop. You need to be very careful when choosing shoes. Leave the heels and wear comfortable sneakers or boots. In winter, it is recommended to wear shoes with flat heels. Buy special insoles to make your feet comfortable.
Sometimes varicose veins develop. At week 23, hormones affect the walls of the veins, so they begin to relax, and the uterus compresses the pelvic veins, so the outflow of blood through the veins is often disrupted.
It is possible that hemorrhoids will appear, which may be accompanied by unpleasant constipation. In this case, pain in the rectum and bleeding are often felt. Self-medication is very dangerous, since hemorrhoids are not easy to cure. Leave this problem to the experts.
Limit your exposure to the sun. Pregnant skin is sensitive to ultraviolet rays due to increased hormone levels. Tanning sessions can cause age spots.
During this period, the nipples begin to darken, and a dark stripe appears on the stomach from the navel to the pubis. Don't worry, it will go away after the baby is born.

At 23 weeks of pregnancy, you can watch a video about this period of gestation. The educational film will tell you that a girl is often bothered by nausea. This occurs due to the enlarged uterus, which puts pressure on the bile ducts and disrupts digestion. You can cope with the feeling of nausea after eating by taking a knee-elbow position. This pose is also beneficial for the kidneys as it improves the flow of urine.

At week 23, girls continue to experience vaginal discharge. In normal condition they should be odorless and colorless. There is no need to worry, because this is a completely natural process that occurs due to hormonal changes in the female body. You need to be wary if the discharge is bloody and smells bad. The consequences can be quite serious: from infections to placental abruption and miscarriage.

Monitoring the baby's development

If brown or bloody discharge appears, you should urgently call a doctor or an ambulance. Look on the Internet for photos of similar discharge so as not to be mistaken if it appears at 23 weeks of pregnancy.

You should be concerned if the discharge has acquired an earthy, greenish, yellow odor, and its consistency has become like a cheesy slurry or flakes. You will have to urgently submit a smear for laboratory testing. Keep in mind that some harmful microbes can infect the fetus while still in the uterus, so timely treatment is necessary.

How the fetus develops

By the 23rd week of pregnancy, the weight of the fetus is already 520 g, and its height is 30 cm. The toddler continues to grow and gain strength. Several main points in its development can be noted.

Subcutaneous fat is actively growing. It is thanks to him that the skin of the fetus will soon begin to straighten. It's still red and very wrinkled. Fat forms quickly, so the skin simply does not have time to adapt to it.
During the 23rd week of pregnancy, you need to monitor how often your baby begins to move. He is still pushing very gently, but mom is already feeling this movement. In 12 hours, the fetus should move about 10 times. If you feel that the shaking has become too frequent or infrequent, you should call your doctor.
The digestive system is practically formed. At the 23rd week of pregnancy, your long-awaited baby swallows up to 500 ml of amniotic fluid, after which it is excreted in the form of urine. By this time, meconium, the original feces, begins to form, but it will be excreted from the baby’s body only after childbirth. The amniotic fluid contains hair fluff and lubricant particles. The child may swallow them along with liquid.
The central nervous system is actively developing. Scientific studies have shown that during this time, the baby can dream because his brain activity is about the same as that of newborns.
The little one's eyes have opened, so he can distinguish between darkness and light. A baby may get scared if the light is pointed sharply at its stomach.
The hearing organs are well developed, the baby can already distinguish the mother’s voice.

If you are carrying twins, the weight of the children at 23 weeks of pregnancy may be less than when carrying one child. Each of the babies weighs about 500 g, and their height is approximately 28 cm. But these indicators are very individual.

A necessary thing in carrying a child

At 23 weeks of pregnancy, you need to do an ultrasound, if you have not done it before, to track the development of the baby. It is necessary to undergo timely diagnosis in order to identify possible pathologies of the fetus. This will allow you to quickly take any measures.

Recommendations	The essence
Attend antenatal clinic regularly	At the 23rd week of pregnancy, a specialist will monitor the process of abdominal enlargement and identify the height of the uterus. The girl's weight and blood pressure are measured, as well as the baby's heart rate. In addition, on the eve of the appointment, the mother must pass a general urine test, after which the doctor examines the results.
Try to move more	If you have a sedentary job, you need to get up and walk a little every hour. It is advisable to place a small bench under your feet and sit on a chair with a straight back, a firm seat and handrails. These measures will help avoid stagnation of blood in the pelvis and legs.
Eat right	The 23rd week of pregnancy is sometimes accompanied by the development of hemorrhoids. To prevent this from happening, prevention must be carried out. One of the main measures is to eat foods high in coarse fiber. Also consume enough vitamins and plain drinking water. Consider your tendency towards nausea, constipation and heartburn when planning your menu. Eat in small portions, but 5-6 times a day. Please note that it is very easy to gain weight during this period, so you should not overeat. Avoid products with dyes and high fat content. Try to eat more lean fish, meat, fresh vegetables and fruits. Maintain drinking regime.
Be careful with sex	You can continue to have sex at 23 weeks, but you should be careful. The choice of positions is increasingly limited, so it is best to consult your doctor so as not to harm your baby. Sexual intercourse is even useful, because the girl receives positive emotions, and they affect the baby.

Time passes, the fetus grows and develops, gradually preparing for birth. What changes are happening to him at this stage?

Baby's weight, height and facial features

The size of the fetus at the twenty-third week of pregnancy already reaches 29-30 centimeters, and its weight is about 500-550 grams. His facial features are already exactly the same as you will see them after childbirth.

Leather. At this time, the baby experiences increased growth of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Subcutaneous fat is necessary for thermoregulation of the body, so that the child can retain body heat from the moment of birth. However, the baby's skin is still reddish and wrinkled. This is due to the fact that it develops a little faster than fat accumulates, but still remains too transparent, showing through the vessels;
Hands. On the arms of the fetus, the fingers have already noticeably lengthened, and tiny nails can be seen on them;
Hairline. The fluff on the baby's skin (lanugo) is getting larger. There is also a lubricant underneath that protects the baby's skin from irritation. The hair on the head gradually darkens.

Internal changes and development

Respiratory system. The fetus's respiratory organs begin to develop intensively this week. This will continue until the baby is born, until he takes his first breath;
central nervous system. The brain develops very intensively this week. Its average weight is about 100 grams. At the same time, the spinal cord also develops, which is responsible for some fetal reflexes;
Hematopoietic organ system. The development of the fetus at the 23rd week of pregnancy is characterized by the inclusion of the spleen, which will take part in hematopoiesis, producing monocytes and leukocytes (this will begin to occur in the ninth month). The spleen helps prevent the spread of toxic substances and bacteria;
Genitourinary system. The fetus's kidneys and urinary system continue to develop and work hard. At this stage of pregnancy, the scrotum is already quite developed in boys, and the ovaries in girls;
Digestive system. A fully formed pancreas intensively produces insulin. And in the gastrointestinal tract, original feces accumulate, which is called meconium. Already in the first days after birth, the baby will be able to defecate.

Fetal movements and regularity of kicks

A few weeks ago you experienced previously unknown, amazing sensations in your stomach. They were like the light touch of a small fish swimming close to the walls of the abdominal cavity. And this week you will begin to notice tremors of a more pronounced nature. This happens because the fetus grows and there is less and less space for it. When turning over, the baby touches the inner walls of the abdomen, and you clearly feel it.

The frequency of such tremors should not be less than ten times a day.

But excessive frequency may also indicate problems. It is worth noting that the baby mostly sleeps during the day under the rocking movements of his mother, and is awake at night, thereby preventing you from getting a full rest.

How does the expectant mother feel?

The uterus grows, supporting the internal organs and creating new sensations and discomfort. During this week of pregnancy, there are several points that can prevent you from enjoying this wonderful state to the fullest.

Internal and external symptoms of pregnancy

What happens at 23 weeks of pregnancy? Most pregnant women during this period notice a darkened vertical strip of skin in the area between the navel and pubic area. The reason for this is increased skin pigmentation due to the effects of hormones. You can also find age spots on the face and significant darkening of the areolas around the nipples. If you are a happy owner of freckles, then you probably also noticed how much brighter they have become.

The mammary glands have slightly increased in volume. In some cases, the prototype of mother's milk - colostrum - is already beginning to be released from the nipples at this stage. This happens due to the influence of hormones, on which the lactation process will very soon depend.

The discharge can be used to determine the condition of a pregnant woman. If they have neither color nor smell and at the same time have a uniform consistency, then everything is great. If you notice an unpleasant specific odor or a change in color, then this is a good reason to see your doctor.

An admixture of blood in the discharge may indicate placental abruption, which can lead to a risk of miscarriage. Yellow and greenish discharge indicates the presence of an infection that must be treated urgently so as not to infect the fetus.

Feelings and worries of a pregnant mother

Noticeable accompanying symptoms at 23 weeks of pregnancy may be as follows:

Frequent heartburn. Heartburn is an unpleasant burning sensation in the epigastric region, which is provoked by the release of gastric juice into the esophagus. Most often, heartburn occurs after eating, especially if you have eaten something fatty or fried.
Bloating and constipation. They appear due to the relaxing effect that hormones have on muscle tissue.
Swelling of the limbs. On average, half of pregnant women know from personal experience what swelling is. The reason for its occurrence is increased blood pressure in the veins and increasing pressure of the uterus on the pelvic veins. Fluid retention in the body can also aggravate the situation. Swelling usually increases especially in the evening, when you have spent the whole day on your feet or sat in one place.
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Varicose veins. The walls of the veins relax under the influence of hormones, and the uterus disrupts the outflow of blood through the veins, squeezing the veins in the pelvic area. Thus, the likelihood of developing varicose veins increases.
Convulsions. The main cause of cramps is the pregnant woman staying on her feet for a long time and calcium deficiency in the body. To get rid of this unpleasant condition, you need to reconsider your daily diet. If the problem is too acute, you should immediately consult a doctor, who, based on the test results, will be able to prescribe you the necessary course of vitamins and minerals.
Movements. The 23rd obstetric week of pregnancy is the beginning of fetal activity. You will now feel his movements much more often than in previous weeks, but they will still be soft and smooth. You may also feel your baby's hiccups. This manifests itself in the form of small regular tremors.

Frequency of false contractions

During this period of fetal development, a woman may feel mild abdominal pain. By its nature, it resembles mild spasms that occur at regular intervals, like cramps. These sensations are called Braxton Hicks contractions. They indicate that the body is preparing for labor.

False contractions are not observed in every pregnant woman, but in some they begin in the second trimester and periodically make themselves felt until the very birth. This is a normal physiological process.

You need to sound the alarm only if the frequency of such contractions is more than four times in one hour and if they are accompanied by bloody discharge from the vagina.

Increase in the size of the abdomen and uterus

The uterus has already significantly increased in size to interfere with normal digestion, and begins to compress the bile ducts. This can cause nausea during this period of pregnancy. As the uterus grows, the muscles that support it stretch, and as a result, a woman experiences pain in the abdomen. The height of the uterine fundus has already reached almost 23 centimeters, and is 3-4 cm higher above the navel.

Due to the increase in the size of the uterus and fetus, your tummy also increases. It sticks out more and more forward and gives a certain clumsiness to your movements. The shoulders lean back, the stomach leans forward, so the posture becomes somewhat sloping.

And this is what the bellies of other pregnant women look like at 23 weeks:

Necessary examinations and ultrasound

This week you will need to undergo a second screening, which includes a routine ultrasound and all necessary tests, if you have not done so already. With this examination, you can pre-exclude the possibility of fetal malformations, the presence of intrauterine infection or developmental delays. During your examination, your gynecologist will check your weight, blood pressure, height of the uterine fundus, abdominal circumference and schedule your next appointment.

Your baby is already old enough to use an ultrasound to verify its normal development. An ultrasound at the twenty-third week of pregnancy allows you to study the condition of the fetus without causing any harm to it and without threatening its life.

During the examination, the doctor will do the following:

will check brain development;
check the condition of the placenta;
calculate the size of the fetus and uterus;
examines the work of all organs of the fetus and its skeleton;
will record the number of heartbeats per minute and give you the opportunity to listen to how the baby’s heart beats;
will check if there are any deviations

During this ultrasound, at your request, the doctor can determine the gender of the unborn child. Although there are times when the baby does not want to give himself away. In this situation, the mother will have to prepare for a surprise or wait for the third scheduled ultrasound.

Peculiarities of nutrition of a pregnant woman at this stage of gestation

The twenty-third week of pregnancy is a period of increased fetal growth. For normal development, it is very important to provide it with all the necessary microelements and vitamins. Therefore, it is very important to take your daily diet seriously.

The dishes you eat must contain the entire range of substances that are vital for the baby, so that his development proceeds without deviations. Not only the full development of the fetus, but also her well-being depends on the balanced nutrition of the expectant mother.

What are the dangers of iron deficiency?

If there is a deficiency of one or more nutrients and microelements, certain problems may begin to develop. For example, iron deficiency provokes manifestations of anemia both in the fetus at the 23rd week of pregnancy and in the pregnant woman.

Anemia is caused by a drop in hemoglobin levels.

If it is insignificant, then you can correct the situation by adjusting your diet. If hemoglobin has decreased significantly, the doctor may prescribe you medication. Anemia suffered during pregnancy can cause mental and mental retardation in the development of the child in the future. Therefore, this topic is extremely important.

What are the dangers of calcium deficiency?

Lack of calcium in the body can lead to deterioration of the condition of your teeth. They will begin to crumble, the gums will bleed, and, as a result, the likelihood of teeth falling out increases. In addition, insufficient calcium intake into the fetus’s body negatively affects the development of its skeleton.

A pregnant woman's diet should consist of a variety of fruits, vegetables, freshly squeezed juices, and dairy products. But fried, smoked and fatty foods should be excluded.

Also, do not overindulge in sweet and spicy foods.

Be sure to drink about two liters of water per day. Note that salt retains water in the body. And as a result, severe swelling occurs. To prevent this unpleasant situation, reduce your salt intake as much as possible.

Thus, healthy food is the key to proper development and growth of the fetus. However, try not to overeat and under no circumstances go on a diet at your own discretion!

If you feel nauseous after a meal, you can try to take the knee-elbow position. It will help overcome an attack of nausea;
Wear a bandage. It allows you to cope with back and lower back pain that occurs due to a change in the center of gravity;
Wear anti-varicose stockings. They prevent the appearance of varicose veins and help cope with swelling of the lower extremities;
Take more walks in the fresh air. Your baby really needs oxygen;
Avoid places where there is a high likelihood of strong odors. Since the day of conception, your sense of smell has become significantly stronger, and now strong odors can trigger an attack of nausea;
No bad habits!;
Do exercises for pregnant women every day and use special skin products that prevent the appearance of stretch marks;
You have already gained about seven kilograms of weight. So it's time to reconsider your wardrobe. Things should be spacious and comfortable.

And at 23 weeks of pregnancy, you can already start thinking about the name of your future baby! You and your husband can make a list of names, and then together cross out from it those that you like less than others. Although, in some cases, parents decide what the baby’s name will be immediately when they meet him personally after the birth.

This material is for informational purposes only; before using the information provided, you must be sure to consult with a specialist.