23 weeks pregnant: pregnancy week by week

You're now in your second trimester's final weeks—23 weeks pregnant means you're about halfway through your pregnancy journey. Your baby is growing rapidly, weighing over 550g and measuring about 29cm from head to toe. With approximately 16-17 weeks remaining, you're in the home stretch before the third trimester begins. Here's what's happening with your baby, your body, and practical tips for this exciting week.

Baby Development at 23 Weeks

At 23 weeks, your baby is experiencing significant development across multiple systems.

Sexual Development

Your baby's sex organs are now distinctly recognizable. If you're having a girl, her ovaries have been present for several weeks, and her vagina is now fully formed and hollow. If you're having a boy, his penis and prostate are developed. His testicles, which formed during the second month of pregnancy, are still located in his abdominal cavity—don't worry; they'll descend naturally before or shortly after birth.

Brain Development

One of the most exciting developments this week is your baby's brain organization. The nerve cells of your baby's brain are now distributed in what's known as "grey matter," which is responsible for processing information, memory, and muscle control. This marks an important milestone in cognitive development.

Other Developments

• Your baby can now hear and respond to sounds, including your voice
• The inner ear is fully developed
• Fingernails and toenails are forming
• Bones are continuing to harden
• Your baby's movements are becoming more coordinated, though still too subtle for most first-time mothers to feel

Your Body at 23 Weeks

Physical Changes and Bath Safety

As your pregnancy progresses, taking long, relaxing baths can feel wonderful—but there are important considerations. Prolonged hot baths can stimulate contractions, so it's best to keep them brief and warm (not hot). Additionally, your blood pressure may become slightly unstable during pregnancy, so it's wise to have someone in the house (though not necessarily in the bathroom) in case you need assistance. This is a good time to ask your partner to be nearby when you bathe.

General Body Changes at 23 Weeks

• Your bump is becoming more noticeable
• You may experience occasional Braxton-Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
• Swelling in feet and ankles may increase
• Back pain or pelvic discomfort is common
• You may notice increased skin pigmentation or the "pregnancy mask"
• Energy levels may fluctuate

Nutrition at 23 Weeks

Sodium Balance

One of the most misunderstood aspects of pregnancy nutrition is salt intake. While it's true that many people consume 2-3 times more salt than needed, completely eliminating salt during pregnancy can actually be harmful.

Why sodium matters in pregnancy: Sodium is essential for maintaining water balance in your body. Pregnancy hormones can disrupt this balance, and adequate sodium is necessary for proper hydration and health. The key is finding balance—consuming enough sodium without excess.

Practical sodium guidance:

• Don't eliminate salt from your diet
• Use salt in moderation when cooking
• Limit processed foods, which contain high amounts of hidden sodium
• If you're concerned about sodium intake or have risk factors for gestational hypertension, discuss this with your healthcare provider

Aim for a "suitable supply" rather than restriction or excess. If you have questions or risk factors (like a history of high blood pressure), consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

General Nutrition Tips

• Continue taking prenatal vitamins
• Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins
• Stay well-hydrated (aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily)
• Avoid excess caffeine, alcohol, and unpasteurized products
• Listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues

Tips for Week 23

Partner Involvement

Now that you're approaching the final trimester, involving your partner in your pregnancy journey becomes even more important. Here's how:

• Attend prenatal appointments together when possible so your partner can hear updates about the baby's development
• Plan the nursery as a team to create a shared vision for your baby's space
• Take childbirth preparation classes together so your partner understands what to expect during labor and delivery
• Schedule quality time before the baby arrives—go to the cinema, try a new restaurant, cook together, or take a walk

This is the perfect time to strengthen your relationship before your roles shift to parenthood. You still have energy for date nights, and your bump is manageable enough to enjoy activities you won't easily do with a newborn.

Self-Care Reminders

• Get adequate rest and sleep (aim for 7-9 hours nightly)
• Practice gentle exercise like walking or prenatal yoga
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques
• Connect with other pregnant women for support and community