Baby’s Development Milestones at Pregnancy Week 23
Your baby’s skin at pregnancy week 23 is still translucent with a reddish tinge due to the veins and arteries developing underneath it. Her bones and other organs are visible through her skin and the fine hair that is covering baby’s skin to provide her with the warmth she needs, known as Lanugo, is now darkening.
Her sense of hearing, smell and taste are becoming stronger by the day. She spends about half her day kicking and turning and you can feel these movements strongly. The area in the baby’s brain that is responsible for sensing movement is developing which means at 23 weeks pregnant, she can feel it when you dance.
Also Read: Body Changes and Baby’s Development Milestones at Pregnancy Week 22
Your Changing Body at Week 23 of Pregnancy
Your appetite is still on an all-time high spurred by the fast growing baby’s dietary needs. Your weight gain is steady and may even be beginning to adapt a different walking style. But remember, it’s a myth that you need to double your food intake like you’re eating for two, you just need to make sure you’re getting all the required nutrients to nourish you and the baby.
By the time you are 23 weeks pregnant, you may have gained up to 7 kilograms but this varies from woman to woman. Friends and family are bound to compare you with other women and probably but as long as your doctor doesn’t have a problem with your weight, don’t worry about it. Backaches have started creeping up on you too at this stage. To curb them, maintain a good posture when you are seated or walking. Try a good, firm bra and a few stretches known to manage the back pain and discomfort during pregnancy.
As your belly grows, the reality of parenthood and the responsibilities that come with it is becoming clearer. Pregnant women tend to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re also juggling work in the mix. To avoid that feeling that you are running out of time to do all that needs to be done before the baby arrives, it helps to make a list in order of importance and get some baby and parenting information. If you feel stressed, reach out to family, friends, and your support village.
Pregnancy Week 23 Tip: Managing the Snoring
“I have never been a snorer but in my second trimester, I was surprised to find that I was keeping my husband up at night. My doctor said that it was due to the added weight. I got another pillow so that I could sleep with my head elevated and the snoring eased,” says Carol Mathu, a mother of a one year old boy.
Next Week: Pregnancy Week 24: Baby Development and Your Body’s Changes
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