Your pregnancy at 23 weeks
At 23 weeks, you’ll start feeling your baby’s kicks more regularly. Learn about your baby’s growth and development, and get tips on managing common pregnancy symptoms like haemorrhoids and sun sensitivity.
Have you been feeling those kicks? As you start to feel your baby move more and more, get to know their patterns. You will likely notice when they have little naps and when they are more active. If you notice these movements reduce, then do mention this to your midwife or GP.
Baby's Development
Your baby’s arms and legs are now in proportion to the rest of their body, and they are just looking cuter by the day. It won’t be long before those arms and legs start pushing out of your tummy, which is both a weird and amazing thing to witness. Your baby is now approximately the size of a pregnancy magazine and weighs around 500g, the same as a bag of pasta—ideally wholemeal (you’ll see why in a moment).
Changes in Mum
Oh bum! Have you experienced the joy of piles yet, Mum? Another wonderful side effect of pregnancy is an increased chance of piles or haemorrhoids, which is the swelling of blood vessels around your bottom. They aren’t pleasant and are caused by your hormones making your veins relax. If you are really suffering, then let your midwife know.
- Dietary Tips: It may also be worth increasing the fruit and fibre (not the cereal) in your diet. Simple switches like white pasta to wholemeal will help, and drinking plenty of water can keep things moving smoothly.
- Sun Sensitivity: Also worth mentioning, your skin is more sensitive to sunlight during pregnancy, so it may be worth using sun cream even when cloudy in the warmer months.
Tips for This Week
- Monitor Movements: Get to know your baby’s movement patterns and notify your midwife or GP if you notice any significant changes.
- Diet Adjustments: Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help manage haemorrhoids.
- Sun Protection: Use sun cream to protect your more sensitive skin from UV rays.
Looking Ahead
As you continue through your pregnancy, staying aware of your baby’s movements and managing common symptoms can help you feel more comfortable and confident. Each week brings new developments and milestones to look forward to.
We’re here to support you every step of the way. Enjoy this special time, and soon you’ll be seeing even more incredible progress as your pregnancy continues.
This article has been written using the latest guidance and information from trusted sources, primarily the NHS. This information should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your personal health and circumstances.