Week 23 of Pregnancy

Pregnancy Week 23 continues to bring important developments, as your baby's lungs and hearing continue maturing. Healthcare providers calculate pregnancy from the first day of your last menstrual period, and by week 23 your baby is often compared to the size of a large mango or a grapefruit.

Understanding week 23 of pregnancy can help you know what is happening in your body as your bump becomes increasingly prominent during this stage.

What Happens During Week 23 of Pregnancy?

During week 23, your baby's lungs continue developing blood vessels in preparation for breathing, and hearing continues to improve, allowing your baby to respond to familiar sounds such as your voice.

Your baby's skin also remains thin and translucent at this stage, though it continues gradually thickening as pregnancy progresses.

What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy in Week 23?

Pregnancy symptoms in week 23 often reflect a growing bump and continued changes in circulation.

• Braxton Hicks Contractions

Mild, irregular tightening of the uterus can continue to occur occasionally during this stage.

• Swollen Feet or Ankles

Increased blood volume and fluid retention can lead to mild swelling in the feet or ankles, especially by the end of the day.

• Backache

As your bump continues to grow, mild back discomfort can persist.

• Leg Cramps

Occasional leg cramps, particularly at night, can continue during this stage.

• Stretch Marks

As skin continues stretching to accommodate your growing bump, stretch marks may become more noticeable.

Baby Development in Week 23

• Lungs Continue Developing

Blood vessels continue forming in your baby's lungs, an important step in preparing for breathing after birth.

• Hearing Continues Improving

Your baby's hearing continues to develop, allowing increasing responsiveness to familiar sounds such as your voice.

• Skin Remains Thin

Your baby's skin is still thin and somewhat translucent, though it will continue thickening in the coming weeks.

How Does Your Body Change During Week 23?

Week 23 is mainly characterised by continued uterine growth and ongoing changes in circulation.

• Uterus Continues Rising

Your uterus continues growing steadily above the level of your belly button.

• Weight Gain Continues

Steady, healthy weight gain often continues as your baby grows.

• Increasing Blood Volume

Your body continues producing more blood to support your baby's development.

Curious about your baby's growth this week? Explore early pregnancy ultrasound and prenatal packages at Max Lab.

What Should You Eat During Week 23 of Pregnancy?

A nutrient-dense diet remains important in week 23, especially as your baby's lungs and hearing continue developing.

• Choose Iron-Rich Foods

Iron supports your rising blood volume and helps prevent fatigue. Good sources include lean meat, beans, chickpeas, lentils and spinach.

• Include Protein in Your Diet

Protein supports your baby's rapidly developing organs and tissues. Eggs, fish, chicken, paneer, tofu, beans and lentils are useful sources.

• Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals and fibre that support digestion and overall health.

• Choose Whole Grains and Calcium-Rich Foods

Whole grains provide sustained energy, while milk, yoghurt and cheese contribute calcium for your baby's developing bones.

• Stay Hydrated

Adequate water intake can help ease leg cramps and support increasing blood volume.

What Foods and Substances Should You Avoid?

As your baby's lungs and organs continue maturing, avoiding certain substances and foods remains an important part of a healthy pregnancy.

• Alcohol and Tobacco

Avoid alcohol and smoking completely, as they can affect your baby's developing brain and organs.

• Excessive Caffeine

Keep caffeine intake within the limits recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Raw or Undercooked Foods

Choose properly cooked foods and follow good food-safety practices, avoiding raw or undercooked meat, eggs, unpasteurised dairy and high-mercury fish.

• Highly Processed Foods

Limit foods high in added sugars, excess salt and unhealthy fats, and focus instead on a varied, nutrient-rich diet.

Exercise During Week 23 of Pregnancy

Gentle movement can help ease leg cramps and swelling, though it is important to listen to your body and rest when needed.

Choose activities that are comfortable for your fitness level, and avoid suddenly starting strenuous exercise without appropriate guidance.

• Walking and Gentle Exercise

Walking is a simple, low-impact way to stay active and can help support circulation and reduce swelling.

• Stretching and Yoga

Gentle stretching and suitable prenatal yoga practices can support flexibility, relaxation and help ease leg cramps.

How Can You Prepare for a Healthy Pregnancy?

Week 23 is a good time to continue building healthy habits and start thinking about upcoming screenings.

• Talk to Your Baby - As hearing continues developing, talking or playing music may help your baby become familiar with your voice.

• Continue Prenatal Vitamins - Keep taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid as recommended by your doctor.

• Schedule Your Glucose Screening - Confirm the timing of your upcoming gestational diabetes screening, typically performed between weeks 24 and 28.

• Get Adequate Rest - Continue prioritising sleep and rest as your body adjusts to a growing bump.

• Manage Stress - Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, gentle yoga or deep breathing.

What Tests and Checkups Are Useful During Week 23?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of tests around this stage to confirm your baby's development and monitor your health.

• Routine Prenatal Check-Up

Regular check-ups continue to monitor your health and your baby's growth.

• Blood Pressure and Urine Checks

Routine monitoring continues to track your overall health throughout the second trimester.

• Fundal Height Measurement

Your provider continues measuring the height of your uterus to track your baby's growth.

Week 23 Pregnancy Care Tips

A few simple habits can help you manage symptoms and support your baby's development this week:

• Continue taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid.

• Eat balanced, nutritious meals to support your growing baby.

• Stay well hydrated throughout the day.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Avoid alcohol, smoking and unapproved medications.

• Schedule your upcoming glucose screening test.

• Manage stress with relaxation techniques.

• Avoid self-medicating without consulting your doctor.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

Some symptoms should not be dismissed without medical evaluation. Speak with a healthcare provider if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, high fever, severe dizziness or fainting, severe vomiting, or unusual vaginal discharge.

If you have an existing health condition or take regular medication, discussing your health with a healthcare provider early in pregnancy is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Week 23

• How big is my baby at week 23?

Your baby is typically about the size of a large mango or grapefruit at week 23, with continuing lung and hearing development.

• Can my baby hear me at week 23?

Your baby's hearing continues improving around this time, allowing increasing responsiveness to familiar sounds such as your voice.

• Are leg cramps common at week 23?

Yes. Occasional leg cramps, particularly at night, are a common experience during this stage of pregnancy.

• What should I eat during Week 23?

Focus on iron, protein and calcium-rich foods, along with plenty of fruits and vegetables, to support your baby's continued development.

• Can I exercise during Week 23?

If you are healthy and have no medical restrictions, gentle activities such as walking and prenatal yoga can support overall fitness during this stage.

• When should I see a doctor during Week 23?

Seek medical advice for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, high fever, severe dizziness or fainting, severe vomiting, or other unusual or concerning symptoms.