23 weeks of gestation: what are the important changes?

Symptoms and signs of a woman at 23 weeks of gestation

The woman at 23 weeks of gestation may show a significant increase in appetite, something more common at the beginning of pregnancy but which can also happen with more advanced pregnancies.

Despite the increased appetite, the mother should always choose to eat healthier and not overdo the treats.

With the accelerated growth of the fetus, it is important that the pregnant woman follows a diet always rich in essential nutrients for the baby’s development. This is not only during this week of gestation but throughout the entire pregnancy.

Other symptoms and changes in the woman’s body during that week include:

Heartburn

The baby is bigger at this stage, so the uterus may end up pushing the esophagus and stomach. Therefore, women may experience indigestion and heartburn .

Although it appears to be a harmless symptom, a woman should not take any medication on her own. The ideal is always to talk to the doctor or obstetrician and understand what can be done to alleviate this malaise.

Swelling

Swelling is a very common complaint in pregnant women, not only in the 23rd week of pregnancy. In general, it is more common for it to affect legs, feet and hands.

To help relieve swelling, a woman should consume plenty of water, take light walks and keep her feet elevated whenever possible.

Stretch marks

As the baby grows, the pregnant woman’s belly also expands. Therefore, the skin stretches and it is possible that stretch marks appear. In women who have a hereditary tendency it is even more common for them to appear in pregnancy.

To help prevent it, the ideal is to start using moisturizing creams and oils from the beginning of pregnancy, applying daily to the most affected regions (belly, buttocks, thighs, breasts).

When choosing products, it is important to pay attention to the composition and check if the use is allowed for pregnant women. To be sure, it is interesting to talk to a doctor or doctor and check which creams are best.

Back pain

Back pain, specifically in the lower back, is a consequence of the size and weight of the belly.

To help make the pain less frequent and severe, a woman should avoid wearing high-heeled shoes. Sleeping in a better position also helps. The most recommended is to sleep on your side in bed, with your legs bent and (preferably) with a pillow between your knees.

Navel more evident

During pregnancy, the pregnant woman’s navel becomes more evident, as if it were a little more bounced or out. In some cases, it even marks the clothes.

However, it is not something that women should be concerned about, as it is common and tends to normalize after the baby is born.

Braxton Hicks contractions

The Braxton Hicks contractions are a type of contraction that the woman feels during the second trimester and early third. It is a normal condition and does not indicate that the woman is going into labor.

They are considered a preparation of the uterus for the time of delivery. They should not cause pain, discomfort, bleeding or other symptoms. If it happens, the pregnant woman should seek medical attention.

Insomnia

Many pregnant women can complain of insomnia during pregnancy and this happens for several reasons. The main factors that interfere with sleep are back pain, difficulty finding a comfortable position (due to the size of the belly), anxiety and the urge to urinate frequently.

How big is the belly at 23 weeks of gestation?

It is difficult to say the exact size of the belly at 23 weeks of gestation. In this phase, each woman can have a different growth, which also depends on the mother’s diet. On average, at 23 weeks of gestation, the uterus is 22cm in diameter.

In this phase, the woman may have put on weight around 4 kg to 6 kg on average, varying according to her diet and body mass index.

With increased appetite, maintaining weight control requires double effort. However, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, as being overweight during pregnancy can increase back pain and tiredness .

What is the size and weight of the baby?

The 23-week-old baby is about the size of a mango or eggplant . It measures approximately 29cm from head to toe. Weight may vary slightly, but on average it should be around 500g.

Until the end of the pregnancy, the weight goes up progressively. Each week, the baby must put on a lot of weight. Her skin, more wrinkled and red, tends to become increasingly smooth and rosy.

How is the fetus at 23 weeks of gestation?

In the 23rd week of gestation, the baby has a very wrinkled skin and a reddish appearance. In fact, this happens due to the presence of many blood vessels, which end up being visible because of the even more transparent skin.

There are still several organs that are developing and that will continue to evolve until the third trimester, such as the lungs and the brain.

The baby’s senses are increasingly sensitive. He starts to be much more attentive to sounds, lights and even external movements. Can pay attention to voices, sounds and music.

The baby’s eyes are already capable of making quick movements and the features of the face are more defined.

At this stage, the chance of survival of the fetus outside the uterus is low, at around 35%.

Each day in the womb is important for the baby to develop fully, growing and gaining weight in a healthy way until the last gestational month. So, at 23 weeks, it would be a very premature birth