Your Pregnancy: Week 23

How you feel during pregnancy seems to change by the way, but at 23 weeks, pregnancy symptoms might look a little like this:

Swollen feet & ankles
For as long as there have been pregnant people, swollen feet has been a symptom they’ve had to deal with in the back half of their pregnancy. So if you’re feeling this, you’re not alone! Try to elevate your feet when you can and drink lots of water!

Nasal congestion
Thanks to increased blood flow, you might notice that it’s a bit hard to breathe these days, and you probably don’t have a cold — it’s another gift of pregnancy. This also might mean that you snore at night, even if you never have before.

Frequent urination
With a baby living so close to your bladder, is it any wonder you might find yourself running to the bathroom more often than ever?

Braxton Hicks contractions
These can feel a little weird at first, but you’ll get used to the feeling of your uterus tightening up a bit. Your body’s just preparing for labor, but it doesn’t mean you’re actually going into labor. The best thing to do when these come on is to drink a lot of water and lay down for awhile.

In week 23 of pregnancy, how many months along are you? You can confidently say you are five months pregnant.

If you’ve already had your anatomy scan, chances are you won’t be having an ultrasound this week — and you may not have another for the rest of your pregnancy. But right now, your baby looks just like a tinier version of the little girl or guy you’ll meet in less than 20 weeks; their face is fully formed, and at 23 weeks pregnant, a fetus is probably kicking and practicing their breathing in there.

At this point in your pregnancy, your baby is weighing in at about one pound and is about a foot long. This means that not only do you have a bump, but it’s popped, and you may finally have that pregnancy glow that everyone always talks about.

If you’re starting to feel better now that your initial pregnancy symptoms have subsided, take this as an opportunity to get things done! You might feel like nesting these days, and that’s perfectly okay — put that energy to good use and get the house organized and the nursery decorated. You’ll be missing this kind of energy in a few weeks (and you may be too busy after baby’s here to get anything on your to do list done), so take advantage!

Here’s what to add to your to do list this week:

• Figure out your plan for childcare. Many day care centers have waiting lists, so if you’ll need to be on one in order to have care for your baby when you’ll need it, it’s a good time to find out!
• Drink water. Now that Braxton Hicks contractions might be a thing, you’ll want to stay hydrated — and it’ll help with swelling you might be experiencing.
• Stay as active as you can. Set a goal: Do you want to go for a walk every morning, or aim for three times a week? Consistent exercise will help as your bump continues to grow.

At 23 weeks pregnant, it’s a good time to focus on making sure you’re getting enough sodium. According to Healthline, keeping your sodium intake sufficient is important, and in fact limiting your sodium intake could be harmful — pregnant people require more salt in their diet to compensate for the growing baby. Check with your doctor for what your sodium intake should be at 23 weeks.

Some other healthy foods to eat this month:

• Eggs
• Plain yogurt
• Fruits and veggies
• Cheese
• Salmon
• Pumpkin seeds

If you notice the following symptoms — or anything else that concerns you — it might be time to call a doctor or head to the ER:

• Unusual bleeding
• Unusual cramping
• Swelling that seems abnormal or is in your face or hands, which could be a sign of preeclampsia
• Contractions that don’t stop when you lay down or drink water

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and death compared to non-pregnant women. Furthermore, pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of delivering a baby before 37 weeks (preterm birth) and other adverse ramifications.

Note: If you are visiting a medical professional during COVID, make sure to ask about the facility’s safety measures and confirm that they are following COVID protocols as indicated by the CDC.

Depending on your disability, pregnancy might look a little different to you, and that’s okay — just know what to look out for. According to the National League of Nursing, pregnant people with disabilities may be more likely to develop issues like urinary tract infections, bowel and bladder complications, and may be more likely to fall. It’s essential to make sure you find a doctor who you trust to help you have the healthiest, safest pregnancy possible and who is knowledgeable about your situation.