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It’s week 23 of your pregnancy, 21 weeks from conception. Slowly but surely, you’re getting closer to the big day! Let’s learn about what changes are occurring in your body and with baby in week 23.
By this week, your baby weighs almost 1 pound (16 ounces) and is measuring around 11.4 inches from head to foot (1). That puts your little cutie at about the length of a large sweet potato!
While weight gain varies from woman to woman, you likely have gained between 12 and 15 pounds at this point in your pregnancy. Your uterus has grown to the height of about 1 1/2 inches above your belly button. Your fundal measurement is around 9 1/4 inches from the pubic symphysis to your navel (1).
Feeling gentle baby movements continues to bring joy and excitement at week 23! Soon you may even start to feel your baby hiccup in the womb! Babies hiccup occasionally in brief episodes, and it tends to begin late in the first trimester or early in the second trimester. Hiccups feel different than the occasional flutter or kick. Pay attention for a more prolonged series of jerky, rhythmic movements.
While hiccuping is normal, contact your healthcare provider if you notice a sudden change in the frequency and duration of baby’s hiccuping episodes.
Fun changes are continuing to happen with baby’s development in week 23!
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, generally painless contractions of the uterus. They occur throughout pregnancy, beginning at about the fourth month (3). So, you’ve probably been experiencing these contractions for a few weeks now but may not have noticed them!
These “practice” contractions of the uterus are typically felt in the front, around your abdomen. Begin to notice those times when your abdomen feels hard and firm for a short period before it softens up again. That’s a Braxton Hicks contraction!
Continue to enjoy this low-key time in your pregnancy. Check back in soon to learn more about your baby’s development at week 24! And if you haven’t already, catch up with what happened in pregnancy week 22.
Kopa Birth’s online birthing classes allow you to prepare for natural childbirth in the comfort of your own home, 24/7. Enroll today in our free online childbirth class to learn more about preparing for natural childbirth.
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It’s week 23 of your pregnancy, 21 weeks from conception. Slowly but surely, you’re getting closer to the big day! Let’s learn about what changes are occurring in your body
