Week 23 of Pregnancy
What's Happening with You and Baby
You're officially 23 weeks in—over halfway there—and your baby is growing more by the day. By now, you might be feeling a mix of awe and "what is happening to my body?" vibes, and both are valid. At this point in pregnancy, it's normal to find yourself googling things like "is hair on my belly normal?" or "how big is my baby this week?" while trying to remember where you put your water bottle. (Hint: probably next to the snack stash.)
So, what can you expect this week? A lot, actually. Your baby is hitting some key developmental milestones, and your body is adapting in ways that may surprise you—from glowing skin to swelling feet. This is also a great time to get proactive with your registry, check in on your mental and physical health, and yes, make room in your closet for comfier shoes. Let's break it all down.
Your Baby This Week 🍼
Baby Development Stats
- Size: About 11 inches long (crown to heel)
- Weight: Roughly 1 pound
- Visual: Picture a papaya—long, rounded, and full of potential.
At 23 weeks, your baby is working overtime on development. Their lungs are forming the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) needed to breathe air after birth, even though they're still getting oxygen through the placenta. It's fascinating—your baby is doing dry-run preps for breathing, with amniotic fluid "inhaled" and "exhaled" to strengthen those respiratory muscles.
Other cool updates: lips are becoming more defined, and while your baby's eyes are still shut, the structures of the eye are forming rapidly—iris included (though no color yet). If you're having a girl, her ovaries already contain the eggs she'll have for life. And the middle ear bones are hardening, which means your baby is starting to recognize sound and vibrations—like your voice, music, or even a barking dog.
If you're pregnant with twins or more, keep in mind that your little ones may have different sleep/wake cycles already (just a preview of what's to come).
Your Body at 23 Weeks 💃
Pregnancy is amazing—but also real. This week, you might notice:
🌟 The Good:
- Thicker, shinier hair (hello, volume!)
- Faster-growing nails
- The fabled pregnancy glow thanks to increased blood flow and hormones
😬 The Not-So-Good:
- Increased body hair – Blame androgens. You might spot new hairs on your belly, face, or even back. Stick with safe removal methods like tweezing, waxing, or threading. Skip bleach for now—those chemicals aren't pregnancy-friendly.
- Stretch marks – These are tiny tears beneath the skin due to stretching. Lotions and oils can help hydrate, but nothing is medically proven to prevent them. The silver lining? Most marks fade postpartum.
- Growing feet – Yup, your shoe size may go up thanks to swelling and softened ligaments. Don't try to squeeze into your pre-pregnancy flats. Get supportive, slip-on shoes and elevate your feet a few times a day to reduce swelling. Bonus points if you ask your partner for a foot rub.
Health Check 🩺
Carrying Multiples?
You're at a higher risk for preterm labor. Be vigilant about signs like persistent cramping, backache, or pelvic pressure. Always loop your provider in about anything that feels "off."
Back Pain?
Very common at this stage. Your center of gravity has shifted, your core is working differently, and those pregnancy hormones have loosened ligaments. Ask your provider about safe stretches or prenatal physical therapy. Avoid self-medicating without approval.
Start or Update Your Baby Registry 🎁
Now's a great time to dig into your baby registry. Not just because it's fun (which it is), but because you'll thank yourself later. Pro tip: don't just add clothes and toys—include the essentials. Diapers, wipes, burp cloths, baby first aid kits... they're not glamorous, but oh-so-necessary.
Time-saver tip: Use universal registry tools like Babylist or Amazon's checklist to compare brands, track purchases, and share one link with everyone.
Chloe's Clever Take: What to Buy New vs Used
✅ Worth Buying Used:
- Monitors (audio or video—test first!)
- Clothes (especially newborn sizes that are outgrown in weeks)
- Plastic toys (sanitize thoroughly)
- Strollers (if gently used and unexpired)
- Books and DVDs
💡 Tip: Always check for recalls on secondhand gear, especially toys or anything electronic.
🚫 Must-Buy New:
- Crib mattress – Mold, bacteria, and unknown spills are a no-go.
- Car seat – Safety regulations change, and past accidents can compromise structure.
- Breast pump parts – You can sanitize parts, but many aren't designed for reuse.
Smart Tips & To-Do's 📌
Tips:
Separation anxiety prep: After birth, it can feel really weird to not have baby with you 24/7. Baby monitors help. Choose from:
- Audio (basic and budget-friendly)
- Sensor mats (alert if no movement)
- Video (peek in without waking them)
Ask yourself: Will hearing every squeak make you more anxious? Would video help you relax or keep you glued to the screen?
To-Do List:
- Finalize or start your baby registry.
- Schedule a prenatal massage if you're experiencing back or foot pain.
- Read up on postpartum recovery (yes, now).
- Check your insurance for breast pump coverage.
- Begin looking at pediatricians and make a list of questions to ask.
TL;DR (Because Pregnancy Brain Is Real)
- Your baby's practicing to breathe and can now hear sounds
- You might be feeling glowy and hairy—thanks, hormones
- Registry building = fun + future you will be grateful
- Don't cheap out on the car seat or crib mattress
- Trust your body, but talk to your provider if anything feels weird
Want a sneak peek at Week 24? Or have a registry question? Share this post with your mom group and drop your Qs—we've got answers.