The 23rd week of pregnancy also means the last month of the 2nd trimester. During this time, expectant mothers begin to feel their babies growing bigger and bigger in their bellies. As the baby can perceive sounds from the outside world quite well in the womb during this week, expectant mothers often start talking and communicating with their babies during this period.
23 Weeks of Pregnancy Changes in the Mother
23 weeks of pregnancy is a period in which rapid changes continue in the body of expectant mothers. The most important change experienced by an expectant mother during this period is in the abdomen. The abdomen of the expectant mother is now clearly defined this week. With the growth of the baby and the uterus, the abdomen has reached a length between 21 and 25 centimeters. This growth in the abdomen completely changes the center of gravity in the expectant mother’s body. Therefore, it is important for expectant mothers to be careful against situations such as loss of balance. During 23 weeks of pregnancy, expectant mothers may experience edema, especially in the feet and legs. Due to these swellings, it may become difficult to wear shoes worn before pregnancy.
Another change in the 23rd week is the formation of a long black pregnancy line called linea nigra, which appears in the middle of the belly. At the same time, the area around the nipple darkens, and rashes may appear on the hands and feet. 23 weeks of pregnancy is also a time when the breasts grow significantly. In addition, constipation, back and shoulder pain, headaches, insomnia, bleeding gums, and digestive problems may also occur during this week.
What to do at 23 Weeks of Pregnancy?
23-week pregnant mothers who experience complaints specific to this period have some things to do in order to spend this process comfortably. In particular, consuming plenty of water will be very useful to reduce the complaint of edema, which is common in this period. It is also important to keep salt intake under control. In order to prevent constipation complaints, it is necessary to eat fiber foods that will support the digestive system. For body aches, it is important to do pregnant exercises under the supervision of a doctor and to get enough rest. It is also very important for expectant mothers to protect themselves from the sun, especially when the 23rd week of pregnancy arrives in the summer months.
Adequate calcium intake during the 23rd week of pregnancy is also very important. Because during this period, the baby meets the calcium needs for its development from the mother and calcium intake during this period is very important for the mother not to experience calcium deficiency after birth.
Another issue to be considered during this period of pregnancy is food poisoning. In order to prevent food poisoning, which is especially common in the summer months, attention should be paid to the hygiene of the foods consumed. In all seasons, these risks can be prevented by taking precautions such as not consuming raw foods such as meat, chicken, fish and eggs, and washing vegetables and fruits well.
Size of the Mother’s Abdomen at 23 Weeks of Pregnancy
When measured vertically, the abdomen of an expectant mother at 23 weeks of pregnancy is 21 to 25 centimeters long on average. This size does not restrict the movements of the expectant mother. Therefore, an expectant mother who is 23 weeks pregnant can continue to move comfortably. It is necessary to take advantage of the fact that the expectant mother can move comfortably during this period. Exercising frequently, provided that it is under the control of a doctor, will both facilitate the birth and ensure that the aggravations that will be experienced in the last period of pregnancy are overcome in the most comfortable way. Strengthening the muscles through exercises is also important for the whole process to progress healthily.
23 Weeks of Pregnancy with a Baby Below
From the first months of pregnancy, the uterus begins to expand in preparation for the baby to grow and develop comfortably. at 23 weeks gestation, the baby being down may cause a feeling of pressure at the entrance of the vagina. A low baby position is not always dangerous and should not be a cause for concern for an expectant mother. If the baby is in a lower position than it should be, other risk factors are evaluated together. If you are not at risk of premature birth or miscarriage, a low baby does not pose any danger.
23 Weeks of Pregnancy with Groin Pain
One of the changes in the body of the expectant mother in the 23rd week of pregnancy is the continued growth of the uterus. The growth of the uterus is very important for the development of the baby. At the same time, this growth may cause pain in the groin of the expectant mother from time to time. 23. it is quite normal for expectant mothers to experience groin pain during the week . These contractions are called Braxton Hicks. With these contractions, the uterus prepares itself for birth. However, in cases such as exacerbation of these pains and contractions, it may be necessary to consult a doctor.
Abdominal Pain at 23 Weeks of Pregnancy
Abdominal pain, just like groin pain, is one of the conditions that expectant mothers encounter in the 23rd week of pregnancy. The increased pressure of the uterus and the baby on the internal organs can cause this kind of pain. However, if the pain in the groin and abdomen intensifies and is accompanied by bleeding and watery discharge, a doctor should be consulted urgently.
23 Weeks of Pregnancy Frequent Urination
23. the increasing growth of the baby and uterus in weekly pregnancies increases the pressure on the internal organs and thus on the bladder. This causes expectant mothers to urinate more often than usual. In some cases, expectant mothers may even face problems such as urinary incontinence. In such cases, it is important not to reduce fluid intake. Pelvic floor exercises can be effective to prevent urinary incontinence.
Baby Weight at 23 Weeks of Pregnancy
The 23-week-old baby’s appearance is almost similar to that of a newborn. In this week, the baby’s height is approximately 28 – 36 centimeters, and the weight is around 450 grams. The development of the baby’s ear bones continues rapidly. During this week, the baby starts to distinguish between the heartbeat and the mother’s voice. For this reason, it is recommended that expectant mothers talk and communicate with their babies frequently after this period.
Although the sense of vision is not yet fully developed, it has improved to a great extent. Eyelash and eyebrow development starts to occur in the 23rd week. Lung development is not yet complete during this period. However, despite this, the baby in the womb has started breathing exercises. The baby’s oxygen source here is the placenta.
Baby Movements at 23 Weeks of Pregnancy
Many expectant mothers may consult a doctor with the concern that they do not feel baby movements at 23 weeks of pregnancy. However, 23 weeks of pregnancy is not a stable period in terms of baby movements. During this period, it is seen that the baby is intensely active on some days, while on other days, there may be a decrease in movements. In this case, expectant mothers do not need to worry. Some expectant mothers who are pregnant with their first baby may not feel their baby’s movements at 23 weeks. 23. at 23 weeks, babies can kick, move their arms and grasp their face or cord with their fingers.
23 Weeks Pregnancy Ultrasound Images
When the 23-week pregnancy image is taken by ultrasound, it is observed that the baby’s skin has a red appearance due to the rapid blood flow. At the same time, it is possible to see the babies darker in the ultrasound image due to the hairs called lanugo, which cover almost all of the baby’s body.