Your Pregnancy at 23 Weeks: Baby on the Move!

Your Baby’s Development at 23 Weeks

At this stage, your little one is making remarkable progress! Their sense of hearing is sharpening, their movements are getting stronger, and their body is preparing for life outside the womb.

Listening to the Outside World

Your baby can now hear external sounds—your voice, music, and even loud noises like a barking dog or a honking car. Research suggests that babies start recognizing their mother’s voice in utero and may even find it soothing after birth. Want to bond? Try talking, singing, or playing gentle music.

A Peek Inside the Digestive System

Even though your baby isn’t eating just yet, their digestive system is practicing for the big day. Wave-like muscle movements (called peristalsis) are beginning to develop, which will later help push food through the intestines. Right now, amniotic fluid is the only thing being swallowed—an essential step in preparing the gut for future meals.

More Noticeable Kicks and Wiggles

Those tiny flutters you felt earlier? They’re turning into more defined kicks and nudges. You might start recognizing a pattern—maybe your baby gets active after you eat or when you settle into bed. Take note of these rhythms; they can be a fascinating glimpse into your little one’s personality!

What’s Happening in Your Body?

As your belly grows, so do the changes in your body. Some are expected, while others might surprise you.

Linea Nigra: The Pregnancy Line

Have you noticed a dark vertical line running down your belly? That’s the linea nigra. It’s always been there, but hormonal changes make it more visible during pregnancy. It’s most prominent in women with darker skin tones, and while it usually fades postpartum, in some cases, it may linger.

Breast Transformations

Your breasts have been growing, but now you might notice veins becoming more pronounced and your areolas darkening. Your body is also gearing up for feeding your baby—some women begin leaking colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk. It’s normal if this happens, and also completely fine if it doesn’t.

Cravings and Appetite Surges

If you’ve been reaching for pickles, ice cream, or spicy snacks, you’re not alone. Pregnancy cravings are common, though the reasons behind them aren’t fully understood. Some researchers think hormonal shifts play a role, while others believe cravings may signal a nutritional need. Enjoy your favorites in moderation, but try to keep a balanced diet rich in whole foods, proteins, and healthy fats.

Changes in Your Vision

Blurry vision? Increased nearsightedness? Pregnancy hormones affect not just your body but your eyes, too. Fluid retention can change the shape of your cornea, causing temporary vision changes. While minor shifts are normal, severe blurriness, flashing lights, or sudden vision loss can indicate serious conditions like preeclampsia—so don’t ignore them.

The Infamous ‘Pregnancy Brain'

Feeling forgetful? Many pregnant women experience what’s often called «pregnancy brain.» While scientists debate whether it’s real, lack of sleep, hormonal fluctuations, and stress can certainly contribute to moments of brain fog. If you find yourself misplacing keys or forgetting appointments, don’t worry—you're not alone!

Checklist: Things to Consider at 23 Weeks

• Thinking About a Doula? If you’re considering hiring a birth coach, now’s the time to start looking. Doulas can provide invaluable emotional and physical support during labor.
• Write a Letter to Your Baby. Capture your thoughts, hopes, and dreams in a letter or keepsake to share with your child someday.
• Side-Sleeping for Better Rest. Experts recommend sleeping on your side—especially the left—to improve circulation. A pregnancy pillow can help with comfort.
• Preparing for Labor. Gentle exercises like prenatal yoga, squats, and pelvic tilts can help strengthen muscles for delivery.
• Tracking Your Weight Gain. You may be gaining around one pound per week—check if you’re on track with a weight gain calculator.

How Your Belly is Changing at 23 Weeks

• A Noticeable Bump: Your uterus has expanded above your belly button, making your pregnancy more visible. You might feel heavier in your midsection as your baby grows and gains weight.
• Skin Stretching & Itching: As your belly stretches, you could experience itchiness or mild discomfort. Keeping your skin moisturized can help prevent dryness and irritation.
• Linea Nigra: That dark vertical line down your abdomen? It’s completely normal and caused by pregnancy hormones. It usually fades after birth.
• A Shift in Your Center of Gravity: Your growing bump may make you feel a little off-balance. Be mindful of posture and consider wearing supportive shoes to stay comfortable.

By this time, you may also start feeling stronger movements, like kicks and jabs. Your baby is growing fast, and so is your belly! Don’t forget to take bump photos—you'll love looking back on them later.

If you’re aiming to keep those pregnancy memories alive, consider journaling or starting a keepsake box. It’s a little something that can mean a whole lot later on.

Remember, all these changes are part of the miracle of growing a new life. Embrace them, stay informed, and enjoy every step. You’ve got this, mama!