Week 23 of Pregnancy

This is you last week of your fifth month which means you are 2/3rds of the way through your pregnancy. The fetus is now proportioned like a newborn. The only difference is the baby is much thinner due to not much baby fat having developed yet. Your baby's sense of hearing at this stage is quite well-developed which means now is a great time to begin talking, reading or singing to your baby. If the baby was born now there would be a survival rate of 20%.

Changes in your body at Week 23 of Pregnancy

You might notice your baby does a regular workout inside your womb. You may be able to feel the baby turning from side to side and head over heals. You may also notice you can pat your belly and get a response back

Changes you may experience during the 23rd week of pregnancy include: :

• You might start having mood swings due to rising hormone levels
• Your uterus is about 1 ½ inches above your belly
• Braxton Hicks contractions might be felt
• Some women notice that their nails are stronger and are growing longer
• Hair grows thicker - also hair growth in unusual places which is known as hirsutism

Baby's Development at Week 23 of Pregnancy - Baby size: 28cm

Some typical developments which occur during the 23rd week of pregnancy are:

• Baby producing insulin
• Pancreas is developing
• Skin pigment is now forming
• Baby weighs about a pound
• The eyebrows are visible.
• The baby can successfully suck
• Bones located in the middle ear harden.