What does baby look like at 23 weeks?

At 23 weeks, your baby is the size of a Grapefruit — 11.4 in long, 500 g. Viability milestone — lung development accelerating. Skin less translucent as fat deposits grow

What symptoms are normal at 23 weeks pregnant?

Shortness of breath when active — uterus pressing up on diaphragm. Difficulty sleeping comfortably — pregnancy pillow between knees and under bump helps

Second Trimester

Week 23: Baby crosses the threshold of viability — can potentially survive outside womb.

Q: What should I do at 23 weeks pregnant?

Buy a quality pregnancy pillow if you haven. ,

Here's everything happening with your baby and your body this week.

Your baby is the size of a

Grapefruit

Length

11.4 in

Weight

500 g

Week

23 / 40

💡 Expert tip

Sleep on your side with a pregnancy pillow between your knees — it takes pressure off the vena cava and reduces back pain.

🌱 Baby's development this week

Viability milestone — lung development accelerating
Skin less translucent as fat deposits grow
Baby responds to loud sounds with a jump
Pancreas developing steadily

Science fact

The viability threshold — when a baby can survive outside the womb — has shifted from 28 weeks (1960s) to 22–23 weeks today, thanks to NICU advances. Survival rates at 23 weeks are now 30–50%.

🤰 Your symptoms this week

Shortness of breath when active

uterus pressing up on diaphragm

Normal as uterus grows. Sleep propped up, avoid lying flat. Sudden severe breathlessness: seek care.

Difficulty sleeping comfortably

pregnancy pillow between knees and under bump helps

Heartburn after meals

eat smaller portions and avoid spicy, fatty foods

Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down after eating, skip spicy/fatty foods. Antacids (Tums) are safe.

💛 Changes in your body

Uterus now 1.5 inches above belly button
Swelling in feet and ankles is common and normal
Glucose screening (GD test) coming up at 24–28 weeks
Sleep may be difficult with bump and kicks

💙 Mental health this week

The viability milestone can paradoxically increase anxiety for some women. If intrusive thoughts about baby

🥗 Nutrition focus

Protein intake critical as baby gains 100g/week from here — aim for 80–100g/day
Zinc supports fetal immune development — beef, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds
Avoid eating a large meal within 2 hours of bedtime — reduces heartburn and improves sleep quality

📅 Appointment / test

Glucose tolerance test (gestational diabetes screening) is coming at 24–28 weeks — prepare by eating normally beforehand.

✅ This week's checklist

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Buy a quality pregnancy pillow if you haven

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