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🌿Second Trimester•Weeks 14-27
Week 23 of Pregnancy
Your baby is the size of grapefruit
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Length
11.4 inches
⚖️
Weight
1.1 pounds
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Size Comparison
Grapefruit
👶 Baby Development
- •Baby can hear sounds clearly from outside including music, voices, and loud noises
- •Lungs are developing tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that will allow for oxygen exchange
- •Skin is still somewhat translucent and wrinkled but gradually becoming more opaque
- •Bone marrow is now fully responsible for producing blood cells
- •Baby practices breathing movements regularly, preparing lungs for air
- •Baby can hiccup, which you may feel as rhythmic jerks
- •Proportions are becoming more like a full-term baby
💭 Common Symptoms
- •Swelling (edema) in feet, ankles, and hands from fluid retention
- •Linea nigra - dark vertical line from belly button to pubic bone - may appear or darken
- •More frequent Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
- •Increased forgetfulness and "pregnancy brain" from hormonal changes
- •Possible backaches and sciatica from baby's position
- •Feeling warmer than usual due to increased metabolism
- •Possible bleeding gums when brushing
🥗 Nutrition Tips
- •Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (200-300mg DHA daily) like salmon, sardines, and walnuts for brain development
- •Include folate-rich foods like lentils, spinach, and fortified grains
- •Reduce sodium intake to minimize swelling (limit to 2,300mg daily)
- •Stay hydrated with water - ironically this helps reduce water retention
- •Eat small frequent meals to maintain stable blood sugar
- •Include foods rich in B vitamins for energy and brain function
- •Eat potassium-rich foods to balance sodium
✅ To-Do This Week
- •Elevate your feet above heart level when resting to reduce swelling
- •Continue regular safe exercise like walking or swimming
- •Register for essential baby gear if you haven't already
- •Research maternity leave policies and start planning finances
- •Wear compression socks if swelling is significant
- •Schedule your glucose screening test for week 24-28
- •Start preparing a list for your hospital bag
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Did You Know?
Your baby weighs just over 1 pound now and is rapidly gaining weight! They're adding fat layers that will help regulate body temperature after birth.