7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
PREGNANCY TIMELINE: WEEK 23
Week 23 should find you bigger, rounder and feeling more and more pregnant. Get used to it Mom, this feeling will only increase as you move forward to your due date. Keep track of your progress and get a heads up on the weeks to come with our comprehensive pregnancy timeline.
Week Overview:
Baby is following a regular schedule of sleeping, turning, sucking its thumb, and kicking. Baby has also settled into a favorite position in the uterus. The first sign of baby's teeth are now appearing as buds beneath the gum line. As baby's bones continue to absorb calcium, it is important that your diet is rich in calcium. You should also be taking calcium in the form of a nutritional supplement.
Baby now looks like a newborn but a thinner version. The skin is wrinkled but will become smooth with weight gain.
Your baby weighs about 500 grams. If it is born at less than 500 grams, it might survive with disabilities. If your baby is born weighing over 500 grams, it may be able to survive and thrive. Much of this is dependent upon the newly deposited fat in her body, which would help to insulate her. A baby born this small would need weeks of care and hospitalization.
Baby's Physical Development
- Crown-to-rump, baby measures 8 inches long and weighs almost 1 pound
- Lips are distinct
- Pancreas is developing steadily
Your uterus is about 1.5 inches above your bellybutton. Your weight gain should be between 12 and 15 pounds. You doctor will measure you at every visit from this point on. Your doctor will be looking for changes in your weight gain and in the size of your uterus. By now your bellybutton may have switched from an "innie" to an "outie" as your uterus continues to expand. A Bandaid can protect it from the friction caused by rubbing against clothes. You may also be feeling a little short of breath. It's getting kind of crowded inside you and room for lung expansion is cramped. You'll get some relief when the baby "drops". This can occur a few weeks before delivery or right up until time for delivery.
The mild swelling in your legs and fingers is normal. The best way to reduce swelling is to drink plenty of fluids. Also, keep your consumption of sodium to 3 grams (3000mg) or less a day. This will aid in reducing fluid retention.
Near your 23rd week you may have an external exam to check your cervix for risk of preterm labor. You also may be tested for hepatitis B around this time. If you test positive for hepatitis B, your baby will be treated moments after delivery.
Time to Start Thinking About
Now might be a good time to start thinking about all the things your baby is going to need for life at home. Cribs, walkers, strollers, and more - there's a whole world of baby products just waiting for you. Take the time now to investigate these products to determine what best fits your needs.
Tips for Mom
Did you know your joints are looser during pregnancy? Loose joints put you at an increased risk of knee injuries, strains and sprains. Keep up your exercise routine program but avoid sports that require balance or quick direction changes. Also, try to incorporate some stretching exercises.
Tips for Dad
Dad now is the time to start a baby scrapbook. List important events that have happened during the pregnancy. Take pictures of the house, baby's room, pets, and other siblings. Include clippings from important world events, as well as lists of Top 10 movies, books, and recordings.
Complications to Watch For
Most pregnancies occur without any complications or problems. But there are times when your physician should be contacted immediately. The following list contains symptoms to be aware of during pregnancy.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe swelling of the fingers and face
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of fluid from the vagina, usually a gush of fluid, but sometimes a trickle or continual wetness
- A big change in the baby's movements or a lack of movement
- High fever (more than 101.6F;38.7C) or chills
- Severe vomiting or an inability to keep food or liquid down
- Blurring of vision
- Painful urination
- A headache that won't go away or a severe headache
- An injury or accident, such as a fall or automobile accident, that causes you concern about the well-being of your pregnancy
Prenatal Care Checklist
- Lying on your left side with a firm pillow under your head will usually be the most comfortable position for sleeping. This position brings more oxygen to the baby and eases the load on your kidneys.
- Try a body pillow.
- Bath water should not exceed 100 degrees F. Saunas and hot tubs are off limits.
- Do not douche or use tampons. Take a warm bath or use pads instead.
- You should not be changing the kitty litter because harmful parasites may be present.
- Travel is okay as long as you don't travel far from home during the last month of pregnancy. Check with your doctor first if a travel emergency arises.
- Seatbelts will not harm your fetus.
- Use both shoulder and lap belts and make sure to place the lap belt under your belly, across the hips and thighs.
- Avoid contact with any harmful chemicals or fumes.
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505