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Week 23

What's Happening To Your Body

At this point, you should have gained about 12 to 15 pounds.

During your doctor appointments, your ob/gyn may palpate, or gently push on, your abdomen. This will allow her to feel the position of your baby. 

You may also be having more and more trouble sleeping due to the need to urinate frequently, heartburn, leg cramps, anxiety or discomfort. But rest is important for both you and your baby. Try to play some soothing music, read a relaxing book or drink a cup of non-caffeinated tea to help you get to sleep. You can also try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs to help relieve pressure.

What's Happening To Your Baby

Your baby measures around 11.4 inches (28.9 cm) long from head to heel and weighs almost 1 pound (453.6 grams).

Your baby continues to accumulate fat and drink in amniotic fluid. His or her sense of taste is maturing, along with other senses such as touch and hearing. The baby’s lanugo (hair that covers its body) is growing darker and its fingernails are also almost fully formed.

Over the next few weeks, your baby will gain significant weight and will almost double in size.

The ears are also starting to develop as the three main bones (hammer, anvil, and stirrup) are hardening. This means the baby can listen to sounds but the brain is still developing rapidly. 

Your baby’s important organs are also developing quickly. The pancreas, which helps produce insulin, is maturing, and your baby now has sweat glands.

Your baby will also be moving around a lot during this time, so the kicks and punches you felt before will continue. At this point, you might even be able to feel the movements from outside your belly!

Read This Next: Week 24

In Case You Missed It: Week 22