Welcome to Week 23! Your baby is now about the size of a eggplant—around 11.5 inches long and weighing roughly 1.1 pounds. They’re starting to fill out, becoming less fragile and more like the squishy newborn you’ll soon meet.
What’s Happening in Your Body?
Baby’s skin, which was once almost see-through, is becoming less transparent as more fat starts to build underneath. They’re also working on their sense of balance and can now feel whether they’re upside down or right side up.
Inside, baby’s lungs are developing tiny air sacs, preparing for breathing after birth (though they’re still practicing with amniotic fluid for now). Their little kicks and punches are also stronger—sometimes enough to surprise you!
For you, your belly is more pronounced, and your body is working overtime to keep up with baby’s rapid growth.
Common Symptoms This Week
Stronger, more frequent baby movements—you might even see your belly jump!
Backaches, hip pain, or pelvic pressure
Braxton Hicks contractions—mild, irregular “practice” contractions
Swelling in feet and ankles (mild swelling is normal, but watch for sudden or severe swelling)
Leg cramps, especially at night
Increased vaginal discharge (another normal pregnancy thing!)
And yes, you might notice your belly button starting to pop out if it hasn’t already!
What You Can Do This Week
Start tracking baby’s movement patterns—you don’t need strict counts yet, just notice what’s normal for your baby
Do prenatal stretches or yoga to ease back pain and improve posture
Stay hydrated and eat magnesium-rich foods (like bananas, spinach, nuts) to help with leg cramps
Elevate your feet to reduce swelling
Wear a maternity support belt if your belly feels heavy or your back is sore
And if you want to document this stage—especially the first time you saw your belly move—apps like Cubtale are perfect for keeping those memories safe.
Real Talk
Week 23 is when baby starts to feel really real. The kicks are stronger, your belly is unmistakable, and people may start commenting on your pregnancy everywhere you go.
This is also when you might start thinking ahead—about birth plans, baby names, and what life will look like in just a few months. It’s exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming.
Take it one day, one kick, one milestone at a time. You’re doing beautifully.
We’re not doctors—we’re just parents who’ve been through the late-night Google searches, the “is this normal?” moments, and the waiting game. Everything we share here comes from our own experiences and research, but it’s not medical advice.
If you ever have questions or concerns about your pregnancy, always check with your healthcare provider. And if you notice anything we missed or got wrong, we’d love to hear from you—drop us a message anytime.