Canada's Largest & Oldest Cord Blood Bank
You are now in your sixth month of pregnancy, which means only three more months to go.
This Week’s Highlights
Your baby responds to sound
Your baby’s kicks and punches are getting stronger
Your baby’s kicks and punches are getting stronger
Your Baby at 23 Weeks
Your baby is the length of a large mango, measuring about 11.4 inches (28.9 centimeters) long and weighing in at about 1.1 pound (500 grams).
Baby Development at Week 23
Starting this week, your baby will experience a huge increase in growth. The small blood vessels in your baby’s lungs are now maturing to accommodate breathing once he or she enter the outside world.
Your little one is also more sensitive to sound. He or she can hear your heartbeat and your voice. If you haven’t already, start talking to your baby. You can also share your musical taste with him or her. Your baby may respond with a nudge or a kick to certain music.
From this week on, your baby’s bone marrow will be making red blood cells. The tiny heart now has four chambers and is beating stronger. If you can see your baby now, you will notice that his or her translucent skin looks flushed as the blood gets pumped around. The skin is translucent because your baby is yet to put on the layer of fat just underneath the skin.
In the next few weeks, you may be asked to do a “kick count” to monitor your baby’s movements. Start by selecting a time when your little one is active and track how long it takes to count 10 baby movements. If it takes more than 2 hours to feel 10 movements you should contact your healthcare provider.
You are probably very familiar with your baby’s sleep-awake patterns by this stage. If those kicks are keeping your from falling asleep at night be forewarned, some moms swear in utero sleep patterns continue after birth.
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Your Bump at 23 Weeks
Soon your healthcare provider will start tracking your fundal height. Fundal height measures the distance from your pelvic bone to the top of your uterus and should align approximately with how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Your fundal height at this stage can measure anywhere between 21 to 25 centimeters.
Pregancy Tip
Are you finding it difficult to get comfortable in bed? Try adding a few extra pillows, and one under your belly to support the extra weight.
How Your Body is Changing
Aches and pains are going to be a normal part of the rest of your pregnancy. As your belly grows, it will put pressure on your ligaments and your back. Relaxing of your joints and bones may also cause aches and swelling. Baths, massages and a heat pad may help relieve muscle aches and pain.
You will probably notice that your gums are more prone to bleeding during brushing and flossing. Changes in circulation and hormones are behind these symptoms. Good dental hygiene is important during pregnancy, just remember to be more gentle with your brushing routine.
You may start experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions caused by the flexing muscles in your uterus this week. These irregular, painless squeezing sensations are not dangerous. You can think of them as a dress rehearsal – your body getting ready for the delivery. Braxton Hicks contractions are not strong enough to push your baby out!
How Far Along are You?
23 weeks in, 17 weeks to go! You are more than halfway through your pregnancy. Even though pregnancy is measured in weeks this means you are completing your sixth month of pregnancy.
How Your Baby’s Stem Cells are Collected and Stored
A quick guide to how your baby’s cord blood and cord tissue stem cells are processed and stored, so they are ready and available for use anytime. Cord blood and cord tissue collection is a minimally invasive process. You don’t have to make any special arrangements (other than bringing the banking kit with you to the hospital, of course) or modify your birth plan to accommodate banking. Samples are collected after the baby is born.
Diet and Exercise at Week 23
The extra 340 calories you should be eating in your second trimester adds up to a small meal or a few snacks. If you are having smaller meals to keep those digestive symptoms like constipation and heartburn at bay, this would mean adding an extra portion or two to each of your meals.
Exercise will strengthen your muscles and perhaps offer relief from the pregnancy-related aches and pains. Staying active can help you sleep better, drive away pregnancy blues, improve your immune system and help you get ready for your baby.
Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 15
Bleeding gums – You may notice that your gums bleed more often when you brush or floss right now, which is the result of the increased circulation. You are also at higher risk of gum diseases such as gingivitis during pregnancy. Make sure you talk to your dentist about practicing good dental hygiene, since gum disease is linked to preterm birth.
Pregnancy brain – Feeling extremely forgetful these days? “Pregnancy brain” is another side effect caused by hormones, lack of sleep and maybe a bit of stress. Studies show that brains of expectant moms function differently. But no need to worry, your brain will resume its normal activity once the baby is born. Aren’t you glad you have your trusty phone to keep track of your to-do list?
Round ligament pain – Several thick ligaments support your growing belly. The round ligament joins the front of your uterus to your groin area. As your belly grows, this ligament gets stretched. So, when there’s pressure on the round ligament you may notice pain. The pain can be sharp or it may be a dull aching pain that originates from one or both sides of your abdomen. You may feel like you have a sore stomach. You may want to wear a belly band and avoid the sudden movements that initially caused ligament pain.
Varicose veins – Varicose veins are caused when blood vessels just under your skin become swollen and twisted. Varicose veins in the leg are most common during pregnancy, and results from the increase in circulation. Extra blood during pregnancy is essential for supporting you and your baby. However, this can put extra pressure on your blood vessels. Remember the progesterone relaxes all smooth muscles including your blood vessels, so the veins in your legs now have to work extra hard to push the blood back to the heart. Increased circulation coupled with relaxation of smooth muscles creates the perfect condition for varicose veins.
Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 23
Pregnancy brain – Feeling extremely forgetful these days? “Pregnancy brain” is another side effect caused by hormones, lack of sleep and maybe a bit of stress. Studies show that brains of expectant moms function differently. But no need to worry, your brain will resume its normal activity once the baby is born. Aren’t you glad you have your trusty phone to keep track of your to-do list?
Bleeding gums – You may notice that your gums bleed more often when you brush or floss right now, which may be a result of the increased circulation. You are also at higher risk of gum diseases such as gingivitis right now. Make sure you talk to your dentist about practicing good dental hygiene during pregnancy, since gum disease is linked to preterm birth
Carpal tunnel – If you notice pain, burning, numbness or tingling in your wrists, hands or fingers, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel often affects moms who engage in activities that require repetitive motion such as sewing and typing. Swelling of joints associated with pregnancy and sluggish circulation are behind this pregnancy symptom. You may also notice that these symptoms worsen at night-time. Frequent stretching, investing in an ergonomic keyboard, wearing a wrist brace and acupuncture may be useful for relieving symptoms.
Swollen feet and ankles– Edema or swelling of feet and ankles is caused by increased water retention during pregnancy. The increase in fluids is cause by increased blood flow to both your and your baby and the fact that the blood gets returned back to your heart at a slower rate. You may also experience more swelling in your feet, if you’ve gained extra weight. A relaxing footbath or resting your feet by putting them up every so often can help.
Back pain – If your back is starting to hurt because of the weight of your belly, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain. Stretching, low-heeled (not completely flat) shoes, exercises that strengthen your back and wearing a bellyband can help.
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