You may see the onset of Braxton Hicks contractions! When you are 23 weeks pregnant, the problems of skin discoloration or stretch marks will become more apparent, and they will become the most distressing causes for most first-time pregnant women.
Not only do these conditions exist, but you may also experience several changes in your body when you are preparing yourself for a well-planned pregnancy.
This is the time for future mothers to relax and think about the effects of their actions of the child. With the increased fetal movements, you may feel your abdomen like a wrestling ground, and you may also find it difficult to rest, particularly when the activity periods of the baby coincide with your sleep period.
Even so, you and your baby are experiencing many exciting developments. Continue reading to know more…
Symptoms experienced by a 23 weeks pregnant woman:
As the weeks pass, you may experience more trouble sleeping. The growing abdomen makes it really uncomfortable to sleep. The other pregnancy discomforts during this period include heartburn, leg cramps, urination, indigestion, and general discomfort. All these conditions can cause sleeplessness. Mood swings are also common during this time because of the higher levels of hormone production.
If you still experience pains and aches in your back, consider getting a pregnancy massage, applying hot packs, or lying down to reduce the discomfort.
Forgetfulness is also one of the symptoms of pregnancy. You may notice that you consistently forget the keys, appointments, and where you parked the vehicle. This symptom is called pregnancy brain, which is mainly due to those annoying pregnancy hormones. Don’t worry about these symptoms as they are completely normal, and avoid being too hard on yourself.
Snoring is also a symptom that can disrupt your sleep. This condition is mainly due to nasal congestion, which is caused by additional weight and inflamed mucous membranes in the nose. To avoid this kind of nasal noise, you can consider wearing a nasal strip when you are on the bed and also keeping a humidifier in your bedroom.
Physical changes that occur in a 23 weeks pregnant woman:
At 23 weeks pregnant, you may experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which feel like menstrual cramps in your lower abdomen. You may feel these contractions for at least 15 seconds to one minute. If you notice these contractions for a long time or they become more severe, then you need to consult your doctor. The main reason for these contractions is to prepare your body for labor and birth.
Your skin may also become dry and itchy, and the severity increases as the weeks pass. As your skin is stretching to accommodate your growing belly, it is natural to feel itchiness and dryness of the skin. So, it is very important to hydrate the skin and yourself. Drinking more fluids and using a good lotion on your belly can greatly help to prevent stretch marks and itchiness.
Most doctors suggest pregnant women sleep on their sides. This helps provide proper blood flow to the placenta. Even some women experience difficulty sleeping on their sides; in such cases, consider using a pregnancy pillow between the thighs. A comfortable pillow can reduce the pressure of your weight when you lie on your side.
You may observe some swelling in your ankles and feet due to the pressure caused by your over-sized uterus on the pelvic veins. This condition is usually known as pregnancy edema or foot and ankle edema during pregnancy. In this condition, the fluid circulation can be restricted to only the lower part of the body.
Fetal changes that occur in a 23 weeks pregnant woman:
When you are 23 weeks pregnant, your baby is longer than your foot and weighs more than a pound.
The baby’s bones continue to ossify, and the baby’s tiny taste buds also begin to develop. Also, the baby’s lungs start developing surfactant, which is a substance that helps the lungs expand after birth.
Baby’s small veins are now apparent through his or her translucent and wrinkled skin. By this time, your baby’s body proportions are very much identical to those of a newborn but lacking the body fat.
The pancreas, which is responsible for hormone production, is developing, and the baby’s body also starts producing insulin.
You can clearly see the baby’s fingernails and various other body parts when you get the 23-week ultrasound scan. Placental Insufficiency
The baby has a well-developed hearing system. He or she can clearly hear your voice, heartbeat, and digestive noises.
The bones responsible for ear firmness have already begun to develop. The baby is continuing to fill out and look much more proportional. A baby’s skin is becoming more wrinkled and looks red. This will be set once the baby secretes fat.
When you are 23 weeks pregnant, there is a chance of premature birth. When the baby is born between 23-26 weeks, the survival rate is only 15%. After 26 weeks, the survival rate increases to 80–90%.
What care should be taken?
In order to prevent pregnancy edema, avoid sitting for longer periods. Try to stay active as much as possible, and this will help to prevent pregnancy ankles. Sit by keeping the feet somewhat elevated. The severity of edema is greater at the end of the day, especially when you sit or stand for the whole day. Sitting with your legs crossed can aggravate your edemas.
Always try to stay hydrated because dehydration can result in premature birth. Warm milk should be consumed before going to bed to alleviate heartburn.
Avoid staying in extremely hot weather because it can aggravate itchiness. Also, it is important to maintain a proper balance between moments of rest and activity. Pre-embryo
Have a wonderful pregnancy experience! Go on to know more about the exciting things during 24 weeks pregnant symptoms…
