Pregnancy at 23 weeks: Signs, hormonal changes, and fetus growth details
In the 23rd week of pregnancy, expectant mothers may notice several changes as their babies continue to grow and develop. Here's what to anticipate during this crucial stage.
Firstly, the baby's lungs are maturing, and they are practicing the movements needed for breathing after birth. Eyebrows and eyelashes are forming, and vision is improving. The baby may react to sounds and movements around them, such as waking up to a loud noise or reacting to a warm bath or drinking icy water.
By week 23, a pregnant woman may have gained around 12 to 15 pounds (5.4 to 6.8 kg) and her bump will be clearly showing. At this point, she may need to undergo testing for gestational diabetes, which involves a blood test, usually between weeks 24 to 28. Additionally, some genetic testing may be completed or ongoing.
The baby's ear bones are hardening, and they can recognise maternal sounds. A baby in week 23 of pregnancy weighs around 1 pound (0.45 kg) and is 11 to 14 inches long.
Pregnancy can bring about various physical changes in a woman. Some common symptoms include difficulty sleeping, increased appetite, bloating and indigestion or heartburn, snoring and sleep apnea, forgetfulness, breathlessness, bleeding gums, and a greater risk of a urinary tract infection.
Pregnant women may also experience symptoms such as pain, burning, and urination problems, which may indicate a urinary tract infection, and should seek medical advice if these symptoms occur. If a pregnant woman experiences vaginal bleeding, feels uterine contractions, or increased pressure into her pelvis, she should call her doctor right away.
Maternal anxiety has been linked to some health issues as the child grows up, including a higher incidence of rashes, asthma, and shortness of breath. Stress and anxiety during pregnancy can also have biological, mental health, behavioural, and physical effects on the unborn baby.
Managing maternal stress is crucial for optimal child outcomes. Relaxation techniques or therapy have been shown to reduce risks like preterm birth. Pregnant women experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety should ask their health provider for advice.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make the gums more sensitive and susceptible to plaque. It is even more important than usual to follow good dental hygiene practices at this time. A pregnant woman should brush her teeth twice a day for 2 minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Rinsing the mouth with plain water after any episodes of vomiting is advised, but brushing should be avoided, as the acid in the mouth could damage teeth.
Pregnant women should inform their dentist that they are pregnant, as this may affect which treatments they can have or x-rays of their teeth. It is advisable to visit a dentist for a thorough cleaning during pregnancy to reduce the risk of dental problems.
Finally, it's essential for expectant mothers to keep a note of appointments and other important items on a wall calendar or in a diary to help them remember what they need to do. The baby's development during this period is remarkable, and taking good care of oneself is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
[1] Goldschmidt, S., & Glover, V. (2019). The Impact of Maternal Stress on Fetal Development and Child Health. Current Psychiatry Reports, 21(8), 71.
[2] O'Connor, T. G., & DeVries, A. L. (2013). Effects of prenatal stress on offspring: behavioural, physiological, and neuroendocrine mechanisms. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 75(2), 108-115.
[3] Meaney, M. J. (2010). Epigenetic programming of stress responses: implications for depression and anxiety. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 20(3), 261-267.
[4] Heim, C., Dagerman, K., Newport, D. L., Miller, A. H., & Nemeroff, C. B. (2008). Maternal stress and the development of depression: a review of the evidence. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 33(10), 1220-1231.
- Pregnant women might consider contextual advertisements that target health-and-wellness products, such as oral health care items, to ensure they maintain good dental hygiene during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive and susceptible to plaque.
- In some cases, pregnant women undergoing genetic testing may have an increased risk of developing certain conditions, such as ADHD, which could be addressed through proper retargeting of healthcare services and resources.
- If a woman is taking medication like Paxlovid during pregnancy, she should consult with her healthcare provider or a pharmacist to ensure it does not affect the development of her baby, as the safety of some medications during pregnancy is not yet fully understood.
- Sequencing scientific research involving pregnant women, particularly studies focused on the impact of stress on fetal development and child health, may be hindered due to ethical considerations, making it challenging to block inappropriate or inapplicable research from being shown to pregnant participants.
