Women’s Services
This week, your baby is as big as a carrot.
The following information was reviewed by Dr. Chor, Michael
Rapid development of baby's lungs in preparation for birth. The blood vessels in your baby's heart are also developing, but it will be several weeks before the entire heart is fully developed.
At the 23rd week of pregnancy, your baby can already move the muscles of their whole body, becoming stronger and stronger, moving freely in the uterus, no longer just twitching unconsciously.
The blood vessels in the baby's lungs are developing, practicing the breathing manoeuvre that moves amniotic fluid in and out of the lungs. Surfactant, a substance made up of proteins and fats begins to form in the baby's lungs. This keeps the lungs inflated and prevents them from collapsing
Your baby's hearing is getting better and better, and they will respond to sudden loud noises, such as a dog barking, a door closing, or a car engine.
Your baby's bones are also starting to harden, so remember to take in enough calcium every day!
Although they cannot eat yet, their digestive system has started to practice pushing food, just like practicing swallowing, so the baby will be able to drink milk as soon as he is born.
As your baby grows rapidly and the hormones make the joints and ligaments loose, the pregnant woman's belly becomes bigger, making it difficult to see things at her feet. Your movements may appear clumsy, and you may experience leg edema and cramps. Remember to slow down the pace of daily life and be careful to avoid tripping accidentally.
Your body temperature is higher than usual, coupled with changes in metabolic rate and hormonal surges, causing you to sweat more than usual and have a more obvious odour, especially in the less ventilated areas such as armpits. This can be mitigated through simple good hygiene habits.
The body produces a lot of estrogen during pregnancy, which relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, causing acid reflux, resulting in a burning sensation in the chest, which can lead to indigestion.
Headaches due to hormonal changes are very common. Stress and exhaustion can also make headaches worse. You should try to avoid overheating or dehydration. If you experience headaches, try lying in a dark and quiet room to rest or eating a snack.
At the 23rd week of pregnancy, the belly has increased significantly, and there may be symptoms such as increased appetite and sweating. It is recommended that you:
Whether you’re planning for an addition to your family or are already pregnant, OT&P’s Maternity Team is here to help.