23 weeks of embarazo: development of the baby and changes in the woman

gestation week: 23 weeks

Equivalent to month: beginning of 6th month

Equivalent to the days: 155 to 161 days of gestation

In the 23rd week of pregnancy, the baby’s development is marked by the beginning of the production of insulin by the pancreas, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels. The skin of the baby is more pink and the intestine starts to carry out the first movements that will serve for the future digestion of food during the birth.

During this week, the woman may experience suffocation (sudden heat), due to the normal hormonal alterations of the embarrassment, and a little lack of air due to the growth of the uterus, which can put pressure on the lungs. Asimism, symptoms of swelling in legs and feet, pelvic pain or contractions by Braxton Hicks can continue.

baby development

In the 23rd week of pregnancy, the bones of the baby are strengthened, as the skeleton, which was formed by cartilage, a type of tissue that is softer than the skin, is being transformed into bone tissue.

The skin of the baby is more wrinkled, covered by a thin layer of velvet known as lanugo and, despite being transparent, it has a more pink color due to the presence of blood vessels.

The lungs continue to develop, especially the blood vessels that will be responsible for gas exchanges in the lungs during birth, eliminating carbon dioxide and absorbing oxygen during breathing.

In this phase of pregnancy, the baby’s pancreas starts to produce insulin, a hormone responsible for controlling the blood sugar levels, and the intestine starts to carry out the first peristaltic movements, which are essential for the future digestion of food when the baby nazca.

Baby size and weight

The size of the fetus at 23 weeks of gestation is around 20.3 cm, being equivalent to the size of a mango. The baby’s weight this week is approximately 565 g.

Changes in the woman’s body

In the 23rd week of embarrassment, the woman may continue to feel pelvic pain, swelling in the legs or in the legs or contractions of Braxton Hicks, and calambres in the legs may arise.

Also, pain in the ribs may appear as the chest expands to accommodate the growing baby, and there is also a little lack of air, as the increase in size of the uterus can put pressure on the lungs.

In this phase of pregnancy, due to the normal hormonal changes in the embarrassment, the woman may have stress and more sensitivity in the breasts, which occurs thanks to the increase in the size of the milk producing glands, which are preparing for the future lactation.

Care during the 23rd week

In the 23rd week of pregnancy, some precautions are important to help alleviate any ailments that may arise, such as:

• Pelvic pain: do light stretches and gentle movements, practice yoga or pilates, always under medical advice, help strengthen the muscles to support body changes during embarrassment. However, if the pain does not improve or if you are sick, you should contact your doctor immediately;
• Hinchazón en las piernas y pies: walking or other exercises recommended by the doctor and sitting or leaning with los pies as long as possible, helping to alleviate the ailments of las piernas and swollen feet. However, if the hinchazón does not improve, it starts suddenly or the hinchazón appears in the hands or on the face, you should seek medical help immediately, as it could be a sign of preeclampsia. See more about preeclampsia and how treatment is performed;
• Braxton Hicks Contractions: moving the body or doing exercises recommended by the doctor helps to alleviate the discomfort of the contractions. However, if the contraction is strong, it is very often accompanied by other symptoms such as pain in the back, vaginal bleeding or liquid flow, medical help should be sought immediately, if the woman may have gone into labor. Know how to identify the first symptoms of labor;
• Calambres on the legs: massage the pantorrilla, apply hot compresses or use supplements such as calcium, magnesium or vitamin B, recommended by the doctor, can help to reduce the calambres;
• Pain in the ribs or lack of air: putting the legs up and relaxing can help alleviate these ailments. However, if the woman is short of air, has difficulty breathing, has rapid breathing or hyperventilation, pain in the pecho or her lips or fingers turn bluish, medical help should be sought as soon as possible;
• Hot flashes: take a tibio bath, wear thinner and lighter clothes, avoid staying in very hot places and use a fan or air conditioned in the environment, can help to reduce this disease.

During embarassment, it is important to keep the body hydrated, drinking at least 8 vessels of water a day, as this can help to improve blood circulation and relieve the symptoms of calambres, swelling in the piernas and in the feet and sores.

It is also important to have a balanced and nutritious diet that includes foods rich in calcium such as milk, yogurt or broccoli, in addition to fresh fruits, for example, to provide the nutrients necessary for the healthy development of the baby. Find out more about food in the embarazo.

Likewise, it is necessary to follow the medical recommendations, take the supplements indicated by the obstetrician and practice physical activity such as swimming, hydrogymnasia or walking, with the objective of strengthening the muscles and controlling the weight gain during embarrassment.

Find out in what month of the embarazo you find yourself, introducing your data next: