What To Expect at 23 Weeks Pregnant: Real Talk from Your Doula BFF

If you’re 23 weeks pregnant, congrats!

You’re more than halfway through your pregnancy journey, and whether you’re feeling like a glowing goddess or a tired hot mess (both are valid!), this week brings some big changes for both you and baby.

Let’s break it down.

🤰 What’s Happening to Your Body at 23 Weeks?

At 23 weeks, your uterus is around the size of a soccer ball and sitting above your belly button. You might start feeling:

• More consistent baby movements (those fluttery kicks are now full-on jabs!)

• Round ligament pain

• Increased appetite

• Slight swelling in your feet or hands

• A stronger need for support garments or belly bands

💡 Doula Tip: A belly support band can make a huge difference in easing lower back and ligament pain. Trust me—you’ll thank yourself.

👶 Baby Development This Week

Your baby is about 11 inches long and just over a pound. Their lungs are developing rapidly (though not quite ready for the outside world just yet), and their skin is still translucent, but fat is starting to fill in!

Fun fact: Your baby can now hear your voice more clearly—so go ahead and chat, sing, or even read them a story.

📝 What Should You Be Doing at 23 Weeks?

Here’s your prep list:
✅ Start reviewing childbirth education options
✅ Look into birthing classes or doulas
✅ Begin thinking about your birth plan preferences
✅ Keep drinking water like it’s your job
✅ Stretch daily to ease discomfort

🧠 Pro Tip: Now is a great time to start learning about breastfeeding before baby arrives. (I’ve got a mini class to make it super simple—link below!)

Want to feel more confident, more prepared, and way less overwhelmed?
Join my Bump To Bundle Blueprint—your step-by-step course to childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care. 💻

Click here to enroll now!

You’ve got this, mama. And I’ve got you.