23 weeks pregnant

Your baby this week

Skin is still wrinkly but baby is gaining weight steadily.

• Baby is gaining about a quarter pound a week.
• Hearing is sharp enough to recognize your voice and your partner's voice.
• Blood vessels in lungs are forming to prepare for breathing air.

Your body this week

Your bump is more noticeable. Strangers might start commenting.

• Your uterus is now well above your belly button.
• Swollen feet, ankles, and hands are common (called edema).
• You may notice an upper-back ache from the changing posture.

Common symptoms

• Swelling
• Heartburn
• Bigger appetite
• Faster hair/nail growth
• Hot flashes

Things to do this week

• ✓Elevate feet when you can
• ✓Avoid tight rings/jewelry as fingers swell
• ✓Sleep with extra pillows for back support

For partners this week

Baby knows your voice

• Talk to the bump often — baby is getting to know your voice.
• Take over the standing-up jobs so your partner can put their feet up.

Typical visits around this week

Based on a typical schedule in Ontario. Your doctor or midwife sets the actual timing.

• Routine check-ups (about every 4 weeks)

  Weeks 12–28

  Check-ups are often about every 4 weeks until around 28 weeks. Your provider usually checks your blood pressure, weight and urine, listens to the baby's heartbeat and measures your growing belly. Some people need more visits.

  Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑

  • Is my blood pressure and weight gain on track?
  • Is this symptom I've been having normal?
  • What should I be doing about exercise, work or travel right now?
  • What's coming up before my next visit?

Coming up

• Gestational diabetes screening

  Weeks 24–28

  A blood sugar test offered to everyone between 24 and 28 weeks. It usually starts with a sweet drink and a blood test an hour later; if that result is high, a longer fasting test follows. Some people are tested earlier.

  Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑

  • Do I need to fast or change what I eat beforehand?
  • How long should I plan to be at the lab?
  • When will I hear about my results?
  • What happens if I need the second test?

• Rh immune globulin (if you're Rh negative)

  Weeks 27–29 · if it applies to you

  Your Rh blood type is checked in early bloodwork. If you're Rh negative, you'll usually be offered an Rh immune globulin injection at about 28 weeks, and sometimes at other times too (for example after bleeding or after birth). Your provider will explain whether you need it.

  Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑

  • What is my blood type and Rh factor?
  • Do I need the Rh immune globulin shot, and when?
  • Should I call you if I have any bleeding before then?
  • Will I need it again after the baby is born?

• Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine

  Weeks 27–32

  Recommended in every pregnancy, whatever your vaccine history, ideally between 27 and 32 weeks. It helps protect the baby from whooping cough in the first months of life. If it's missed, it can still be given later in pregnancy.

  Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑

  • Can I get the Tdap vaccine at this visit, or where should I go?
  • I had it in a past pregnancy — do I need it again?
  • Can I get other vaccines at the same time?

A flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine are recommended at any stage of pregnancy. The flu shot is given during flu season, so the timing depends on when you're pregnant.

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Further reading from health authorities

• Pregnancy — Government of Canada (Public Health Agency of Canada)
• Your pregnancy — Pregnancy Info, from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
• Week-by-week guide to pregnancy — NHS (UK)
• Pregnancy — American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)