Week 23 of pregnancy
Updated 25 Oct 2026
Your baby this week
About the size of a young pomelo
Source: Vinmec – Bảng cân nặng và chiều dài thai nhi theo tiêu chuẩn của WHO
Your baby's development
Your baby is about 28.9 cm long and weighs about 540 grams, about the size of a squash.
The fat layer under the skin is developing more. Your baby's skin has become plumper and rosier. Your baby's lungs are also gradually maturing and starting to produce a substance called surfactant. This substance reduces surface tension and counters elastic recoil, helping the lungs collapse less.
Inside your tummy your baby is still doing breathing practice, such as moving amniotic fluid in and out of the lungs. This practice is very important for developing the diaphragm.
Fists moving back and forth accidentally make little punches. Don't be surprised when you feel a few movements from inside your tummy now and then; it's just a super cute bid for attention from your baby.
Your body
In week 23 of pregnancy your body goes through some more changes. Your breasts may start to leak colostrum. Some mums don't have this, even though their milk glands are working normally. Tiny white spots may appear on your nipples. Your breasts may feel tight and itchy.
Some mums-to-be have "hot flushes", feeling as if they always have a fever. You may get "grumpy" more often to let off steam.
Advice
Learn to relax (remember to practise deep breathing regularly with Doti), and do yoga. Drink more water every day. Momby also encourages you to share with your baby's dad. Momby believes he will really enjoy hearing about the daily activities of you and your baby.
If your breasts leak colostrum, you can use breast pads.
Watch the video for this article
Signs that need a doctor now
If you notice any of the signs below, please go to the nearest health facility to be checked by a doctor.
Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy
This sign needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to the nearest health facility now. If the bleeding is heavy or comes with severe pain or faintness, call the emergency number 115.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Convulsions (fits)
A convulsion in pregnancy is an emergency. Family members should call 115 at once, lay the mother on her side in a safe place and get her to the nearest hospital.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Fever in pregnancy
A temperature above 38°C counts as a fever. Please go to a health facility so a doctor can find the cause and advise on safe ways to bring it down; do not take medicine on your own.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Leaking fluid or waters breaking
Fluid leaking from the vagina may mean the waters are leaking or have broken and needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to a health facility soon, lying with your head low while travelling.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Severe headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling
Headache with blurred vision, or sudden swelling of the face, hands or eyelids, can be a sign of high blood pressure in pregnancy or pre-eclampsia. This sign needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to the nearest health facility now.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Reduced or no fetal movement
A clear drop in the baby's movements, or no movement, needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to the nearest health facility now rather than waiting until tomorrow.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Severe or worsening abdominal pain
Abdominal pain that keeps getting worse, does not ease, or is severe needs to be checked by a doctor. Please go to the nearest health facility now. If the pain is severe with sweating, faintness or bleeding, call 115.
Source: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
Sources
Content advised by our doctors.
- NHS (accessed 22 Oct 2026)
- ACOG (accessed 22 Oct 2026)
- Vinmec (accessed 22 Oct 2026)
- Source for fetal size: Vinmec – Bảng cân nặng và chiều dài thai nhi theo tiêu chuẩn của WHO
- Source for the signs that need a doctor: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Tâm Anh – Các dấu hiệu nguy hiểm trong thai kỳ
This article helps you understand and prepare. It does not replace a check-up. For an answer about your own situation, please ask the doctor who is caring for you.