Week 23 of Pregnancy

At 23 weeks pregnant, your baby is approximately the size of a grapefruit, measuring about 11.4 inches long and weighing around 1.1 pounds. This week, your baby's hearing is really coming online. They can hear your voice clearly, along with your heartbeat, digestion, and sounds from the outside world. Studies show babies respond to music and familiar voices, so keep talking and singing to your bump. Your baby may hiccup regularly now - you might feel these as rhythmic little movements. The lungs are developing but are not yet mature enough to breathe air. Your baby is practicing breathing movements by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. Sleep cycles are becoming more established, with periods of activity and rest. The skin is still wrinkled and translucent, but fat is accumulating underneath, which will eventually fill out those wrinkles and give your baby that adorable newborn chubbiness.

For leg cramps, try stretching your calves before bed by flexing your foot upward toward your shin. Stay well-hydrated and make sure you are getting enough magnesium and potassium in your diet - bananas, leafy greens, and nuts are good sources. Some women find that a warm bath before bed helps prevent cramps. If you have not started planning your baby shower, now is a good time. Many showers happen between 28-32 weeks, so starting to think about guest lists, venues, and themes gives you plenty of time. Consider signing up for childbirth classes if you have not already - popular classes fill up quickly. Continue talking and singing to your baby; they can hear you and will recognize your voice after birth.