Pregnancy at 23 Weeks

How the baby's growing:

Baby's sense of movement is well developed by now, he can feel his mommy dance when radio is turned on and sway to the music. He is now more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), I already see him squirm underneath my clothes. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing for breathing and the sounds that the baby's increasingly kken ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises such as dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner - probably won't faze him when he hears them outside the womb.

How life is changing:

Ankles and feet may start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in the legs — coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause some water retention — may result in swelling, also known as edema. Body will get rid of the extra fluid after the baby is born, which is why you'll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery. In the meantime, it is best lie on your left side or put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, and avoid sitting — or standing — in one place for long periods. Also, try to exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning) and roomy, comfortable shoes. You may be tempted to skimp on liquids to combat swelling, but you need to drink plenty of water because staying hydrated actually helps prevent fluid retention. While a certain amount of edema in your lower extremities is normal during pregnancy, excessive swelling may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Be sure to call your midwife or doctor if you have severe or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, swelling in your face, or puffiness around your eyes.