Fetal development: Week 23

Your baby is now 23 centimetres long and weighs around 400 grammes, not far off 1lb. The eyes behind her eyelids are now fully formed, but the eyelids remain firmly shut for the time being.

The pancreas is developing and your baby has started to produce insulin, which will help her regulate her blood sugar levels later on. Overall your baby is reaching her proper proportions and if she were born now would have some chance of survival. The best place for her continued growth is in the womb though, so let’s hope that she stays there for a while yet.

What’s happening with mum
You may be beginning to get a glimpse of some of the discomforts that the third trimester can bring as your spine curves to carry the extra weight of your expanding uterus. Some women don’t really notice this at all, but others may have lower backache or headaches. Flats or low heels are the best option for your feet at this stage, as is putting them up whenever you can! The right exercise can also help ease discomfort and getting into the habit of suitable exercise now, like yoga for pregnancy, will stand you in good stead for the final trimester in a few weeks' time.

People are probably noticing that you’re pregnant now, though all mothers-to-be look different: some carry their babies high, others carry them low, some women broaden out but others don’t.

NB: All pregnancies are different and fetal growth rates vary, this is meant only as an approximate guide to development. If you have any concerns about your developing pregnancy then speak to your doctor.

Caring for your pregnancy

Feeling over-tired, headachey and dizzy? - If you're feeling run down and tired you might be running low on iron, talk to your doctor about getting it checked and make sure you're getting the RDA.

Perk yourself up - If you're feeling sluggish a little bit of moderate exercise might help put a spring in your step, so here are some pointers for exercising safely.

Pregnancy experiences

Feeling run down? - I'm at 23 +3 and I'm feeling really quite lousy. The headaches and dizziness which I remember from the very beginning of my pregnancy are back and I'm really exhausted. Says Kat on the forum.

You can find support, share pregnancy experiences and exchange advice with other ThinkBaby members in the pregnancy folder.

Blogging away - Have you updated your pregnancy blog recently? Why not have a look at how the other pregnant ladies are getting along, or if the blogs are all new to you why not start your own?

Other weeks