Baby is just over a pound this week, probably somewhere between 1 – 1.25 lbs and measures just over 11 inches long.
Your baby will spend the next several weeks filling out and packing on that fat. Every day that passes, baby is looking more and more like a newborn.
He or she is moving all around in there. Your partner might even be able to feel baby from the outside at this point, such an exciting milestone!
Baby continues to be able to hear sounds from the outside and is working hard to learn your specific voice, mama.
Research shows that babies not only can learn their mother’s voice while still inside the womb, but also that they show a preference to mom’s voice over others – so sweet!
You might notice your baby reacts or gets more active in response to you eating or drinking
The subtle flutters you have been feeling are likely turning into distinguishable kicks and jabs
Baby's brain is developing very quickly
Melasma or “mask of pregnancy” (discoloration around the nose, forehead, cheeks, eyes)
Darker and larger nipples and areola
Braxton Hicks contractions
Moderate swelling in feet/ ankles
Hot Flashes
Leg cramps
Your growing uterus, baby, and belly might be “getting in the way” of some things. As your uterus continues to expand, sitting right on top of your bladder, you might find yourself making several bathroom runs during the night.
Additionally, it might just be tough to get comfortable in the bed. Some mamas prefer a pregnancy pillow while others like several smaller pillows to support them.
It can help to put pillows behind your back, under your belly, between your knees, really wherever you can squeeze them.
Other than tired, and maybe a bit on the big side, you might also be feeling excited! I know it can be such an exhausting time, mama, but putting together a nursery and working on a baby registry can also be a lot of fun and a nice, low energy (at least physically) project.
At 23 weeks you are in your 6th month of pregnancy. Most commonly you will hear, “you are 20 weeks pregnant or I’m 25 weeks pregnant.”
It does get a little tricky when you start referring to pregnancy in months because it’s not an equal comparison. If this helps, you will be in your 6th month of pregnancy for weeks 23-27.
There is a good chance you have already had your anatomy scan by this point, it typically happens between 18 and 22 weeks.
Some babies are less cooperative during the anatomy scan than others and like to play hide and seek, typically scoring themselves an additional ultrasound.
If the ultrasound tech was not able to visualize all of baby’s organs and body parts during the initial anatomy scan, then you probably have a follow-up ultrasound scheduled for them to look at whatever parts they were unable to see.
There are some other conditions that might warrant additional ultrasounds during pregnancy. Having a history of preterm birth, carrying multiples, concerns over baby’s growth, and certain medical conditions might lead to additional ultrasounds past the 20-week anatomy scan.

Do some research on baby nurseries to figure out what you might want
Start thinking about your baby registry
Invest in a belly support band – my personal favorite
Purchase a pregnancy pillow- I have a couple on my Amazon Storefront to help you narrow your search
Start researching babymoons if you plan on taking one
It's never too early to start looking into childcare options – trust me on this one, mama, preschools and daycares fill up fast
Make a point to check in with your mental health – it’s never too early to start doing this and mama, you sure deserve it
Treat yourself to a prenatal massage or pedicure this week – you and your mental health deserve it!
Begin researching birth classes – I offer online birth classes that you can take all from the comfort of your own home – learn more here
Sign up for MLN weekly pregnancy updates to stay up to date on everything going on with your pregnancy. So much good information and it’s all free!






Copyright © 2025 Labor Teen LLC DBA Mommy Labor Nurse. All Rights Reserved.
Labor Teen LLC DBA Mommy Labor Nurse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Click here to learn more.
© 2026 Labor Teen LLC DBA Mommy Labor Nurse