Your Pregnancy: Week 23

Dad puts baby shoes on mum's pregnant bump

Your pēpi may weigh almost 500 grams by now.

By week 23, your pēpi is weighing in at almost half a kilo and measuring about 30cm. Proportionally, they are similar to a newborn but still have plenty of growing in size and weight to go. The pancreas is fully functioning and their eyes are formed.

If you feel an irregular tightening feeling across your belly, these are called ‘Braxton Hicks’. They aren’t dangerous or harmful and aren’t the real thing yet; they’re thought to be practice contractions and are completely normal. Braxton Hicks should be painless or feel like mild period cramps but if they feel too intense, contact your LMC.