23 WEEKS PREGNANT
Hearing sharpens — familiar sounds may cause a reaction
Baby this week: about 28.9 cm — head to heel · about 500 g
≈ 28.9 cm — about the size of a grapefruit
Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size
Your baby this week
- Hearing is developed enough that the fetus may react to loud noises or familiar voices
- Blood vessels in the lungs are developing to prepare for breathing after birth
- Skin is starting to look less translucent as pigment develops
- The inner ear, responsible for balance, is now fully developed
Your body this week
- Some notice more noticeable kicks and rolls, especially in the evening
- Skin itching, especially over the belly, can occur as it continues to stretch Intense itching — especially of the palms and soles, or worse at night — is different: report it to your provider, as it can indicate a liver condition of pregnancy (obstetric cholestasis).
This week's tip: Talking, singing, or playing music can be a nice way to start connecting — the fetus can now hear muffled sounds from outside.
Want the bigger picture — organ development, nutrition, scans and warning signs for this stage? See month 6: Settling into the bump.
Sizes and milestones are typical ranges — every pregnancy runs on its own clock. Educational content; your prenatal care team's guidance always comes first.