Your baby at 23 weeks
Your baby's lungs are not yet able to work properly, but they are practising breathing movements to prepare for life outside the womb.
Your baby gets all their oxygen from you via the placenta and will do so until they're born.
You at 23 weeks
You may develop piles (haemorrhoids). Piles are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels inside or around your bottom (the rectum and anus).
Piles can happen to anyone, pregnant or not, and can be very uncomfortable. They can happen when you're pregnant because hormones make your veins relax, but there are ways to ease piles in pregnancy.
Tiredness and lack of sleep are common in pregnancy. There are plenty of things you can do to help yourself sleep, including using pillows to support your growing bump.
Things to think about
- how to write a birth plan
- why breastfeeding is good for you and your baby
- things you'll need for your baby
Start4Life has more about you and your baby at 23 weeks of pregnancy
You can sign up for Start4Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.