Pregnancy Week By Week

23 Weeks Pregnant: Development, Symptoms and Care

At 23 weeks pregnant, movements may be becoming familiar, and you may notice occasional tightenings or more trips to the toilet. This is a good time to know which changes can be discussed at an appointment and which need a call straight away.

Your baby’s development at 23 weeks

Colour is developing in your baby’s hair and eyebrows, and the pancreas is producing insulin. Development is still ongoing. These details do not mean the baby is ready for life outside the uterus, and they do not tell you whether your own blood glucose is within the expected range.

Body changes and symptoms

Pressure on your bladder can make you need to pass urine more often. Burning or pain when you wee needs prompt medical advice, however, because a urinary tract infection may need treatment. If you also have fever, chills, back pain or feel unwell, seek urgent care. Drinking water does not replace assessment or antibiotics when prescribed.

You might feel irregular tightenings known as Braxton Hicks, or not notice them at all. At this stage, do not assume painful or regular contractions are practice contractions. New pelvic pressure, persistent lower back or abdominal pain, bleeding or leaking fluid needs immediate assessment for possible early labour.

Movements as you approach 24 weeks

Most people first feel their baby between 16 and 24 weeks. If you have never felt movement by 24 weeks, contact your midwife or doctor. You can ask for advice now if you are uncertain or worried; you do not have to wait for that date.

If movements reduce or change in a way that concerns you, contact your maternity team immediately and do not wait until tomorrow. If they are unavailable, go to the nearest hospital maternity or emergency unit. Do not rely on a home Doppler or try to trigger movement with food or a cold drink before seeking help.

The next tests and appointments

A blood glucose tolerance test is usually offered between 24 and 28 weeks to check for gestational diabetes. Ask your clinician how it applies to you, particularly if diabetes has already been diagnosed or you have had earlier testing. Get the clinic’s preparation instructions and tell them if you cannot tolerate the test.

Check that your morphology scan report and any follow-up have been discussed. If you have not had a scan and would like one, contact your care team about the next appropriate step rather than assuming you have missed every opportunity.

If you have not yet discussed whooping cough vaccination, bring it up. In Australia it is recommended during each pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. Your clinician can advise on the plan that fits your pregnancy.

A practical step this week

Save your maternity service’s daytime and after-hours numbers somewhere easy to find, and ask which hospital area you should attend at your current gestation. Knowing the route in advance can make an unexpected call less confusing.

For routine questions, write down what you want to ask at the next visit. For concerning symptoms, use the numbers now. Our prenatal care guide can help you organise ongoing support.

When to seek medical help

In Australia, call 000 for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain or collapse. Do not drive yourself if faint or very unwell.

Contact your GP, midwife or hospital immediately for vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, fever, vomiting that prevents drinking, persistent or worsening pain, or concerning contractions. Severe headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling or pain under your ribs also needs urgent assessment. If your usual team is unavailable, seek urgent care rather than waiting for an appointment.