Your pregnancy at 23 weeks

Have you been feeling those kicks? As you start to feel your baby move more and more, get to know their patterns. You will likely notice when they have little naps and when they are more active. If you notice these movements reduce, then do mention this to your midwife or GP. Baby Baby’s arms and legs are now in proportion to the rest of their body, and they are just looking cuter by the day, and it won’t be long before those arms and legs start pushing out of your tummy, both a weird and amazing thing to witness. Baby is now approximately the size of a pregnancy magazine and weighs 500g, the same as a bag of pasta – ideally wholemeal (you’ll see why in a moment). Mum Oh bum!

Have you experienced the joy of piles yet mum?

Another wonderful side effect of pregnancy is an increased chance of piles or haemorrhoids, which is the swelling of blood vessels around your bottom.

They aren’t pleasant and caused by your hormones making your veins relax. If you are really suffering, then let your midwife know.

It may also be worth increasing the fruit and fibre (not the cereal) in your diet, simple switches like white pasta to wholemeal will help, and drinking plenty of water.

Also, worth mentioning, your skin is more sensitive to sunlight during pregnancy so it may be worth using a sun cream even when cloudy in the warmer months.

This article has been written using the latest guidance and information from trusted sources, primarily the NHS. This information should not replace the advice from professional medical advice.