23 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Hearing, Symptoms & Safe Nursery

23 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Hearing, Symptoms & Safe Nursery

At 23 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a grapefruit and can now hear your voice. Their movements are stronger and more frequent, and they're practising breathing. It's a great time to start planning your baby's nursery and safe sleep space.

Baby's size
About the size of a grapefruit (around 29cm head to heel, 500g)
Big development
Hearing sounds from outside, including your voice
Common symptoms
Rib ache, tingling hands, snoring and baby brain
This week
Start planning a safe nursery

What's happening this week

Those early flutters are turning into stronger kicks, twists and stretches as your baby's muscles get a regular workout.

Hearing

Tuning in to you

Your baby can hear sounds from outside your body, like your voice, music and even a barking dog. Talking and singing to your bump helps them get to know you.

Lungs

Practising

Blood vessels in the lungs are growing, and your baby is practising breathing movements. The placenta still supplies all their oxygen.

Skin

Filling out

Your baby's skin is thin, pinkish-red and a little wrinkly. As they lay down fat, it will smooth out and they'll look plumper.

Your due date is an estimate. Babies can arrive safely any time from 37 to 42 weeks, and only about 1 in 20 arrive on their due date.

Symptoms at 23 weeks pregnant

  • Rib ache and breathlessness. Your growing uterus pushes up against your diaphragm and ribs. Sitting up straight and stretching your arms above your head can give your lungs more room.
  • Tingling hands. Swelling can press on a nerve in your wrist, causing carpal tunnel syndrome. Wrist splints at night, stretches and breaks from repetitive tasks help. See your doctor or a physio if it's severe.
  • Bloating. Progesterone slows digestion. Small, frequent meals and plenty of water help.
  • Snoring. A swollen nasal lining can make you snore. A humidifier and sleeping on your side can help. Tell your doctor if you gasp or stop breathing in your sleep.
  • Baby brain. Forgetfulness and trouble concentrating are common. Lists, phone reminders and a good night's sleep can help.
  • Back pain. A growing bump puts extra strain on your back. Here are some tips for easing back pain.

Call your doctor, midwife or hospital straight away if you have sudden vision changes, double vision or flashing lights, back pain that comes in regular waves, constant pain on one side, or weakness in your legs. Here's how to tell Braxton Hicks from labour.

Planning a safe nursery

It's a lovely time to start setting up your baby's space. Red Nose recommends your baby sleeps in a safe cot or bassinet in your room for the first 6 to 12 months. Here's what to include in their sleep space, and what to leave out.

Include

  • A cot that meets the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 2172), or a safe bassinet
  • A firm, flat mattress that fits snugly, with no gaps
  • Fitted sheets
  • A safe baby sleeping bag, with no hood
  • A room thermometer to help you dress your baby for the temperature

Leave out

  • Pillows, cot bumpers and soft toys
  • Loose blankets, doonas and sheepskins
  • Sleep positioners and wedges
  • Anything that could cover your baby's face or head

Our sleep list covers everything for a safe sleep space, and our pregnancy checklist helps you plan the rest.

Old wives' tales: fact or fiction?

Friends and family may share plenty of pregnancy folklore. Here's what's true and what isn't:

  • Predicting the sex from your bump or cravings. Myth. Only a scan, NIPT or a diagnostic test can tell you.
  • You should sleep on your left side. Partly true. From 28 weeks, going to sleep on your side lowers the risk of stillbirth, but the left and right sides are both fine.
  • Partners can get pregnancy symptoms. True. Some partners notice nausea, heartburn or sleep changes. It's called couvade syndrome.
  • Avoid hot tubs and saunas. True. Overheating isn't safe in pregnancy, so skip spas, saunas and very hot baths.

Your to-do list for week 23

Helpful for this stage

The sleep listEverything for your baby's sleep spaceSee the list BassinetsA safe first bed for your newbornShop bassinets Sleeping bagsSafe sleep without loose beddingShop sleeping bags

Week 23 FAQs

Can my baby hear my voice at 23 weeks?

Yes, your baby can now hear sounds from outside your body, including your voice, though they're muffled by fluid and tissue. Talking, reading and singing to your bump helps your baby get to know your voice before birth.

What helps carpal tunnel in pregnancy?

Wrist splints worn at night, gentle hand and wrist stretches, taking breaks from repetitive tasks and sleeping with your hands raised on a pillow can help. See your doctor or a physio if the tingling or pain is severe. It usually settles after birth.

Is snoring normal in pregnancy?

Yes, it's common, as pregnancy hormones make the lining of your nose swell. A humidifier and sleeping on your side can help. Tell your doctor if you snore loudly, gasp or stop breathing in your sleep, or feel very tired during the day.

Should I sleep on my left side when pregnant?

From 28 weeks, going to sleep on your side, either left or right, lowers the risk of stillbirth compared with sleeping on your back. Both sides are fine, so choose whichever is most comfortable.

What do I need for a safe nursery?

A cot that meets the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 2172), a firm, flat, well-fitting mattress, fitted sheets and a safe sleeping bag. Keep the cot clear of pillows, bumpers, soft toys and loose bedding.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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