Dates and numbers:
There are 117 days until your due date on November 21, 2008.
You are 163 days pregnant.
You are 5.3 months pregnant.
You are in your 6th month of pregnancy.
Your 1st trimester: February 15, 2008 to May 15, 2008. (0 - 12 weeks)
Your 2nd trimester: May 16, 2008 to August 28, 2008. (13 - 27 weeks)
Your 3rd trimester: August 29, 2008 to November 21, 2008. (28 - 40 weeks)

This week your baby's length, from crown-to-rump, is approximately 8 inches! Your growing baby has finally reached one pound. Your baby is about the size of a small baby doll and looks very human. The baby's face and body look similar to that of a newborn at this time. Your uterus can be found about 1.5 inches above your navel. Your total weight gain should be approximately 15 pounds at this time.
You might notice some Braxton-Hicks contractions around this time. These contractions are not regular and they should not be painful. Braxton-Hicks contractions prepare your body for the upcoming labor and they will get stronger as your pregnancy progresses. You might be able to feel the contractions if you put your hand on your abdomen and your baby can probably feel the uterus gripping and massaging her. It will not harm your baby, so there is no need for concern.
Fat is still being deposited at a rapid rate, but your baby still looks red and wrinkled. Skin is being produced at a higher rate than the fat is, so the skin hangs loosely. Your baby looks red because the skin is losing its transparency and pigment is beginning to form. You should be feeling your baby moving quite a bit throughout the day as she will kick and punch the uterus walls. Babies also run their hands along the umbilical cord and touch their body parts while they are in the womb.

Your baby now can suck her thumb for real, where she was just sticking it in her mouth. Your baby will continue to swallow amniotic fluid and recycle it as urine. The liquids and sugars that the baby retracts from the fluid is a supplement to the nutrients that the placenta delivers. You might be able to feel small `jumps` inside of you when your baby gets the hiccups from swallowing fluid. The pancreas is developing and it will responsible for insulin production, to help break down sugars.
Oily fish in your diet could help boost your baby's health. (Women who eat oily fish while pregnant have children with better visual development, a major study at Bristol University suggests.)
As the baby continues to grow, it has less space to move around in the uterus. Bones, muscles and organs are growing steadily.
Comments on week 23Comments 1-49 of about 4751 from week 23
10 messages have been added in the last 24 hours.
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Show latest comments from all weeksMommykee08 -
2.6 hours ago
Hi everyone, let me tell you all what happen to me. I woke and my eye was red. I thought it was pink eye because I never had an problem like that. Well I called the doc and the nurse said it may be a burst blood vessel. So she started asking me did have any signs of high blood pressure I told her my ankles and feet stay swollen. She says it sound like my blood pressure caused the blood vessel to burst.I go to the doc next week for my 24week check up. Do you all think I should go to the ER or wait? laura2525 -
14.6 hours ago
kceg85 i mean!!! lollaura2525 -
14.6 hours ago
Thanks, Kseg85, I miscarried last year and every little ache,pain or little thing that doesnt seem quite right puts me on pins!! xkceg85 -
14.7 hours ago
Laura...I asked my doctor about that and she said that the older the baby gets the slower the heart rate...Hope that helps some!kceg85 -
14.7 hours ago
I dont think so Saraw...depending what Im doing I dont feel my baby move until night and then she moves like crazy...just ask your doctor to ease your fears ;)laura2525 -
14.7 hours ago
Hi every body!!!! Hope u are all well!! I went to go and see my midwife this morning for a check up and to check all is going well!! Every thing seemed fine, Babies hear rate was 130-146 beats per minuet which is a little lower than the last time it was checked at 16 weeks it was 150-155 beats per minuet and the time before when i was 14 weeks it was 150 beats per minuet.. It's worried me a little to be honest and i am just curious as to what your babies heart rates have been and have they dropped or gone up at all?? Let me no girls and put my mind at rest a little x x x x x x xsaraw -
16.3 hours ago
Just checking to see if anyone else has experienced this yet, my baby has been very active up until today. i have not felt her move at all yet today. does anyone think that i should be concerned??blackliner -
18.5 hours ago
I thougth everything was fine! I went for my routine appointment today and was told that I have placenta previa and will most likely move up by the time I give birth, but if not I have to have a c-section!! THEN the doc said that my baby has a cyst on her brain?! and it fairly common, but still could be a problem and now i have to go in at 28 wks for u/s and see if things are better!!!!! UGH!! I AM SO not in a cool place right now! I was preg last year and my baby only made it to 24 weeks because of a chromosonal thing and now they are saying there is a slight chance of another chromosonal thing happing!!! they said it was like getting struck by lightning and the odds of this baby being unhealthy yadda yadda yadda! I knew i shoulod have waited to be happy!! I know they said it was a slight chance that this thing would not clear up but it seems to be me that this type of stuff would happen to! ok im sorry about this being so long i just need to get this out and maybe somebody knows something about this???????raechelle -
18.8 hours ago
everyone please pray for my cousins baby. she is 2 and a half years old. her name is isabella. her mother brought her in to childres hospital for tired behavior and sensitivity to light. they sent her home several times. her mother was persistant and said i know my daughter and something is wrong. the doctor laughed and said if it makes you happy i will do an mri on her. she said that would make her happy so they did it. a little while later the team of doctors came in and told my cousin her daugher had a brain tumor that appears to be malignant. they will not know if it is malgnant until it is removed and biopsied. the also told her start learning to live without her baby. they are doing surgery to try to remove it monday. everyone please please pray for her. thanks to allfirstbabbyclaire -
1 days ago
hey ladies..week 23 is goin so fast!!! i was just wondering....i had a breast reduction 5 years ago. the m/w says its just a 'wait and see' case regarding whether i can breastfeed or not!! i am really hoping to and was just wondering if anyone has had personal experience with this issue or knows of anybody who has successfully managed to breastfeed after breast surgery!!! thanks girls, hope your all well!!! claire x x xaz-mommy -
1 days ago
This is my first pregnancy,I have a few questions. This last week and more in the last couple days I've noticed more pressure, is this because the baby and everything is just getting heavier? And is more comfortable to walk slightly like a duck. Not sure how early in the pregnancy that should happen. The pressure I feel is not painful, just noticeable. Also, have felt severe tightening in the lower abdomen making me have to pee, not much comes out- then is gone-as long as this doesn't happen 4x's or more in an hour it's fine -right? Just want to be sure, I've been stressed and don't want it to negatively effect our baby. MAYBE OVERREACTING -SORRYprincessmommy -
1 days ago
Hey everyone, I just joined this site and I am in week 23. I hear about all these people with, wonderful pregnancy and how they loved it. I on the other hand am having a realy hard pregnancy. I still have morning sickness, I stay tired, my back kills me, my feet and hands are swollen, my baby punches so hard it hurts, and I am still so emotional, I have been told by everyone around that I am having a really bad pregnancy. Well I already knew that, I am so ready for the baby to be here already. Anyone who feels like me, I;d like to talk to XOXOblackliner -
1 days ago
So i took a nap, falling asleep with my hand over my belly, and i had the most incredible dream of my lil girl! I dont remember much, but that I kept saying in my dream how beautiful she was, i just remember waking up thinking of how delighted i was ! I cant imagine loving another child as much as i already love my son, so having this dream was nice! i cant wait to meet her!!dustyrose1221 -
1 days ago
On to week 24 tomorrow, im so excited! Good luck to all!Mrs. Beasley -
1 days ago
Well it is my last day in week 23 - on to week 24. Take care everyone and see you in week 24mary5 -
2 days ago
HI,I AM NEW TO THIS SITE.I JUST DID ALL THE PROFILE STUFF,AND AM LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO TALK TOO.MY EDD IS 11-20.I HAVE 4 CHILDREN,1 BOY AND 3 GIRLS.THIS ONE COMING IS A BOY.WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO HAVE ANOTHER BOY COMING.HOPE TO GET TO KNOW ALL OF YOU BETTER AND HAPPY 23 WEEKS.ferma -
2 days ago
Thank you to everyone that replied to my post about the name issue. I am still going to name her Reese. One thing to vent about though, A lady that I work with who happens to get the same paper, came up to me today and said 'Did you see that yesterday, Look's like you won't be using that anymore. You can't use it now that you know she has it, people will think you copied her.' I tried to be nice and just told her this is the name that we have decided on, and this is what we will be using regardless of wo else has the name. I think I came off like a B, ecause she was speachless and just walked away. She knows I look at this every week, I don't know why she even had to bring it up.thunders79 -
2 days ago
Regarding tmarie question. I can confirm that it isn't normal to have this. I also had it this week and phoned my midwife to check if it was normal. she told me to go straight to hospital as it wasn't normal. I had some tests to make sure it was amniotic fluid which luckily it wasn't. turns out i might have an infection, my results come back tomorrow and i may be given antibiotics. Therefore girlies, don't leave it, get tested.steph1022 -
2 days ago
Getting into that final stretch, ladies! Went for my prenatal appointment yesterday, and it hit home ...our little boy's gonna be here soon! My next appointment is a one month check on 08/20, then starting 09/02 I jump to every 2 weeks, and every week as of 10/15! Incredible how time flies! I feel like we JUST found out he was coming, and now he's almost here!! :Drobjay -
2 days ago
tmarie - I get the same thing - thing its normal just not discussed often but nothing to worry about xxxxxxxxmumzy -
2 days ago
hi mummys, 23wks today whoo hoo ,how is everyone? xtmarie -
2 days ago
Hey Ladies, I had a question... it might seem a little gross... but i would appreciate it if you had any answers for me...
this morning, after i got out of the shower i felt like i was... well leaking... it didnt feel like the usual discharge i have every now and then. it felt more liquidy... and since i've gotten to work i feel like i'm still leaking more.. it's not really bothering me- it just seems odd, and this hasnt happened before. does this seem normal?? Thanks.babyofdeployment08 -
2 days ago
Ferma~ I think you should go ahead and use the name you have your heart set on. It's not like your using the same name as a best friend or a family member. Hope everyone is having a super day!robjay -
2 days ago
Hello ladies - Just to let you know it's a girl and we are so happy , her legs are a week ahead of her body so at;east she wont have short legs like mom xxxxferma -
2 days ago
Okay, I don't know what to do. Where I live we get a paper every Wed. in there they have a Stork Report, pictures and the names of the babies that have been born at the local hospital in the past week. Well, yesterday I was looking at the pictures and names like I do every week and I saw that a girl I went to high school with just had a baby girl and named her Reese. That is what my heart has been set on naming my little girl. Now I feel like I can't use the name. I don't know what to do, I am a little pissed right now. I know I shouldn't be, but dang it. My husband says no big deal and still wants to name our baby Reese. What do you guys think? I am so torn. Sorry for the long post. believe24 -
2 days ago
Billo, I'm glad your enjoying your pregnancy. It sounds to me like Braxton Hicks Contractions. They are totally normal. And mention them at your next check up. I've been having them since I was 16 weeks. The only thing you have to watch out for is if they get close together. Like 4 an hour.
billo -
2 days ago
Hiya! So happy to be in week 23, I am loving this pregnancy at the moment. I was walking down the street today and a middle aged man saw my bump then gave me the the biggest smile - it made me feel so proud and warm inside! Just wanted to know if anyone feels immense pressure in the belly sometimes during the day? It happens totally randomly, doesn't hurt, but my tummy goes really hard and tight, last a few minutes then goes away. Anyone know what it is? I really like the feeling. Thanks and happiness to all.Sioko -
2 days ago
Bad bad round ligament pains!! My ligaments on my left side won't stretch well because of scar tissue from previous surgeries and it hurt soooo bad on the left side of my belly last night and today. The doc called it Round ligament spasms. I got a couple maternity belts and it's like night and day! Thank God for maternity belts! (^_^)Mommykee08 -
2 days ago
Ferma you aren't the only person feeling like that. My back, legs, and pelvic are hurts. Like she weighs so much. I don't know how I'm going to make it until November. ferma -
3 days ago
I was feeling really lucky up until today, no real bad pains. I have had some pain in my sides that doesn't really go away, but nothing I can't handle. Today, my back hurts and it hurts a lot. I sit at a computer all day , which I am sure doesn't help. I just feel like I am ready to colapse. I feel like my back can't support my body. Sorry, I know I just need to suck it up. I just needed to tell someone.MYBLESSING3 -
3 days ago
hi everyone hope all is well. i have really been having a hard time sleeping & even moving around. i feel tremendous pressure & pain in back & legs even the crotch area. is anyone else experiencing this? i feel silly going to the emergency room & its nothing. Hammergirl -
3 days ago
For all you ladies having a boy, what names have you come up with? Hubby and I are waiting for the big surprise. We have a girl name picked out, but are stumped for boy names. Any help is much appreciated!fir$tTimeMom -
3 days ago
Hello mommies. Wow its week 23 already. been feeling this little man kicking like crazey its so wonderful to feel that connection. it really is something to be a mommy. only problem im having is when it comes to sleeping just battle to get comfy. if i lie on one side for toooo long my hip starts to pain. but its all worth it when i feel those movements. anyways ladies enjoy another week of growing and blossiming into wonderful mothers.az-mommy -
3 days ago
So we thought we had our baby names picked out. Marian Kathleen for a girl. Marian was my grandmother's name. I tell my Mom and she unloads all these things that make me now think my grandmother was a witch (she would say things about my Mom not being good enough for my Dad), so now we have a middle name and are once again searching for a first name. And- is it really that important to eat macaroni and cheese by the expiration date(I was craving it and all eight boxes turned up expired april-08) I don't think it matters that much cuz it's all powder and noodles and tastes fine0813lr -
3 days ago
I never thought I would do this, but I just added a picture of my belly! I just feel like I am looking fat, not pregnant. It's nice to see what I look like compared to others. If anyone has time look and tell me if that is normal for 23 wks.-Steppie- -
3 days ago
hey,
So last night I got this nasty sharp pain in my lower left side, shortly after I had to pee-every 3 seconds- needless to say I was very uncomfortable, sitting there trying to keep my mind off wanting to use the bathroom wondering if I was getting a UTI... after a good night sleep Ive gotten up to still have some sort of pain in my side but the urge to pee is gone... for now!
I have no idea what this is, never had it with my first! any ideas would be helpful, before I plan a full scale attack on my Ob with questions. xoxsondra0031 -
4 days ago
I'M FROM WEEK 37! OK CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHY MY DR SAID LAST WEEK I WAS DIALATED AND THIS WEEK I'M NOT!!!!!? OK ANOTHER THING IS IF I DONT DELIVER NATURAL BY THE 3RD HE IS DOIN A C-SECTION ON THE 3RD. OK I'M DUE THE 9TH. HE SAYS ITS CUZ I'M DIABETIC. THIS IS MY FIRST BABY AND HE DONT WANT ME TO PUSH OUT 8 1/2 LBS OR MORE. CAN YOU ALL PLEASE LEAVE ME MESSAGE ON HOW TO TELL THIS PUNK I DONT WANNA C-SECTION UNLESS IT AN EMERGENCY? PLEASE I CRY WHEN I THINK ABOUT GETTING CUT OPEN...DO I REALLY HAVE A CHOICE CUZ DR MAKES IT SEEM LIKE I DONT! HELPjaithemodel -
4 days ago
Hello fellow preggos! I love being preggo don't u guys?! My little boy kicks really hard but idc it all reassures me that he is doing fine! I take my diabetes test in two weeks and I am dreading this nasty tasting liquid that I have been hearing about. Has anyone tasted it yet? And if so is it really that bad? Novemberbebe I thought I was having a girl and I was going to name her Chelsea Madison I love that name if it helps lemme know! Now I am stumped for boys names what do u guys think of Caleb or Prestyn? Thanks for any feedback! Babydust to u all and goodluck!bluegreen -
4 days ago
my doctor explained that sleeping on your back not only limits blood flow to the baby, but OXYGEN AS WELL. take care.bluegreen -
4 days ago
meltingice- i'm from week 25. i had that pain for a while. scared me really. i read online that it helps to sleep with a pillow between your legs. i started doing so two weeks ago and haven't had the pain since. not sure if that's the cure of if it's coincidence, but give it a try.meltingice -
4 days ago
Hi, shellyn: My mood changes a lot too. Sometimes, I am so happy and confident that I would have a healthy baby, some times, I suddenly want to cry due to all the worries of something bad might happen to me or my baby. I find that keeping myself occupied on something else could help me to handle the negative mood better. So I try to attend Yoga classes, as many friends gathering as possible. Just unfortunately, being a teacher, I am on vacation now, which give a lot time to worry. :( meltingice -
4 days ago
Hey, Ladies: I started feeling some pressure on the pelvic floor since yesterday. It is a little painful on the left-hand side of my pelvic floor muscles. It comes and goes. It could be severe at times though. I don't know whether anyone of you are feeling it too? It scares me. crystal-p -
4 days ago
I just wanted to add to the post of sleeping on your back. Although I'm sure that if you roll onto your back for a short while it is ok, I can't tell you how much my doctors stress not to sleep on your back, because it does slow down the blood flow to the BABY... I think every one on here does give great advice but please be safe than sorry you don't know how much you are slowing down the blood return, I have 6 different doctors that I see and they are all high risk doctors not just regular ob's and they stess side sleeping tremendously. I do end up on my back sometimes and I do wake up and correct it, I mean there is only so much we can do right... but if we are at least trying not to sleep on our backs then we are doing our best. One other thing is to check the resource of the material that you are getting off line, anyone can post anything. And of course in the end always check with your doctor if you are unsure, I hate to sound like this but we have tons or doctors and nurses in our family, and I am going to school for pediatric nursing. Good luck to you all! Baby dustshellyn -
4 days ago
is anyone else dealing with extremely volatile mood swings? I am in an EXTREMELY foul mood, so bad I cant even stand myself. I am managing to keep it under control, but if anyone has any suggestions on how to 'perk up' I would love to hear them.petes wife -
4 days ago
ok here's the problem...I work with my Mother (who isn't all too thrilled about my pregnancy) this is my 2nd marriage, and I have a 9 & 10 years old from the 1st marriage. I'm white, my kids are white, and my husband is a beautifullly tan Mexican. She think it's going to be hard for he baby to be accepted blah, blah, blah. She is horrible to work for! I should know this is my 5 or 6th time back w/ her over 9 years. We deal w/ a boat marina. Full service parts, sales,the whole 9 yards. Custoemrs can be very rude, demanding and stressful, when your not alomst 6 months preggo, but to add the pregnancy to the mix, and my horrible mother underskin all thetime I just CAN'T handle this anymore! We need the money! This child of ours was unexpected, but now loved beyond measure. I go home with my stomach SO tight.tense that it doesn't relax for hours. I was only supposed to be helping her out when in JAnuary her assistant quit w/o notice, and I was only to work w/ her until June (ish). No she';s got me running this place all by myself while she is a t the other marine ahours away, leaving me here with my two children to run an overly-active marine. I think that is asking too much of anyone person, let alone without any increase in pay, and when I asked for it she said NO! My trouble is, I do not beleive it to be healthy for my child for me to go home crying to my awesomely supportive husband every night too tired to tuck my own kids into bed at night. I really want to ask my doc to put me on medical leave of absense due to increased stress at work. I will be having a c-sect Nov5, but am I unrealistic to expect the doc to help me out? I can't get the edge off at all no liquer, no Zanex, nothing...what am I to do?xweegeex -
4 days ago
hey everyone in week 23, feels good 2 be here at last! can u have a look at my bump pics & tell me if u think i look big or small, thanx xjennabean -
4 days ago
Last day in week 23 hope everyone is well and see you all in 24! xxWanda -
4 days ago
last day in week 23. cann't believe it, the time is really going fast. my hubby and i cann't wait for the little man to arrive. and hubby got to feel him kick for the first time on sundaynight and he even got to see my tummy make waves as little man was kicking. it was great to see and to see my husband get so excited. i'm so happy for him, now he feels more involved with the little guy. i'll be going for my 4d on the 19th of august and we cann't wait to see that little face, we have a 2d u/s profiling the side of his face and i must say he already looks like his dad. and ofcourse daddy is so prood of that pic, he cann't stop showing it to everyone. hope all is well?angelfromGod -
4 days ago
Wow that's interesting another MaKayla. That's how we're spelling her name. Haven't come up with a middle name yet. I have but my husband isn't in agreement. He likes MaKayla Renee. saraw -
4 days ago
steppie- thanks for the info!!! i have started seeing a chiropractor because the pain in my back is soooooo bad!!!