23 Weeks

How far along: 23 Weeks

 

 

How big is baby:  Baby is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about the size of a large mango).

This week's big developments: With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance, you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

Baby is forming little nipples (yeah, really!)

Her/His face is fully formed now -- she/he just needs a little extra fat to fill it out.

She/ He is listening to your voice and your heartbeat -- and even to loud sounds like cars honking and dogs barking.

My Body: You may notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in your legs — coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause some water retention — may result in swelling, also known as edema. Your body will get rid of the extra fluid after you have your baby, which is why you'll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery. In the meantime, lie on your left side or put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, and avoid sitting — or standing — in one place for long periods. (babycenter)

Ultrasound:
We had ultrasound this past Monday. It was amazing to be able to see our little one moving around and to see all of his or her parts...hands...fingers....face...arms...legs.  I have a little person growing inside me. Here are two pictures we were able to take off the disc of pictures without accidentally seeing the gender shot. After the gender reveal Saturday (Tomorrow) I will be able to look at the entire disc of 22 pictures including the picture that shows the gender :)  It was so hard for me to turn my head away during the ultrasound when they were in the gender area.

 

Head and abdomen

 

Baby's Feet

Weight gain/loss: up total of 15 lbs according to weighing myself at home.

Maternity clothes: Nothing new, but normal t-shirts don't cover my belly--Nathan likes to tease me.
Best moment this week: Ultrasound...seeing our little one.

Movement: Lots of movement, it's the best part of being pregnant. Today (Friday) I have had a busy day of getting ready for the part so I have not really felt baby, hoping when I climb into bed I feel baby.

Miss Anything: Being able to get comfortable easily.

Food cravings: nothing really

Symptoms: I cant drink anything without having to go to the bathroom almost immediately. I had to empty some of my bladder in order to get through the ultrasound without wetting my pants.
Sleep: Better this week.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Back to needing to eat often or I get sick.
 Gender: Unknown until our Gender Reveal Saturday, we get to find out with close friends and family. I cannot wait!

Looking forward to: Gender Reveal Saturday :) Will post pictures after. Appointment with Midwife this week as well.

 Not sure I will be able to fit in this much longer