Week 23 of Pregnancy: Your Baby Is the Size of a Grapefruit

TL;DR

• Your baby is about 28.9 cm — the size of a grapefruit.
• Baby can hear sounds from outside the womb, including your voice and music.
• Stretching skin may feel itchy as your belly expands.
• Moisturize your belly to soothe stretching skin and ease discomfort.

Your Baby This Week

At 28.9 cm, your baby is the size of a grapefruit and has entered an exciting chapter of sensory development. Hearing is becoming more refined — your baby can now hear sounds from outside the womb. Your voice, your partner's voice, music, the dog barking, a door closing — all of these are reaching your baby, muffled but real.

Studies show that babies recognize and respond to familiar sounds after birth, particularly their parents' voices. So when you talk, sing, or read aloud to your baby, you're not just being sweet — you're helping them learn the rhythms and patterns of your voice. They'll find that voice comforting from the very first moment.

Your baby's lungs are continuing to develop. Specialized cells called pneumocytes are beginning to produce surfactant, a substance that will eventually help the air sacs in the lungs stay open after birth. Lung development is one of the most critical processes of the second and third trimesters.

Your baby's face is fully formed and looking more and more like a real baby. They're practicing facial expressions, opening and closing their mouth, and may even be hiccupping — which you might feel as small, rhythmic movements in your belly.

Your Body This Week

Your skin is stretching to accommodate your growing baby, and it might be letting you know about it. Itchy skin, especially on the belly, is one of the most common second-trimester complaints. As the skin stretches, it can feel dry, tight, and maddeningly itchy.

You may notice that your belly button is starting to flatten or even pop outward. This happens as the growing uterus pushes against the abdominal wall. It's temporary and completely harmless — your belly button will return to its usual shape after delivery.

Braxton Hicks contractions might be happening more frequently now. You might notice your belly hardening for a moment, then relaxing. These practice contractions are preparing your uterus for labor, but they shouldn't be painful. If they become regular or painful, call your provider.

Sleep disruptions are common at this stage. Between bathroom trips, leg cramps, heartburn, and difficulty finding a comfortable position, a full night's sleep can feel like a distant memory. Do what you can — nap when possible, go to bed early, and don't feel guilty about resting during the day.

Common Questions at Week 23

Can my baby hear me talking?

Yes. By week 23, your baby can hear your voice and other sounds. Research shows that newborns recognize and prefer their mother's voice from birth, which suggests they've been listening and learning in the womb. Talk to your baby, play music, or read aloud — it all counts.

What is that rhythmic thumping I keep feeling?

That's likely baby hiccups. As your baby practices breathing movements by inhaling amniotic fluid, the diaphragm can spasm, causing hiccups. They feel like small, rhythmic jerks and are completely normal. Some babies hiccup multiple times a day.

Should I be worried about preterm labor?

While it's good to be informed, preterm labor at 23 weeks is relatively uncommon. Know the signs — regular contractions, pelvic pressure, lower back pain, change in discharge, or fluid leaking — and contact your provider if you experience any of them. But don't let worry take over; most pregnancies continue well past this point.

This Week's Tip

Moisturize your belly to soothe stretching skin. The itchiness that comes with a growing bump can be really distracting, but a good moisturizer or belly oil applied after a shower can make a big difference. Look for products with ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, or vitamin E. Applying moisturizer can also become a quiet bonding ritual — take a moment to rub your belly, feel your baby's movements, and connect. If itching is severe, widespread, or affects your palms and soles, talk to your provider, as this can sometimes indicate a liver condition that needs attention.

Sources

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy.
• Mayo Clinic. Fetal Development: The 2nd Trimester.

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• Week 22 of Pregnancy
• Week 24 of Pregnancy
• Second Trimester: The Complete Guide
• Pregnancy Symptoms Nobody Warns You About