May 1, 2025 • 11 mins
EP 92:
You’re 23 weeks pregnant — yay! 🎉 But also… wow. Your body is stretching, shifting, and doing some wild things, and it’s totally normal to be wondering what the heck is going on.
In today’s episode, I’m walking you through everything you need to know about being 23 weeks pregnant—from what’s happening with your baby’s development to the real-life symptoms moms are feeling this week. (Spoiler alert: you're not alone if you're out of breath walking up stairs or randomly crying over TikToks.)
This week is all about connection and preparation. You’ll learn what’s going on inside your belly, how to ease discomfort, and what you can start planning now for a smoother third trimester.
🧠 Inside This Episode:
- Baby’s development at 23 weeks (hello, lung development!)
- Why you might be feeling more pressure in your pelvis
- Pregnancy symptoms that are common—and what to flag to your provider
- My favorite support band for round ligament pain
- One mindset shift that makes a HUGE difference in your third trimester prep
👶 Get Ready for Birth + Baby With Me!
👉 Join the Bump to Bundle Blueprint
Connect with me on YouTube! and tell me what week you're on!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:05):
Hi, I'm Stephanie Poole, founderand CEO of Birth Prep Academy.
I'm on a mission to helppregnant moms prepare for their
first hospital birth.
I'm sharing revealingconversations about what it
really takes to successfullytransition into motherhood.
So join me.
Here to discover things likewhat to expect in childbirth,
(00:27):
how to prepare for your birth.
We'll also talk aboutbreastfeeding and so much more.
I'm so grateful to share it allwith you right here on Oh Baby,
the podcast created for pregnantmoms preparing for their first
hospital birth.
Let's get started.
Hey there, mama.
(00:48):
If you are 23 weeks pregnant oralmost there, this is the
episode you absolutely don'twant to skip.
I'm spilling the real tea onwhat's going on inside your
body, your baby's biggestmilestones right now, and those
weird but totally normalsymptoms that nobody talks
(01:10):
about.
Plus, stick with me till the endbecause I'm sharing my absolute.
Best tips for prepping for birthright now.
That'll seriously change yourpostpartum game later.
So with that being said, grabyour favorite snack.
Your favorite drink, and a comfyblanket.
(01:31):
Meat.
Meat on the couch.
Let's dive in.
Did you know that your baby canactually hear your voice this
week?
We've talked about it before andevery week it's becoming clearer
and clearer.
They can even recognize it afterbirth, which is why it's so
important for you to start now.
That's why I've.
(01:51):
Then repeating it over and over.
Do lots and lots of talking toyour baby.
Why?
Because this is science backedinformation.
This is not just a theory or anold wive's tale.
It is science backed, and I'lltell you how to make the most of
that a little bit later.
(02:12):
All right, so 23 weeks pregnant.
You're officially in the latesecond trimester.
Can you believe it?
Oh my goodness.
This time is going by so fast.
Right now, your baby is aboutthe size of a large mango.
So with that being said, keep inmind that they weigh about one
(02:35):
pound and measuring between 11to 12 inches long.
But here's the cool part.
They're not just growing bigger.
They're getting way smarter too.
So here are some major babymilestones for this week.
They're hearing, we've talkedabout it before.
You guys know that I like torepeat it because sometimes we
(02:57):
have a lot of new people joiningwith us today.
If you've already been here,it's important that you kind of
drill this in, right?
Research shows that babies at 23weeks can actually start to
recognize sounds from outsidethe womb.
Especially your voice and yourpartner's voice, that is so
(03:20):
amazing.
So here's a practical tip.
Start reading your baby booksaloud and even just chatting to
your bump.
It's bonding and it's brainbuilding activity.
So do it daily.
Do it often.
All right.
Let's talk about their lungs.
Their lungs are developing likecrazy.
(03:41):
Your baby's lungs are startingto produce a substance called
surfactant.
It's the substance that willhelp them to breathe after
birth.
so with that being said, here'sa fun fact.
If your baby were born now,they'd have about a 20 to 25%
survival rate, and that numberjumps every single week.
(04:03):
So you are doing some veryimportant work right now.
Stay encouraged to keep chuggingalong.
All right, so let's talk aboutthe skin as it's maturing right
now, your baby's skin is stillkind of see-through, but every
week it's thickening up andgetting ready for that sweet
(04:23):
baby chub.
Coming up in a second, I'llshare the super strange symptom
that you might notice this weekthat has everything to do with
your growing baby.
Okay, now let's talk about you,because listen, pregnancy at 23
weeks isn't just cute bump picsand glowing skin.
(04:46):
There's some real stuff going ontoo.
Let's start with some commonsymptoms that you might be
feeling this week.
First up.
Back pain.
Your center of gravity isshifting.
Hello, baby bump.
Right?
And because of that, your lowerback might be feeling the
strain.
So here's a pro tip.
(05:08):
Try some prenatal stretches, butalso check your posture when
sitting and standing.
These small tweaks will give youbig relief results.
All right.
Next, let's talk about swollenankles or feet.
This is completely normal.
Your blood volume has increasedby 40 to 50% right now to
(05:32):
support you and your baby.
But if the swelling is sudden orsevere, definitely call your
provider.
All right.
We've talked about this onebefore, but I always like to
reiterate things that may becommon for this season that
you're in, and that is weird.
Dreams.
(05:52):
Yep.
You might start having somesuper vivid, bizarre dreams.
We talked about it.
Go back, check the comments.
Some, uh, moms have shared someof their weird dreams.
I welcome you to do so in thecomments below.
but this is partially hormonaland partly your brain processing
all the changes happening inyour life right now.
(06:16):
So it's completely normal.
don't feel alone.
It happens.
And again, I encourage you toshare your experience in the
comment.
All right, let's talk aboutthose Braxton Hicks
contractions.
These are those practicecontractions that you might be
feeling right now, theytypically feel like a tightening
(06:39):
across your belly, Now the thingabout these particular
contractions, the Braxton Hicks,is that, if they occur
occasionally and go away whenyou change positions, then it's
likely Braxton Hicks.
But if they're painful, ifthey're frequent or regular,
then you should definitely becalling your provider.
(07:03):
All right, now let's talk aboutthe line down your belly.
that dark line that's runningdown your belly is totally
normal, thanks to hormonalshifts.
it usually fades after birth, sodon't be alarmed.
Coming up, I'm sharing my numberone trick for keeping your
(07:24):
energy up even when pregnancyfatigue is creeping back in.
And trust me, it's not what youthink.
Now I know you're feeling allthe feels right now, excitement,
nerves, all the pregnancyemotions.
So let's talk about how you canfeel your absolute best this
week.
First up, fuel your body.
(07:46):
Smartly at 23 weeks, your baby'sgrowing fast, which means that
you need plenty of iron andprotein.
So here's a quick snack idea.
You can try hard boiled eggs,Greek yogurt with honey, or even
a simple peanut butter andbanana sandwich.
If you have low iron, that mightequate to you feeling like you
(08:09):
have low energy.
So keeping your iron up as wellcan help beat the second
trimester tiredness that mightbe sneaking back in.
In order to check that and keepit under control, you definitely
wanna talk to your provider.
Alright, now.
You should be moving, even ifit's just 10 minutes a day,
(08:34):
walking, stretching, light,dancing around the kitchen,
whatever you love.
Movements help.
They help with the circulation.
it helps to fight swelling andit helps to boost your mood.
So even if it's just 10 minutes,be sure to get moving.
(08:55):
All right.
Now let's talk about preppingfor your postpartum right now.
Hear me out.
Most moms wait until the lastmonth to think about life after
baby, but starting now is a gamechanger.
That's why I created Bump toBundle Blueprint to help you get
ahead and not behind.
(09:17):
And here's the spoiler alert.
We walk you through every singlephase of this birth journey so
that you can birth with absoluteconfidence.
So be sure to check it out.
I'll have it leaked in thedescription below.
All right.
Now, as usual, I always love tojust check in with you and help
(09:41):
you through these mindsetmoments and shifts so that you
can start getting your mindready for a confident birth.
Now, with that being said,here's a quick mindset.
Check Right now, your body isdoing something absolutely
incredible.
You are literally creating lifefrom scratch.
(10:04):
It's normal to feel overwhelmedsometimes, but you are strong
enough and you're doing enougheven when it feels hard.
So here's the affirmation I wantyou to say to yourself this
week.
I trust my body.
I trust my baby.
And I trust the journey thatwe're on together.
(10:25):
Let me say that again.
I trust my body.
I trust my baby, and I trust thejourney that we are on together.
I want you to say this in themirror, write it down, make it
your phone background if youneed to, because I want you to
remind yourself that you've gotthis.
(10:46):
You're already doing an amazingjob as a mom.
All right, that wraps up what isexpected at 23 weeks pregnant
and what it's really like behindthe bump.
If you are loving these realevidence-based pregnancy tips
and you want even more supportprepping for birth and beyond,
(11:09):
then I invite you to come insideof the Bump to bundle blueprint.
It's your all in one guide tomake sure that you're ready,
you're confident, and you'reexcited, not stressed out.
Again, you'll find the linkbelow in the description, and
trust me, you'll wish you had itsooner.
Don't forget to hit the likebutton, subscribe and comment
(11:32):
below with how you're feeling at23 weeks.
I love to chat with you in thecomments, and I'll see you in
the next video.
Hi, I'm Stephanie Poole, founderand CEO of Birth Prep Academy.
I'm on a mission to helppregnant moms prepare for their
first hospital birth.
I'm sharing revealingconversations about what it
really takes to successfullytransition into motherhood.
So join me.
Here to discover things likewhat to expect in childbirth,
(00:27):
how to prepare for your birth.
We'll also talk aboutbreastfeeding and so much more.
I'm so grateful to share it allwith you right here on Oh Baby,
the podcast created for pregnantmoms preparing for their first
hospital birth.
Let's get started.
Hey there, mama.
(00:48):
If you are 23 weeks pregnant oralmost there, this is the
episode you absolutely don'twant to skip.
I'm spilling the real tea onwhat's going on inside your
body, your baby's biggestmilestones right now, and those
weird but totally normalsymptoms that nobody talks
(01:10):
about.
Plus, stick with me till the endbecause I'm sharing my absolute.
Best tips for prepping for birthright now.
That'll seriously change yourpostpartum game later.
So with that being said, grabyour favorite snack.
Your favorite drink, and a comfyblanket.
(01:31):
Meat.
Meat on the couch.
Let's dive in.
Did you know that your baby canactually hear your voice this
week?
We've talked about it before andevery week it's becoming clearer
and clearer.
They can even recognize it afterbirth, which is why it's so
important for you to start now.
That's why I've.
(01:51):
Then repeating it over and over.
Do lots and lots of talking toyour baby.
Why?
Because this is science backedinformation.
This is not just a theory or anold wive's tale.
It is science backed, and I'lltell you how to make the most of
that a little bit later.
(02:12):
All right, so 23 weeks pregnant.
You're officially in the latesecond trimester.
Can you believe it?
Oh my goodness.
This time is going by so fast.
Right now, your baby is aboutthe size of a large mango.
So with that being said, keep inmind that they weigh about one
(02:35):
pound and measuring between 11to 12 inches long.
But here's the cool part.
They're not just growing bigger.
They're getting way smarter too.
So here are some major babymilestones for this week.
They're hearing, we've talkedabout it before.
You guys know that I like torepeat it because sometimes we
(02:57):
have a lot of new people joiningwith us today.
If you've already been here,it's important that you kind of
drill this in, right?
Research shows that babies at 23weeks can actually start to
recognize sounds from outsidethe womb.
Especially your voice and yourpartner's voice, that is so
(03:20):
amazing.
So here's a practical tip.
Start reading your baby booksaloud and even just chatting to
your bump.
It's bonding and it's brainbuilding activity.
So do it daily.
Do it often.
All right.
Let's talk about their lungs.
Their lungs are developing likecrazy.
(03:41):
Your baby's lungs are startingto produce a substance called
surfactant.
It's the substance that willhelp them to breathe after
birth.
so with that being said, here'sa fun fact.
If your baby were born now,they'd have about a 20 to 25%
survival rate, and that numberjumps every single week.
(04:03):
So you are doing some veryimportant work right now.
Stay encouraged to keep chuggingalong.
All right, so let's talk aboutthe skin as it's maturing right
now, your baby's skin is stillkind of see-through, but every
week it's thickening up andgetting ready for that sweet
(04:23):
baby chub.
Coming up in a second, I'llshare the super strange symptom
that you might notice this weekthat has everything to do with
your growing baby.
Okay, now let's talk about you,because listen, pregnancy at 23
weeks isn't just cute bump picsand glowing skin.
(04:46):
There's some real stuff going ontoo.
Let's start with some commonsymptoms that you might be
feeling this week.
First up.
Back pain.
Your center of gravity isshifting.
Hello, baby bump.
Right?
And because of that, your lowerback might be feeling the
strain.
So here's a pro tip.
(05:08):
Try some prenatal stretches, butalso check your posture when
sitting and standing.
These small tweaks will give youbig relief results.
All right.
Next, let's talk about swollenankles or feet.
This is completely normal.
Your blood volume has increasedby 40 to 50% right now to
(05:32):
support you and your baby.
But if the swelling is sudden orsevere, definitely call your
provider.
All right.
We've talked about this onebefore, but I always like to
reiterate things that may becommon for this season that
you're in, and that is weird.
Dreams.
(05:52):
Yep.
You might start having somesuper vivid, bizarre dreams.
We talked about it.
Go back, check the comments.
Some, uh, moms have shared someof their weird dreams.
I welcome you to do so in thecomments below.
but this is partially hormonaland partly your brain processing
all the changes happening inyour life right now.
(06:16):
So it's completely normal.
don't feel alone.
It happens.
And again, I encourage you toshare your experience in the
comment.
All right, let's talk aboutthose Braxton Hicks
contractions.
These are those practicecontractions that you might be
feeling right now, theytypically feel like a tightening
(06:39):
across your belly, Now the thingabout these particular
contractions, the Braxton Hicks,is that, if they occur
occasionally and go away whenyou change positions, then it's
likely Braxton Hicks.
But if they're painful, ifthey're frequent or regular,
then you should definitely becalling your provider.
(07:03):
All right, now let's talk aboutthe line down your belly.
that dark line that's runningdown your belly is totally
normal, thanks to hormonalshifts.
it usually fades after birth, sodon't be alarmed.
Coming up, I'm sharing my numberone trick for keeping your
(07:24):
energy up even when pregnancyfatigue is creeping back in.
And trust me, it's not what youthink.
Now I know you're feeling allthe feels right now, excitement,
nerves, all the pregnancyemotions.
So let's talk about how you canfeel your absolute best this
week.
First up, fuel your body.
(07:46):
Smartly at 23 weeks, your baby'sgrowing fast, which means that
you need plenty of iron andprotein.
So here's a quick snack idea.
You can try hard boiled eggs,Greek yogurt with honey, or even
a simple peanut butter andbanana sandwich.
If you have low iron, that mightequate to you feeling like you
(08:09):
have low energy.
So keeping your iron up as wellcan help beat the second
trimester tiredness that mightbe sneaking back in.
In order to check that and keepit under control, you definitely
wanna talk to your provider.
Alright, now.
You should be moving, even ifit's just 10 minutes a day,
(08:34):
walking, stretching, light,dancing around the kitchen,
whatever you love.
Movements help.
They help with the circulation.
it helps to fight swelling andit helps to boost your mood.
So even if it's just 10 minutes,be sure to get moving.
(08:55):
All right.
Now let's talk about preppingfor your postpartum right now.
Hear me out.
Most moms wait until the lastmonth to think about life after
baby, but starting now is a gamechanger.
That's why I created Bump toBundle Blueprint to help you get
ahead and not behind.
(09:17):
And here's the spoiler alert.
We walk you through every singlephase of this birth journey so
that you can birth with absoluteconfidence.
So be sure to check it out.
I'll have it leaked in thedescription below.
All right.
Now, as usual, I always love tojust check in with you and help
(09:41):
you through these mindsetmoments and shifts so that you
can start getting your mindready for a confident birth.
Now, with that being said,here's a quick mindset.
Check Right now, your body isdoing something absolutely
incredible.
You are literally creating lifefrom scratch.
(10:04):
It's normal to feel overwhelmedsometimes, but you are strong
enough and you're doing enougheven when it feels hard.
So here's the affirmation I wantyou to say to yourself this
week.
I trust my body.
I trust my baby.
And I trust the journey thatwe're on together.
(10:25):
Let me say that again.
I trust my body.
I trust my baby, and I trust thejourney that we are on together.
I want you to say this in themirror, write it down, make it
your phone background if youneed to, because I want you to
remind yourself that you've gotthis.
(10:46):
You're already doing an amazingjob as a mom.
All right, that wraps up what isexpected at 23 weeks pregnant
and what it's really like behindthe bump.
If you are loving these realevidence-based pregnancy tips
and you want even more supportprepping for birth and beyond,
(11:09):
then I invite you to come insideof the Bump to bundle blueprint.
It's your all in one guide tomake sure that you're ready,
you're confident, and you'reexcited, not stressed out.
Again, you'll find the linkbelow in the description, and
trust me, you'll wish you had itsooner.
Don't forget to hit the likebutton, subscribe and comment
(11:32):
below with how you're feeling at23 weeks.
I love to chat with you in thecomments, and I'll see you in
the next video.
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