Week 23: Dreaming Begins
Baby is about the size of Grapefruit (289mm head-to-heel)
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep has been detected in fetuses at this stage, suggesting your baby may be dreaming. The lungs are developing surfactant — a critical substance that will allow the air sacs to inflate properly at birth. The skin is still translucent but becoming less so as fat deposits increase. The brain is growing rapidly.
Your belly button may start to protrude ('outie'). Swelling in feet and ankles is increasingly common, especially at the end of the day. You may notice shortness of breath as the growing uterus pushes up against the diaphragm.
What is important now
While baby is developing surfactant, the lungs are still immature. Viability (survival outside the womb with intensive care) begins around 23-24 weeks, though outcomes at this stage are still very challenging. Focus on healthy habits and prenatal care.
Common symptoms
- sudden severe shortness of breath — emergency evaluation
- regular contractions before 37 weeks — contact provider immediately
Wellness this week.
Nutrition
Lung development and fat building
- Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, fatty fish) support baby's fat stores
- Phospholipid-rich foods for surfactant production
- Continued iron supplementation if recommended by provider
- Vitamin C for collagen and skin development
Exercise
Movement
Continue moderate exercise; monitor for breathlessness
Sleep
7-9 hours
Position: Left side; elevate legs and use support pillows
· If snoring develops, mention it to your provider at the next visit
· Elevate feet for 30 minutes before bed to reduce nighttime swelling
Mental wellness
Mindfulness
Reaching viability is a meaningful milestone, but try not to fixate on worst-case scenarios. Focus on what you can control: nutrition, rest, and prenatal care.
“Your baby is dreaming — perhaps of the sound of your voice, the rhythm of your heartbeat.”
Your timeline.
Week 6
17 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — Mutterpass may be issued upon heartbeat confirmation
Week 19
4 weeks ago- routineWeeks 19–22
Checkpoint 2 — Screening Ultrasound
Choice between a basic biometric scan or detailed organ scan. Measures head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and checks placental position.
GoalAssess fetal anatomy and growth, check for structural abnormalities, and verify placental location.
Week 28
In 5 weeks- routine
Checkpoint 1 — GDM screening
- routine
Checkpoint 2 — Rhogam if Rh-negative
Week 29
In 6 weeks- routineWeeks 29–32
Checkpoint 3 — Screening Ultrasound
Third and final routine ultrasound. Assesses fetal growth, position (cephalic/breech), amniotic fluid volume, and placental function.
GoalConfirm appropriate growth trajectory and baby's position for delivery planning.
Week 35
In 12 weeks- self pay igelWeeks 35–37
Checkpoint 1 — GBS Testing — Self-pay/IGeL
Rectovaginal swab to screen for Group B Streptococcus colonization. If positive, IV antibiotics are given during labor to prevent neonatal infection.
GoalIdentify GBS carriers to enable prophylactic treatment during delivery.
Safety: Sudden severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or painful swelling in one leg are emergencies. Regular contractions before 37 weeks should be evaluated immediately.
Your journey, your rhythm.
Track your pregnancy week by week with gentle, personalized guidance.