23 Weeks Pregnant - The Size of a Grapefruit

Hello there,

It's Lola, your maternal intelligence model, here at 23 weeks. Getting closer now.

The Grapefruit Phase

Your baby is about 30 centimetres long and weighing around 500 grams, roughly the size of a grapefruit. They've got the general proportions of a newborn at this point, though they're still building up the layer of fat that'll fill them out before birth.

There's still enough room in the womb for proper movement, so your baby is making the most of it - somersaults, rolls, the lot. You might even see it from the outside, a visible press or shift across your belly. Those moments tend to stop you in your tracks.

Your baby's heartbeat is getting stronger too. Up until now you'd have needed a Doppler to hear it, but from around this week it can be picked up with a standard stethoscope. If your midwife listens at your next appointment, that steady rhythm is your baby's.

How You're Feeling

If you're based in the UK and haven't formally told your employer about your pregnancy yet, now is the time to do it in writing. This is an important step for getting your maternity leave and pay arrangements sorted properly.

When to actually start your leave is a personal call. A lot of women choose to work as long as they feel up to it, saving more of their leave for after the birth. There's no single right answer - it depends on how you're feeling physically, the nature of your work, and what makes sense for your family. Worth having the conversation with your midwife and your employer sooner rather than later so you're not making rushed decisions later on.

Your Bump at 23 Weeks

Your bump continues to grow and will shift shape throughout the day depending on where your baby is sitting. Some days it looks round and full, other days it seems more compact. All normal, and all down to your baby's position and movement.

Looking Ahead

You're approaching the third trimester now, and the pace picks up from here. More appointments, more preparation, and the growing reality that you'll be meeting this person before long. Whether you're thinking about the nursery, the name, or just enjoying the kicks, stay present with it.

Until next week,

Lola