23 weeks of obstetric gestation means that 5 months have passed since the moment the fertilization of the egg took place. There is not much time left before childbirth. The expectant mother begins to experience more and more unusual sensations by which one can find out how the pregnancy is going.
The condition of a woman and her feelings
By the 23rd week, the belly of the expectant mother is quite noticeably rounded, causing slight inconveniences during walking or sleeping. The fundus of the uterus is already above the navel, so it can gradually bulge outward. At this point, it is best to remove the piercing if you are wearing it. In general, the second trimester of pregnancy is the calmest: toxicosis has long ceased to bother, sometimes light and still completely painless tremors of the child are felt.
Periodically, a woman may still be tormented by some unpleasant sensations. These include:
- headaches;
- heartburn;
- constipation;
- mild swelling of the face and limbs;
- weakness and dizziness;
- fast fatiguability;
- short-term convulsions;
- varicose veins;
- deterioration in attention.
It is quite possible to cope with these problems on your own if you eat right, eating only natural, low-fat and vitamin-enriched food. It is also important to get more rest, to avoid serious stress. It is worth noting that every week the load on the bladder will increase more and more, forcing a woman to often run to the toilet. This also takes some getting used to.
By the 23rd week, age spots often begin to appear on the face of the expectant mother. This phenomenon will quickly disappear after childbirth, so do not once again affect sensitive skin, applying a thick layer of cosmetics to it. In addition, you need to get used to the temporary change in taste preferences: some foods and their smell can cause mild bouts of nausea.
Pain and complications
Some sensations during pregnancy need to be paid close attention to. For example, the stomach should never hurt for a long time. This can lead to premature contractions and even miscarriage. The same applies to any colds: they must be treated without fail, but strictly according to the doctor's instructions.
A serious and rather dangerous complication of pregnancy in this trimester is late toxicosis (gestosis). This condition has special symptoms:
- severe swelling of the limbs;
- excess weight;
- frequent pressure drops;
- the presence of protein in the urine.
Against the background of all this, the general condition of a woman can significantly worsen, the temperature rises, and the feeling of nausea becomes strong and constant. Immediate medical attention required.
What medical examinations are carried out
According to a specially compiled schedule, it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound scan, which will allow you to find out about the condition of the fetus in all details, identify possible deviations from the noma, and also determine the sex of the child. Separately, various biochemical tests are taken, including a general analysis of urine and blood, an analysis of blood clotting and sugar in it, to determine the level of hCG, progesterone and others. The survey data are mostly aimed at studying the condition of the expectant mother and the timely identification of unwanted processes in her body.
Undesirable factors are:
- the presence of salts and protein in the urine;
- high sugar levels;
- deviation from the norm of hCG;
- low progesterone levels.
Even if deviations are detected, in no case need to worry. Most of them can be quickly and safely removed with a variety of treatments and medications. The appropriate treatment is prescribed during one of the regular antenatal clinics.
Fetal development
The kid continues to actively develop. Most of the time he sleeps, and is awake only a few hours a day. His lungs are already functioning, and a small amount of amniotic fluid can enter them with the air, which is the norm. Full-fledged formation of most other organs is observed. The child is still slightly moving, therefore, even in the absence of any sensations, one should not worry at this time.
In addition, the following processes occur in the body of the unborn baby:
- mineralization of bones and cartilage passes;
- the brain is actively developing, and the main thought processes arise in it;
- a fat layer is formed, as well as the skin, which ceases to be transparent;
- the heartbeat is stabilized;
- eyes are opening little by little;
- in the intestine, the original feces are formed - meconium.
Recommendations for the expectant mother
It is necessary to include cereals and jelly in the diet, which will help to establish digestion and cope with bouts of heartburn. Spicy and fatty foods are completely excluded, since they not only impair digestion, but also lead to serious allergies. It is also recommended to drink more water in small portions to avoid severe swelling of the face and limbs. In this case, it is worth wearing loose clothes and shoes that will not restrain movements and disrupt the work of the circulatory system of the body.
It is worth paying special attention to the skin on the chest, abdomen, buttocks and thighs. It is best to moisturize it with special creams, avoiding the dictates of dryness. Plus, taking good care of your skin will help you avoid deep stretch marks. In the fight against this phenomenon, rubbing with quality olive oil helps.
To understand the nature of training contractions that may occur periodically, you should keep a special diary, recording the time of their occurrence. This will help prevent any abnormalities. At the 23rd week of pregnancy, it is still possible to have sex, but it is still worth giving up on it if multiple pregnancies are identified, a deviation from the norm of amniotic fluid, or the threat of miscarriage for one reason or another.
Vaginal discharge is a constant companion during pregnancy, but it should be thick enough and white, odorless. If any deviation is found, you need to see a doctor. The clinic urgently needs to undergo a screening study with all the necessary tests, if this has not been done earlier.
It is recommended that you periodically check your weight. By the 23rd week of pregnancy, the increase should not exceed 8 kg. Using a prenatal brace will help you to properly support your stomach and distribute your own weight. From sports activities, leisurely hiking, swimming, yoga are the best options. In addition, it is better to sleep on the left side during this period, and put small pillows under the back, stomach and between the knees.
