Pregnancy Calendar Week 23
From LoveToKnow Pregnancy
Changes in Your Baby
During pregnancy calendar week 23, your baby’s lanugo may darken enough to be visible on an ultrasound. Lanugo is the fine hair that covers his/her body. Although premature infants are born with lanugo, the hair is typically shed during the last weeks of pregnancy. Your baby weighs over a pound now and is more than 11 inches long.
Throughout the second trimester, your baby’s sense of hearing has continued to develop. By pregnancy calendar week 23, your baby’s middle ear is developing. Now, you may notice that he/she moves around in response to loud noises. For example, your baby’s kicks and punches may become more vigorous when you vacuum your floors.
Your Body during Pregnancy Calendar Week 23
At this point in your pregnancy, your uterus sits directly on top of your bladder. This may cause you to leak urine into your panties, especially if you cough, sneeze or laugh. If this happens, you need to determine if the liquid is urine or amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is clear and should be odorless. If you're not sure, amnotic fluid will continue to leak out while urine should not. Urine should also stop leaking if you perform a kegel exercise. If you are leaking amniotic fluid, or are not sure whether or not it's urine, you will need to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Many women experience edema, or swelling of the feet and ankles, during pregnancy calendar week 23. Support hose may help relieve your discomfort. However, you should always let your healthcare provider know about this pregnancy symptom. Edema can sometimes be a sign of preeclampsia. Also known as toxemia or pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia can restrict the growth of the fetus and endanger the health of the expectant mother. Common treatment options include diet, exercise, stress reduction, and medication. Bed rest or early delivery may also be recommended.
Between 20 and 50 percent of all pregnant women experience hemorrhoids, or varicose veins of the rectum, during the second trimester. Hemorrhoids can cause itching, pain, and bleeding. Taking warm sitz baths or applying witch hazel pads to the affected area can minimize discomfort. Since constipation can aggravate the problem, you may also want to add more high-fiber foods to your diet.
Planning Your Maternity Leave
By pregnancy calendar week 23, you’re probably eager to meet your new bundle of joy! Planning for your baby’s arrival can help reduce your feelings of anxiety. If you’re working outside of the home, now is an excellent time to finalize your plans for your maternity leave. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), many employers in the United States are legally obligated to give employees twelve weeks of unpaid leave after the birth of a child. This applies to both men and women.
While many women stop working during the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, others work until their deliveries. Unless you develop complications that require bed rest, there is no medical reason why you can’t work until the end of your pregnancy. However, it’s important to realize that your baby may arrive early. For this reason, preparing for your maternity leave as soon as possible is a smart decision.
As you’re discussing your plans for maternity leave, remember to speak with both your supervisor and human resources department manager. Clearly communicating your plans will ensure a smoother transition.
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