2nd trimester: Week 23

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Your Baby

Your baby continues to put on weight, bringing him up to about a pound this week, although with his red, wrinkly, and loose skin he's far from the bonny baby he'll become. Crown to rump, he's between 11 and 12 inches long, and he makes the most of his space inside the womb, kicking back, stretching his arms, and trailing his hands along the umbilical cord. He can hear now and is especially sensitive to loud noises, which can startle him, making his heart thump and his arms flail. He much prefers soothing music or the faint sound of your voice.

Your Body

Your uterus inches up above your belly button, and your shape gets more rounded. As a result, if you had an "innie" belly button, it's likely now an "outie." You may have felt your appetite kick in, and for good reason: Your body needs a generous supply of nutrients, especially protein and fat, for your baby's organ development and overall health and strength.

Your Pregnant Body

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• Watch Your Weight Gain

Do's and Don'ts

Don't get overwhelmed by all the things you need to do before the baby gets here. Close your eyes, imagine your baby snuggled safely in your womb, and take deep breaths. Experts say visualization helps you reduce stress when life gets too hectic.

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