23 Weeks Pregnant
Reviewed by Safi Allah Khan
Medically reviewed by: Safi Allah Khan · Written by the Momi team · Last updated 20 October 2026
Quick answer: At 23 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a grapefruit, about 28.9 cm (11.4 in) long. You're in the second trimester, in month 6, with 17 weeks to go until your due date. This week's milestone: lots of rem sleep. Symptoms vary from person to person.
| Week 23 at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Trimester | Second |
| Month | 6 |
| Weeks to due date | 17 |
| Baby's size | About the size of a grapefruit |
| Length | About 28.9 cm (11.4 in) |
| Weight | About 500 g (1.1 lb) |
| This week | Lots of REM sleep |
Sizes are typical averages. Before about 20 weeks, length is measured crown to rump; after that, head to heel.
Your baby at 23 weeks
Your baby is about the size of a grapefruit and weighs about 500 g (1.1 lb). ACOG notes that at week 23 the baby spends most sleep time in REM sleep. Ridges that become fingerprints are forming.
Your body at 23 weeks pregnant
You might notice Braxton Hicks contractions: brief, usually painless tightenings that come and go. They are practice contractions.
Things to do this week
- If tightenings become regular or painful before 37 weeks, call your care team.
- Learn about the glucose screening test at 24 to 28 weeks.
- Keep fluids up, which can ease Braxton Hicks.
When to call your doctor or midwife
Contact your care team straight away if:
- your baby's movements slow down or change once you've started feeling a pattern, or you haven't felt any movement by 24 weeks
- you have a severe headache, vision changes, pain just below your ribs, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet (possible signs of pre-eclampsia)
- you have regular contractions, pelvic pressure or a low, dull backache before 37 weeks
- you have bleeding or fluid leaking from your vagina
- you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
If something feels wrong, trust that feeling and call. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Track week 23 in Momi
Momi's contraction timer can help you see whether tightenings have a pattern, which is useful when you call your care team. Momi follows your pregnancy week by week with your baby's size and development, and keeps your diary, bump photos, appointments, kick counts and contractions in one place.
Download Momi free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Keep reading
← 22 weeks pregnant · All weeks · 24 weeks pregnant →
Sources
- ACOG: Changes During Pregnancy (infographic)
- NHS: Your baby's movements
- NHS: Antenatal care and appointments
- CDC: Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
Medical disclaimer: Momi and this website provide general information, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife; in an emergency call your local emergency number.
FAQ
How big is a baby at 23 weeks pregnant?
On average, a baby at 23 weeks is about the size of a grapefruit: about 28.9 cm (11.4 in), about 500 g (1.1 lb). These are typical averages, and healthy babies vary.
How many months is 23 weeks pregnant?
23 weeks pregnant is in the sixth month of pregnancy and the second trimester. Months don't divide evenly into 40 weeks, so different sources may label the month slightly differently.
What should I do at 23 weeks pregnant?
If tightenings become regular or painful before 37 weeks, call your care team. Learn about the glucose screening test at 24 to 28 weeks.
Related guides
Track this in Momi
Momi is a free pregnancy tracker app for iPhone and Android that follows pregnancy week by week, estimates the due date, and keeps a pregnancy journal, weight log, kick counter and contraction timer in one place.
