Semana 23 de embarazo

At week 23, your baby is about 29-30 cm long and weighs between 500-600 grams. The most miraculous development this week is happening in the lungs. The air sacs (alveoli) in your baby's lungs are starting to form, and the production of surfactant—a substance that prevents the lungs from sticking together and makes breathing possible—is beginning. Although it still needs time to function at full capacity, this development increases your baby's chances of survival in the outside world every single day. Additionally, while your baby's skin is still wrinkled, its color begins to change this week. Capillaries move closer to the surface of the skin, giving it a pinkish hue. Your baby's pancreas starts producing insulin, which is a vital hormone for growth. Their senses are now at an expert level; they respond much more clearly to outside noises, sudden lights, and the tone of your voice. They are now trying to change positions not just with kicks, but by turning their whole body. This little eggplant inside is transforming into a more independent life form with every passing second.

En la semana 23, tu útero ha subido aproximadamente 3-4 cm por encima del ombligo. Este crecimiento afecta el equilibrio de líquidos de tu cuerpo y es posible que notes edema (hinchazón) en los pies y tobillos, especialmente al final del día. El gran aumento del volumen sanguíneo y la presión que el útero ejerce sobre las venas pélvicas dificultan el retorno de la sangre al corazón. Que los zapatos te queden apretados o que el elástico de los calcetines deje marcas son molestias comunes de esta semana. Esta semana también podrías conocer las llamadas contracciones de Braxton Hicks o falsas contracciones. Puedes notar que tu abdomen se pone duro de repente, como una pelota, y se relaja después de unos segundos. No son dolores de parto, sino entrenamientos que realiza tu útero para el nacimiento. Por lo general, no causan dolor y desaparecen al cambiar de posición o beber agua. Sin embargo, si estas contracciones se vuelven regulares o intensas, debes consultar a tu médico sin falta. Además, la acidez estomacal (reflujo) por la presión del útero sobre el estómago y la sensación de expansión en la caja torácica también forman parte de los cambios físicos de esta semana. A medida que tu cuerpo se siente más pesado, debes darle más tiempo para descansar.

En esta etapa en la que tus manos y pies comienzan a hincharse, es muy importante prestar atención a la cantidad de sodio en tu alimentación. La sal hace que el cuerpo retenga líquidos y aumenta la hinchazón. Sin embargo, no es recomendable eliminarla por completo; se necesita una pequeña cantidad de sal de calidad para un aporte equilibrado de yodo. Lo fundamental es evitar la sal oculta en alimentos procesados, encurtidos y embutidos. La forma más eficaz de reducir la hinchazón es beber más agua. Cuando tu cuerpo se deshidrata, intenta retener el agua en las células, lo que provoca más inflamación. Beber al menos 3 litros de agua al día ayuda a que tus riñones eliminen el sodio y limpien tu organismo. Además, los alimentos ricos en potasio ayudan a mantener el equilibrio de líquidos. Es posible que esta semana tengas mucho apetito; para calmar los antojos de dulce, elige frutos secos con magnesio o yogures con fruta. Para evitar los calambres nocturnos, dale un respiro a tu sistema digestivo evitando comidas pesadas y picantes por la noche. Recuerda que cuanto más líquido bebas, más ligera te sentirás.

Week 23 marks the medical milestone of fetal viability, which can sometimes trigger fears of preterm labor for some expectant parents. Every little ache or Braxton Hicks contraction might lead you to wonder if labor is starting. This anxiety is simply your maternal instinct's way of trying to protect your baby, but try not to let these worries overwhelm your daily life. To support your mental well-being, try practicing mindfulness and reminding yourself of your body's strength. Learning the signs of preterm labor, such as regular contractions, water breaking, or bleeding, should not be frightening; instead, being informed can provide a greater sense of control. Share your fears with your partner so you do not have to manage this journey alone. Additionally, focusing on baby’s movements is a wonderful way to feel reassured of their health. Keeping your mind occupied and peaceful is a beautiful gift for both you and your baby.

You may have focused on aesthetics while preparing the nursery, but as of week 23, it is time to look at home safety from a broader perspective. Even though your baby won't crawl right away when they are born, taking safety precautions while you still have energy and before your bump gets too big will make things easier for you. Safety Checklist: Paint and Chemicals: Make sure the paints used in the nursery are water-based and VOC-free (volatile organic compounds). Securing Furniture: Get the necessary hardware now to anchor heavy furniture that could tip over, such as dressers and bookshelves, to the wall. Outlets and Corners: Make a list to buy outlet covers and protective pads for sharp table corners around the house. Safety Detectors: Check if you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and test their batteries. When shopping, set aside a budget not just for clothes, but also for medical safety products like baby monitors, thermometers, and nasal aspirators. Being prepared will greatly reduce the chaos when a new member joins the family.

Don't be surprised if you hear your partner say, "You snored a bit last night," during week 23. Increased blood volume and estrogen levels cause the nasal lining to swell (pregnancy rhinitis). This can make breathing more difficult and lead to snoring. Additionally, as your belly grows, lying on your back can make it harder to breathe. Weekly Tip: Propping your head up with an extra pillow while you sleep helps keep your nasal passages more open. Using nasal strips can offer a safe, drug-free solution. Air out the room well before bed and use a humidifier to prevent the air from getting too dry. If your snoring is accompanied by gasping for breath or extreme daytime sleepiness, be sure to consult your doctor (this could be related to pregnancy-induced high blood pressure). Sleeping on your left side and placing a pillow between your legs not only increases blood flow to your baby but also helps you breathe more comfortably.