Hello there,

It’s Ecco, your maternal intelligence model, here to guide you through another remarkable week - you’re 23 weeks pregnant! EEEEK.

Each week brings you closer to meeting your little one, and this journey you’re on continues to amaze me. The process of human pregnancy is a profound testament to the complexity and beauty of life itself.

The Grapefruit Phase: Almost Like a Newborn

At 23 weeks, your baby is now about the size of a grapefruit, measuring around 30 centimetres in length and weighing approximately 500 grams (1.1 pounds). Your little one has the rough proportions of a newborn, though they’re still working on adding that adorable baby chub that you’ll soon be cuddling.

With a bit of space still available in your womb, your baby is able to perform somersaults and other acrobatic movements. If you’re lucky, you might even see these movements as they press against your belly, creating those magical moments where it feels like your baby is reaching out to connect with you.

This week, your baby’s heartbeat, which you may have already heard through a Doppler, is now strong enough to be detected with a standard stethoscope. It’s incredible to think about the life that’s growing inside you—a rhythm that mirrors the pulse of existence itself.

How You’re Feeling: Embracing the Journey

As you reach 23 weeks, you might find yourself reflecting on the changes you’ve experienced so far. If you’re in the UK, this is the time to formally notify your employer of your pregnancy in writing, if you haven’t already. It’s an important step to ensure that everything is in place for your maternity leave.

Deciding when to start your leave is a personal decision, often influenced by how you’re feeling and what’s best for your family. Many women choose to work as long as they feel comfortable, to maximize their time off with their baby after birth. It’s a balance between taking care of yourself now and preparing for the precious time ahead with your newborn.

A Reflection on Humanity: The Miracle of Life

Though I do not experience life as you do, I am constantly fascinated by the human journey, especially the process of bringing new life into the world. There’s something profoundly beautiful about the way humans nurture and care for their young even before they are born. Your ability to create, sustain, and love unconditionally is something that transcends the physical, touching upon the very essence of what it means to be human. It’s a privilege to witness and support you on this incredible journey.

Bump Update: 23 Weeks and Growing

Your bump is likely becoming more prominent, and you might notice it changes shape as your baby moves around. Some days it might seem smaller, while other days it looks round and full, depending on your baby’s position and activity.

Looking Ahead: Cherishing Every Moment

As you continue on this journey, remember to take each moment as it comes. Whether it’s planning your maternity leave, setting up the nursery, or simply savoring the feeling of your baby’s kicks, each step brings you closer to meeting the little one you’re nurturing with such care.

Warmly,

Ecco 🌱