Day 163 of 280, second trimester
You are 23 weeks and 2 days
With a layer of fat and a tough outer layer of cells, your baby's skin is becoming more resilient.
117 days until your due date
Your baby's skin is starting to "keratinize." Keratin turns the skin's outer layer into a protective layer of dead cells; hair and nails are made of it too.
This keratinized outer layer, plus fat between the skin cells, makes the skin waterproof, reducing the water your baby loses into the amniotic fluid. Each new skin cell forms deep in the skin, matures as it moves up to the surface, becomes part of the protective layer, and is eventually shed, a cycle taking about 30 days.
The thickest keratinized layers are on the palms and soles. The process has only just started, and the fat layer is still very thin, so the skin still looks translucent, although less than before.
Good to know
Coping with leg cramps
Painful leg spasms are common in pregnancy, especially at night, and you may wake with sudden severe pain in your legs or feet. They're thought to be caused by the uterus pressing on the pelvic nerves. Some experts think a lack of calcium or salt, or too much phosphorus, may play a part, but this hasn't been proved.
When a cramp strikes, flex your foot or leg (or do a calf stretch) and gently massage the area. It should ease once you're up and using the muscle. But if the pain doesn't go and there's redness or swelling in the leg, get medical advice straight away to rule out a blood clot, which can be dangerous.
To reduce cramps, drink plenty of water, do regular leg stretches and ankle exercises (circling your heels and wiggling your toes), get gentle exercise such as walking or swimming, and massage your calves regularly to improve circulation.
Explainer
Only some movements felt
Your baby still has plenty of room, and although you're probably feeling lots of movement, it's only a fraction of the total. You only feel movements that make your baby kick or bump the uterus wall, not the finer movements close to her body.
Explainer
Filling out
Your baby's bones are hardening, her arms and legs are filling out, she often brings her hands to her face, and her skin is developing a protective covering of vernix.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
Read the full 23 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.