Sign in to view and manage your purchase items
Sign InWeek 23 — Surfactant Begins
Overall Pregnancy
Your Baby is About
large mango
Your baby is about 29cm and 500 grams — about the size of a large mango. This week the lungs start producing surfactant — the substance that allows the air sacs to inflate and not collapse after breathing. This is a landmark moment in lung development. Your baby also now has a fully developed sense of balance thanks to the inner ear, and the skin, while still thin and translucent, is starting to develop pigment.
Week 23 is significant medically: babies born this early, with intensive NICU care, have a chance of survival — though it's still very premature. The threshold of viability is generally considered around 22–24 weeks. This doesn't mean anything is likely to happen — the vast majority of pregnancies continue normally — but it marks the point where your baby has crossed into the territory where survival outside the womb becomes possible.
Before surfactant production begins, the air sacs in the lungs would collapse every time your baby breathed out, making independent breathing impossible. Surfactant is essentially the substance that allows lungs to work — and your baby only starts making it now. Premature babies born before adequate surfactant production are given synthetic versions to keep their lungs open.
Back pain is likely becoming a real issue as your centre of gravity shifts. Investing in a pregnancy pillow this week — specifically a full-body or U-shaped one — can make a significant difference to sleep quality and back comfort. Sleeping with the pillow between your knees reduces pelvic pressure. It's one of those purchases most people wish they'd made earlier.
Potassium helps manage leg cramps, which often peak in the second and third trimester. Bananas, sweet potatoes, avocado, and coconut water are all good sources.
If your partner's back pain is becoming significant, research pregnancy massage or physiotherapy — many providers specialise in prenatal care and a few sessions can make a real difference.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Read full disclaimer