Your petite prisoner is capable of hearing noises outside his or her fortress. Both you and your partner should try to talk to your baby now (yes, talk to your own tummy) so the baby gets used to the sound of your voices.
Although it's a bit early, you may actually feel Braxton Hicks Contractions, or you may notice a slight tensing of your abdomen. This is the uterine muscle preparing for the process of birth. Think of it as exercise without getting off your butt (not that this replaces getting of your butt!). This muscle tenses and relaxes on its own even when you're not pregnant, but we don't feel it unless the uterus is full – of the small human that you are baking in there.
By this point you may start feeling movement on the outside of your tummy. This is usually a big deal for daddy (or mommy #2, or other family members) – it will be their first time they have physical contact with the baby. Sometimes babies have a sneaky habit of ceasing all movement the moment someone else puts their hand on your belly. Just keep trying; your wee one is bound to show off their soccer or kickboxing skillz eventually.
By 23 weeks you are probably still experiencing some drastic mood swings at times. Don't worry if the long distance or insurance company commercials send you into a fit of tears. This is routine for most pregnant women. Take some time over the next few weeks to enjoy baby's movements – they are likely to be more active in the upcoming weeks than later in your pregnancy when they run out of space to move around.
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