23 weeks pregnant: pelvic floor exercises and preterm signs

At 23 weeks pregnant your pelvic ligaments are stretching, KKH says, under the effect of hormones and the growing weight of your womb. By the end of pregnancy the pelvic floor muscles are stretched and weakened, and some women leak urine after the birth when they laugh, sneeze or cough. Pelvic floor exercises now lower that chance.

Find your pelvic floor

These are the muscles that stop urine leaking when your bladder is full. KKH's way to find them: imagine holding in your pee, then try squeezing those muscles with an empty bladder. You'll feel a squeeze from the vagina up to the back passage.

The exercise, step by step

1. Lie flat with your knees bent.
2. Squeeze the pelvic floor muscles and hold for 5 to 10 seconds.
3. Release for the same length of time.
4. Do 10 repetitions, 3 times a day.

Once you've got the hang of it, try it sitting or standing, even while waiting for the MRT or a bus. For more of a challenge, KKH describes pelvic lifts: squeeze, slowly raise your hips, hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then lower slowly as you release.

• Keep breathing steadily.
• Don't do the exercises with a full bladder; KKH says it can weaken the muscles.
• Don't tighten your tummy or bottom at the same time.
• After the birth, once you've recovered, keep going for 2 to 3 months. Our postpartum pelvic floor guide picks up from there.

Why KKH treats 24 weeks as a milestone

KKH's planner notes that before 24 weeks, a premature birth is usually not survivable, and that with modern neonatal care, babies born from 24 weeks have a better chance. Full term is from 37 weeks.

About 1 in 10 women go into labour early, KKH says. Before 37 weeks it's called preterm labour, and the signs aren't always obvious:

• tightening that comes regularly and gets stronger or more painful
• something like mild period cramps, or a backache
• a gush or trickle of fluid from the vagina
• a pink or bloody discharge

If you're found to be in early labour, KKH says doctors may give medicines to try to slow it, and steroid injections to help your baby's lungs mature.

What's due in Singapore at 23 weeks

Book your OGTT slot if your clinic hasn't. Our gestational diabetes guide explains the test and what happens next.

When to go to the hospital

Any sign of preterm labour above, bleeding, or the pre-eclampsia signs (severe headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling of the face or feet) need the hospital now.

Where to go: at KKH, if you're 22 weeks or more with leaking fluid, bleeding or signs of labour, head directly to the Delivery Suite on Level 2 of the Women's Tower. NUH's Delivery Suite is Ward 22, Level 2 of the Main Building. Other hospitals have their own, so find out where yours is before you need it.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I do pelvic floor exercises?

KKH suggests 10 repetitions, 3 times a day, holding each squeeze for 5 to 10 seconds.

What are the signs of preterm labour?

Regular tightening, period-like cramps or backache, fluid leaking, or a pink discharge before 37 weeks. Go to the hospital if you notice them.

When is a baby full term?

From 37 weeks, KKH says.

23 weeks pregnant is how many months?

About five and a quarter months, counted from the first day of your last period.

Week by week. Previous week: 22 weeks pregnant. Next week: 24 weeks pregnant. Every week from 4 to 40: pregnancy week by week.