Week 23

My Baby
Your baby's lungs are in major growth mode this week, with blood vessels expanding and preparing to help her breathe after she's born. Although she's making breathing movements in the womb (so cute!), it's still just practice with amniotic fluid; your baby will get all of her oxygen delivered from the placenta until she's born. But here's why this lung development is so fabulous: If your child should happen to arrive early (though only 2 percent of babies in the U.S. are born before 32 weeks), her odds of surviving are significantly better now that her lungs are up and running. Of course, these and other important organs still have a long way to go to become fully developed, but most experts count weeks 23 and 24 as important, reassuring milestones when it comes to long-term healthy outcomes from preterm labor.

My Body
That baby of yours sure needs a lot of nutrients. As she uses more and more of the vitamins and minerals passing through your body, you might need an extra dose. That's why doctors sometimes prescribe iron supplements during the second half of pregnancy, in addition to your prenatal vitamin. The extra boost may help reduce your risk of anemia, a condition in which your body doesn't get the 30 milligrams of iron it needs every day to produce enough red blood cells, triggering symptoms like serious fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Contact your doctor right away if you feel any of these during your second or third trimesters. Anemia won't harm the baby in most cases, but it can really zap your energy levels. The good news, though, is that it's usually easily treatable with a daily supplement.

My Life
Is your belly getting big enough that you -- eek! -- suddenly feel like you have nothing to wear? Time to update your closet! Lucky you, because maternity clothes are just as stylish as anything your non-preggo pals are donning (and honestly -- way more comfortable). Among our favorite must-haves: designer jeans (Citizens of Humanity, 7 for All Mankind, Joe's, and more, in boot cuts, bells, skinny, and capri styles); flattering, fitted tees that play up your curves rather than trying to hide them under billowing fabric; and office wear that's tailored and chic, yet still comfy. You may need to give your shoe wardrobe a facelift too, since many moms-to-be find that their feet expand (sometimes permanently!) by as much as a half or whole size during pregnancy. Now's not the time to show off those pointy-toed pumps, either. With your balance a little off these days, flats are a much safer bet. Pick up a pair of ballet slippers (so comfy and trendy right now!), loafers, or sandals that'll treat your tootsies well.