The First Celebration : Weeks 23-24

Celebrating this stage: 23–24 weeks pregnant

Welcome to what many call the pregnancy ‘sweet spot.’ The 20-week scan is behind you, your bump has properly arrived, and if that early-trimester exhaustion and nausea have finally lifted, you might actually have the energy to enjoy being pregnant rather than just powering through it.

In short: you’ve reached a milestone worth celebrating, take a moment to appreciate how far you've come, do things that make you feel like you, and have a bit of well-deserved fun before the nesting phase begins (that’s a whole other kind of fun).

What’s happening with you and your baby at 23–24 weeks?

While you’re out making plans, your baby is doing plenty of growing and developing.

Now roughly the size of a grapefruit, they’re looking more baby-like all the time. Their arms and legs are in proportion, their movements are getting noticeably stronger and their lungs are developing fast as they prepare for life on the outside.

There’s plenty going on with you, too.

Increased blood flow and pregnancy hormones might bring thicker, shinier hair and that famous ‘pregnancy glow’. Or a few unexpected spots, because pregnancy likes to keep you guessing. Your bump is growing quickly now, so backache, heartburn and finding a comfortable sleeping position might be on the cards. Enter: the pregnancy pillow (if it hasn’t already set up camp in your bed). But for many, this stretch of the second trimester still feels refreshingly manageable.

Make the most of the sweet spot

Some low-pressure ways to enjoy this stage of pregnancy:

Plan a proper date or day out:

Try somewhere new, revisit an old favourite, book theatre tickets, a pregnancy-safe spa day, or let a long lunch drift into the afternoon. You’ll still do all of this once baby arrives, it will just require a little more organisation.

Dress up and show off the bump:

If you feel like showing off your bump, you’re likely well past the ‘is it a bump or bloating?’ stage. Put on that fitted dress, a bright colour, or an outfit that makes you feel amazing, get out of the house, and enjoy showing off your bump.

See the people who lift you up:

Skip the frantic pre-baby social tour. Instead, focus on the friends, family members, or favourite people who make you feel good, and turn those endless "we must catch up" WhatsApp messages into actual plans.

Enjoy a getaway:

Mid-pregnancy is often one of the easiest times to travel. The NHS notes that many women find four to six months the most comfortable time for a holiday, and airlines may ask for a fit-to-fly letter after 28 weeks – check with your airline before you book. So, if you’ve been dreaming of a weekend away abroad, or closer to home, now is your window.

Capture a few photos you love:

Nothing elaborate, unless that’s your style. Ask your partner or a friend to take some natural shots of you at this stage. You’ll be so glad to have some lovely memories of pregnancy to look back on.

Buy something purely for joy:

By now, you’ve probably researched enough practical gear to qualify for a diploma. Not every purchase needs a spreadsheet. Pick out something tiny and beautiful just because it makes you smile – a soft knitted cardigan, cute booties, or a wooden rattle.

Celebrating on your own terms

If you’re embarking on this journey as a solo parent – whether by choice or by circumstance – this stage is every bit as much yours to honour. Celebrating doesn't depend on having a partner beside you, nor does it mean pretending every moment is effortless.

It might just mean a quiet weekend entirely on your own schedule, or having dinner with someone whose company genuinely lifts you up. You’re creating a whole new life for you and your baby, and that’s something to be genuinely proud of.

Thinking about a baby shower?

You probably don’t want one next weekend. But if you’d like a baby shower later in pregnancy, now is a sensible point to start gathering ideas before other people’s opinions enter the equation.

Big lunch or small one? A lively party or afternoon tea? Games or absolutely no games?

Remember, there’s no magic formula or mandatory guest list. A great afternoon with a couple of people you truly adore is every bit as special as a room full of 20. And you don't need to wait for someone else to step in you can host your own, collaborate with family, or simply book somewhere lovely and keep the whole thing easy.

Start the list now, share it later

This is also a good time to start a list of everything you need to buy for baby.

You might know which bedside crib you want, have two changing bags saved, and can no longer remember which of the seven bouncers in your screenshots was the one you actually liked. Getting everything into one organised place makes life considerably easier.

Mamas & Papas’ My Baby List can be kept completely private while you’re deciding, letting you organise the essentials, the dream items, and the things you’re still researching. When you’re ready to share it for a baby shower – or when loved ones ask how they can help – it’s already done.

Enjoy this stage

There’ll be plenty of serious preparation later.

Right now, there’s still room for a long lunch, a weekend away, baby shower planning and the occasional completely unnecessary, but totally justifiable baby purchase.

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