In the Week 22, your baby is
the size of a Sweet Potato
At week 22, your baby is growing steadily! Celebrate new milestones, adapt to body changes, and stay focused on a healthy pregnancy journey.
Welcome to week 22 of your pregnancy! As you step into the second half of your second trimester, your baby grows steadily, and your body adapts to accommodate their development. Let's dive into what you can expect during this exciting time.
At week 22, your body adapts to your growing baby. From increased energy to mild discomforts, discover the common changes you may experience
Increased energy levels
Many women find their energy levels improve during the second trimester, making them more active and productive.
Mild aches and pains
As your uterus expands and your baby grows, you may experience discomfort in your lower back, hips, or pelvis.
Braxton Hicks contractions
These practice contractions may become more noticeable, helping your body prepare for labour and delivery.
Stretch marks
Due to your belly's rapid growth, you may notice stretch marks on your stomach, breasts, or thighs.
Increased appetite
Your growing baby requires more nutrients, which may lead to an increased appetite and the need for more frequent, smaller meals.
Constipation
Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and you may experience different symptoms than other expectant mothers.
At 22 weeks, your baby grows rapidly with developing organs, adorable features, and increasing movements. Let’s explore these fantastic milestones!
Organ Development
Your baby's brain is rapidly developing, with the formation of complex neural pathways and the beginning of brain wave activity. The liver and pancreas are now functioning, and the lungs continue to develop.
Physical Features
Your baby's skin becomes less transparent as more fat accumulates beneath the surface. Eyebrows and eyelashes are now visible, adding to your baby's adorable features. The baby's hearing is well-developed, allowing them to respond to sounds from the outside world.
Weight of the Foetus
At 22 weeks, your baby weighs approximately 0.45 kilograms and measures around 19-20 cm from crown to rump or about 28 cm from head to toe.
Movement of the Baby
You may feel your baby's movements becoming more substantial and more frequent. They may respond to loud noises or even to your touch when you gently press on your belly.
At 22 weeks, your baby is growing quickly, now able to hear sounds and even recognize your voice. Their sense of touch is developing, and they’re exploring their tiny world by grasping and moving. These are the weeks when we see incredible progress in brain growth and sensory development—a truly miraculous stage of life.
As your pregnancy progresses, your body undergoes various changes to support your growing baby. Here are the most prominent ones.
Breast Changes
Your breasts may leak pre-milk. You may notice small bumps around your nipples, called Montgomery's tubercles, which help lubricate and protect your nipples during breastfeeding.
Hair, Skin, and Nails
Hormonal changes may cause your hair to appear thicker and shinier, a phenomenon known as "pregnancy glow." You may experience skin pigmentation on the belly or cheeks and acne breakouts. Your nails may grow faster but also be brittle and prone to breaking.
Respiratory and Cardiovascular System
As your uterus expands, it may press on your lungs, causing mild shortness of breath. Your heart rate may increase slightly to accommodate the increased blood volume and support the growing demands of your body and baby.
Vaginal Discharge
You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge, which is usually clear or milky white and helps prevent infections. If the discharge has a strong odour, causes itching, or appears greenish or yellowish, consult your doctor, as these may be signs of an infection.
Uterus Size and Position
Your uterus continues to grow and may now be felt about an inch above your belly button. You may experience mild aches or pains in your lower abdomen or back as your uterus expands.
Constipation and Haemorrhoids
At 22 weeks of pregnancy, you may experience digestive discomforts such as heartburn, indigestion, and constipation due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing on your digestive system. Additionally, the increased pressure on pelvic blood vessels may lead to haemorrhoids, which can cause discomfort or itching.
Childbirth prep
Enrol yourself in prenatal courses to learn different labour stages and what to expect.
Food to avoid
It's best to not consume raw, high-mercury fish, unpasteurised dairy and alcohol
Embrace change
Breast changes like heaviness and larger areolas are normal, switch to supportive bras.
Stay active
Moderately intense exercise is great for you, but avoid sports that risk abdominal injury.
Prenatal diet
Make your diet nutritious and include prenatal vitamins containing folic acid and iodine.
If your monthly check-up is pending, your week 22 visit will be essential to monitor your health and baby’s development. Here’s what you can expect:
Weight and Blood Pressure Check
Your doctor will measure your weight and blood pressure to ensure you're progressing well in your pregnancy and to detect any signs of hypertension.
Urine Test
A urine sample may be taken to check for signs of infections and to measure protein and sugar levels, which can indicate gestational diabetes or kidney issues.
Ultrasound
Your doctor may recommend an 18-20 week anomaly scan or anatomy scan. This ultrasound helps evaluate your baby’s growth, amniotic fluid levels, blood flow, and abnormalities. In some cases, a fetal echocardiogram may be suggested to thoroughly assess the baby’s heart if there are medical indications or concerns.
Quadruple Screening Test
If not done previously, your doctor may recommend the quadruple screening test during week 22 based on your ultrasound results and the risk factors of your pregnancy. This blood test, typically conducted between weeks 15 and 22, measures four markers—AFP, hCG, inhibin-A, and estriol—to assess the risk of conditions such as Down syndrome, neural tube defects, or abdominal wall abnormalities in the baby.
Gestational Diabetes Screening
If needed, your doctor may assess whether you're at risk for gestational diabetes. This evaluation is important to ensure early detection and timely management during pregnancy.
Yes, it is common to experience Braxton Hicks contractions, or "practice contractions," during the second trimester. These contractions help prepare your uterus for labour and delivery. They are usually irregular, infrequent, and not painful. However, if you experience regular, painful contractions, contact your doctor immediately.
It is generally recommended to avoid sleeping on your back during the second and third trimesters. As your uterus grows, it can put pressure on the large blood vessels that run along your spine, which can reduce blood flow to your baby. Try sleeping on your side, preferably your left side, with a pillow between your knees for added comfort.
In most cases, it is safe to travel during the second trimester, as long as you are experiencing a healthy pregnancy without complications. However, it is essential to consult with your doctor before making any travel plans. They can check your individual situation and provide guidance on travel safety and any necessary precautions.
Weight gain during pregnancy varies from person to person and depends on factors such as your pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index (BMI). On average, women with a normal BMI should aim to gain between 11 to 16 kg throughout their pregnancy. By week 22, you may have gained around 5 to 6.5 kg.
Yes, your baby's hearing is well-developed by week 22, and they can respond to sounds from the outside world, including your voice. Talking, singing, or reading to your baby can help create a bond and may even have a calming effect on them. Don't be surprised if you feel your baby move in response to familiar voices or music.
Mild swelling in the feet and ankles is common during the second and third trimesters. This swelling, known as oedema, is caused by the extra fluid in your body and the pressure of your growing uterus on the blood vessels in your legs. To alleviate swelling, try elevating your feet when resting, wearing comfortable shoes, and staying hydrated.
If you notice any vaginal discharge that has a strong odour, causes itching, or appears greenish or yellowish, contact your doctor. These could be signs of an infection, such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
Managing stress is vital for your well-being and your baby's development. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga, stay active with walking or swimming (with approval), share your feelings with loved ones, join a support group, or indulge in self-care activities like reading or taking a warm bath.
