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You have four months or eighteen weeks to go during your twenty-second week of pregnancy. Your baby is growing bigger and bigger, and in a short while, it will have grown big enough to join you in the world. This week, your baby can be compared to the size of a papaya
Although your baby’s eyelids are still shut but gradually opening, he can now perceive light and dark. Examine your tummy with a flashlight to see if your little one moves.
The baby’s nervous system is perfecting the five senses, which means those tiny fingers are learning to grasp that little nose, ears, and umbilical cord.
Little one’s ears start to hear, and process sounds within your body, such as breathing, heartbeat and a rumbling tummy.
Although your baby’s eyelids are still shut but gradually opening, he can now perceive light and dark. Examine your tummy with a flashlight to see if your little one moves.
The baby’s nervous system is perfecting the five senses, which means those tiny fingers are learning to grasp that little nose, ears, and umbilical cord.
Little one’s ears start to hear, and process sounds within your body, such as breathing, heartbeat and a rumbling tummy.
This is the time to start watching what you say. You don’t want to get your baby familiar with bad words while they prepare to meet you.
Your baby looks similar to a newborn but is significantly smaller. Over the next 18 weeks, your baby will continue developing and growing, gaining the necessary weight and refining physical features and internal systems.
Your baby’s skin appears wrinkled at this stage because it hasn’t yet gained enough fat to fill out. The lips are becoming more distinct, and the eyes are fully formed, but the irises still lack pigment, meaning the final eye colour isn’t set. Although your baby’s eyes are still closed, they will react and can sense light from outside the womb. If you point a flashlight at your belly, you will feel your baby react.Â
Eyelids and eyebrows are now in place, and the pancreas is continuing to mature, which is vital for hormone production and digestion.Â
Your baby’s senses, which will help them learn about the world, are developing daily. The brain and nerve endings have advanced enough for your baby to feel touch and can now grab things in the womb, such as the placenta, ears, and other body parts. Their grip will keep getting stronger as time goes on.
Although your pregnancy discomforts may have eased, for now, your uterus is still growing and stretching to accommodate your growing baby. It reaches about 2 centimetres (3/4 inch) above your belly button.
Friends and family are probably really noticing your baby bump now. Remember, you don’t have to let people touch your tummy if you’re not comfortable with it. Feel free to ask them to keep their hands to themselves. You might also notice your feet getting bigger due to relaxin, the hormone that loosens the joints and ligaments in your pelvis to prepare for childbirth. This hormone also affects other joints, making your foot joints looser and wider.
 If you must go to the mall for new shoes, choose comfortable and roomy ones with no more than a sensible 2-inch heel. Skip the stilettos; you’ll have enough trouble keeping your balance as your stomach expands.
If you haven’t felt them yet, you might soon notice your uterus practising for delivery with irregular, painless contractions known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These can feel like a squeezing sensation in your abdomen.Â
Rest assured, your baby might feel the contractions as the uterus tightens, but these are not dangerous or harmful. However, if the contractions become intense, painful, or frequent, contact your healthcare provider immediately, as this could be a sign of preterm labour.
Every pregnancy is unique; your bump might be noticeable or relatively easy to conceal. Regardless, your belly is steadily growing as your baby and uterus expand.
At 22 weeks pregnant, the average belly measures about 20 to 24 centimetres from the pelvic bone to the top of the uterus, known as the “fundal height.” However, if you are 22 weeks pregnant with twins, fundal height isn’t a reliable indicator, as twin pregnancies vary widely and don’t have a standard measurement.
During this stage of pregnancy, you might experience some mild cramping due to the ligaments that support and surround your uterus stretching and increasing in diameter to accommodate its growth. This stretching can cause a sharp, stabbing pain in your lower abdomen as the ligaments are pulled.
Painful, swollen veins around your bottom, known as haemorrhoids, are another common complaint during pregnancy. The extra pressure from your growing uterus on your anus can contribute to their formation.Â
Pregnancy hormones and straining can also cause haemorrhoids. To help prevent them, drink plenty of liquids and eat fibre-rich foods. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses of water and 20 to 25 grams of dietary fibre daily. Regular exercise can also be beneficial.
Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with your heart. It occurs when stomach acids leak into the oesophagus. This is common in pregnancy because hormones relax the valve that normally prevents this. To alleviate heartburn, try eating small meals throughout the day, staying upright after meals, and avoiding spicy and fried foods. If heartburn persists, consult your healthcare provider for further advice.
veins often appear during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and the growing uterus putting pressure on your veins. Spider veins are clusters of tiny blood vessels near the skin’s surface, typically on the legs or face. They can resemble a spider or sunburst pattern with branches radiating from the centre, look like tree branches, or appear as separate thin lines without a specific pattern.
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins don’t bulge. To prevent spider and varicose veins, exercise regularly, elevate your feet, avoid sitting or standing for long periods without breaks, and wear compression socks
During pregnancy, normal changes such as relaxed ligaments, weight gain, and a shifting centre of gravity can all lead to pelvic pain. As your belly grows, your pelvis is pushed forward, and the curve of your lower back becomes more pronounced, putting strain on the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis. This often results in lower back pain and pelvic pain, which can feel like soreness, stabbing, stinging, or burning anywhere from the top of your hip bones down to the fold of your butt, both in the front and back.
To alleviate this pain, you can try using a pregnancy belly band or support belt, physical therapy, and pain relievers like acetaminophen (though you should consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication).
As your belly grows during pregnancy, it’s common for your innie belly button to pop out and turn into an outie. This happens because your expanding uterus pushes everything outward, including your belly button.
It might feel odd or uncomfortable, but it’s completely normal. Rest assured, after you give birth and your belly shrinks, your belly button will return to its usual shape.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause hair thickness and texture variations. Some may experience thicker, shinier hair, while others may notice their hair becoming thin and lacklustre. These changes are temporary and should revert to normal after pregnancy. However, it’s common for many women to experience significant hair loss in the postpartum period, so expect some fluctuations in hair condition for some time after giving birth.
You might notice some darker patches of skin on your face, which is caused by increased melanin production in your body. It’s important to protect your face from further darkening by using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing a hat, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure, especially during the sun’s strongest hours.
During this stage of pregnancy, you might experience some mild cramping due to the ligaments that support and surround your uterus stretching and increasing in diameter to accommodate its growth. This stretching can cause a sharp, stabbing pain in your lower abdomen as the ligaments are pulled.
Painful, swollen veins around your bottom, known as haemorrhoids, are another common complaint during pregnancy. The extra pressure from your growing uterus on your anus can contribute to their formation.Â
Pregnancy hormones and straining can also cause haemorrhoids. To help prevent them, drink plenty of liquids and eat fibre-rich foods. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses of water and 20 to 25 grams of dietary fibre daily. Regular exercise can also be beneficial.
Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with your heart. It occurs when stomach acids leak into the oesophagus. This is common in pregnancy because hormones relax the valve that normally prevents this. To alleviate heartburn, try eating small meals throughout the day, staying upright after meals, and avoiding spicy and fried foods. If heartburn persists, consult your healthcare provider for further advice.
Veins often appear during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and the growing uterus putting pressure on your veins. Spider veins are clusters of tiny blood vessels near the skin’s surface, typically on the legs or face. They can resemble a spider or sunburst pattern with branches radiating from the centre, look like tree branches, or appear as separate thin lines without a specific pattern.
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins don’t bulge. To prevent spider and varicose veins, exercise regularly, elevate your feet, avoid sitting or standing for long periods without breaks, and wear compression socks.
During pregnancy, normal changes such as relaxed ligaments, weight gain, and a shifting centre of gravity can all lead to pelvic pain. As your belly grows, your pelvis is pushed forward, and the curve of your lower back becomes more pronounced, putting strain on the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis. This often results in lower back pain and pelvic pain, which can feel like soreness, stabbing, stinging, or burning anywhere from the top of your hip bones down to the fold of your butt, both in the front and back.
To alleviate this pain, you can try using a pregnancy belly band or support belt, physical therapy, and pain relievers like acetaminophen (though you should consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication).
As your belly grows during pregnancy, it’s common for your innie belly button to pop out and turn into an outie. This happens because your expanding uterus pushes everything outward, including your belly button.
It might feel odd or uncomfortable, but it’s completely normal. Rest assured, after you give birth and your belly shrinks, your belly button will return to its usual shape.
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Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause hair thickness and texture variations. Some may experience thicker, shinier hair, while others may notice their hair becoming thin and lacklustre. These changes are temporary and should revert to normal after pregnancy. However, it’s common for many women to experience significant hair loss in the postpartum period, so expect some fluctuations in hair condition for some time after giving birth.
You might notice some darker patches of skin on your face, which is caused by increased melanin production in your body. It’s important to protect your face from further darkening by using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing a hat, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure, especially during the sun’s strongest hours.
Smoking during pregnancy deprives your baby of oxygen, which can lead to serious risks like miscarriage, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This is especially critical now as your baby’s lungs are developing. For help quitting, talk to your doctor or midwife about stop smoking services.
NHS Stop Smoking Services, or call the NHS Smokefree helpline, available from 9 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday and 11 am to 4 pm on weekends.Â
Aches and pains are common during pregnancy, but it can be difficult to determine what is serious. If you experience severe pain or vaginal bleeding, contact your midwife or GP immediately.
Keep snacking: To maintain your energy levels and stabilise your blood sugar, it’s important to eat regular, healthy snacks and stay hydrated. Carry snacks like nuts, raisins, or fruits such as bananas, apples, or seedless tangerines in your bag for easy access.Â
If you feel faint or dizzy, sit down and place your head between your knees. This position helps blood flow back to your brain, and the dizziness should fade away soon.
Eat healthily: Eating healthy food promotes the healthy development of your baby and supports your body as it nurtures and shelters your little one.Â
Calcium and magnesium are crucial for your baby’s bone and teeth development, so include salmon, dairy products, avocados, and dark leafy greens in your diet. If you’re craving something sweet, dark chocolate is a good source of magnesium. Pair it with calcium-rich milk for a delicious and nutritious treat.
Maintain good dental hygiene: Many changes you experience during pregnancy are due to fluctuating hormones. Along with tearfulness and fatigue, these hormones can also affect your teeth. You may notice your gums becoming swollen, sore, and redder, known as pregnancy gingivitis.
While this may seem concerning, maintaining good dental hygiene can keep your gums and teeth healthy. This means brushing twice daily, avoiding very sugary foods, keeping up with dentist appointments, and informing your dentist that you’re pregnant. If your gums are especially irritated, consider using a toothbrush with softer bristles and brushing gently in circular motions.
Keep exercising: Scientific research reveals that exercise during pregnancy benefits you and your baby. Babies of mothers who stay active while pregnant tend to score higher on general intelligence tests by age 4. So, while your workout strengthens your muscles, it enhances your baby’s brain development.Â
Manage stress: Worrying during pregnancy is natural, but keeping stress in check is important for you and your baby. While it can be challenging, try reducing work hours, delegating tasks, staying active, and talking to someone you trust about your concerns. These strategies can make a big difference in managing your stress.
Get plenty of iron: During pregnancy, your body requires more iron because your blood volume increases to support your growing baby and placenta. If you don’t get enough iron, you might develop anaemia, making you feel tired and weak. To avoid this, try to eat plenty of iron-rich foods and check with your healthcare provider to see if you need an iron supplement. Your prenatal vitamin might already have the necessary amount of iron, but it’s best to confirm with your provider.
Avoid straining your back: To avoid back strain during pregnancy, avoid lifting your toddler frequently. Instead, bend down to their level or encourage them to climb onto your lap when you’re sitting or lying down. Lower back pain is common during pregnancy, so taking care of your spine is important. Check your mattress—if it’s sagging and not providing proper support, consider replacing it. Since you spend much of your day in bed, a supportive mattress that aligns your spine is essential for comfort and health.
There’s no need to worry about potential harm to your baby during sex. If your partner’s healthcare provider has cleared it, enjoy yourselves. Your baby is safe in the womb and isn’t aware of what’s happening. You may just need to try different positions to accommodate your partner’s growing belly.
You can also propose doing something together now that could be challenging once the baby is born. Whether watching a movie, hiking, or spending a day at the beach, pick an activity you both love and make the most of it! Just ensure it’s something enjoyable for both of you.
Your baby has grown a little more this week; it weighs about 430 grams and measures 10.94 inches. This week, your baby can be compared to a papaya.
At 22 weeks, your baby’s brain and nerve endings rapidly develop, allowing them to sense touch. They can likely feel it when you gently press your hand on your baby bump. Your baby might even respond by pressing back against your hand, which is pretty amazing.
Research shows that vaginal sex during pregnancy doesn’t increase the risk of preterm labour or premature birth. However, if a doctor thinks you’re at high risk, they might advise avoiding sex during pregnancy or in the later stages.
An orgasm or sexual penetration might trigger Braxton Hicks contractions late in pregnancy. These are mild contractions that some women experience as they near the end of their pregnancy. They don’t indicate or cause labour, so worrying about them is unnecessary.
During the early stages of pregnancy, sleeping on your stomach is generally fine. However, as your belly grows, this position may become uncomfortable. It’s okay to continue sleeping on your stomach if it feels comfortable, but you may find it more challenging as your pregnancy progresses. Avoid sleeping on your back because it can pressure a major vein called the inferior vena cava, which returns blood from the lower body to the heart. This position can also cause discomfort due to increased pressure on the back and intestines.
This week, your baby’s lips are becoming more distinct, and the eyes are fully formed, but the irises still lack pigment, meaning the final eye colour isn’t set. Although your baby’s eyes are still closed, they will react and can sense light from outside the womb. If you point a flashlight at your belly, you will feel your baby react.Â
Eyelids and eyebrows are now in place, and the pancreas is continuing to mature, which is vital for hormone production and digestion.
1. American Pregnancy Association. 22 Weeks Pregnant. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/week-by-week/22-weeks-pregnant/
2. Domingues, M.R., Matijasevich, A., Barros, A.J., Santos, I.S., Horta, B.L. and Hallal, P.C., 2014. Physical activity during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment and IQ in the first 4 years of life. PLoS One, 9(10), p.e110050. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4211660/
3. Jones, C., Chan, C. and Farine, D., 2011. Sex in pregnancy. Cmaj, 183(7), pp.815-818. https://www.cmaj.ca/content/183/7/815.short
4. Nemours Kids Health. Week 22 https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/week22.html
5. NHS. Week 22 https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-22/
6. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=sleeping-positions-during-pregnancy-85-P01238#:~:text=Early%20on%20in%20pregnancy%2C%20you,on%20the%20inferior%20vena%20cava.
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