Overview of Week 22 of pregnancy
During week 22 of pregnancy:
- Your baby is 11 inches long
- You are in trimester two
- 18 more weeks to go
- Your baby weighs 1 pound.
Your baby is busy growing and moving around. You have likely already started to feel your little one kicking and squirming in your belly. Feeling those first few flutters is such an exciting moment and soon you could be able to share that with your partner. Your partner may be able to feel like kicks if they put their hand low on your belly with some firm pressure.
How many months pregnant is 22 weeks?
At 22 weeks pregnant, you are now 5 months pregnant. You have just entered the 6th month of pregnancy. You are in the second trimester and have only 4 more months to go.
How big is baby at 22 weeks pregnant?
At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 11 inches long. That’s roughly the size of a coconut. In terms of weight, your baby has reached the 1-pound mark.
Baby development during week 22 of pregnancy
Sight
Even though your baby’s eyes are still sealed shut, its sense of sight is developing. In fact, your baby should now be able to perceive light. It is quite dark in your uterus, but if you were to shine a bright flashlight on your tummy, your little one will be able to detect the light and might even move around in response to it.
Touch
Your baby’s sense of touch is also developing more in week 22 of pregnancy. Your little one’s hands are moving around, trying to touch and grab onto anything it can. On an ultrasound, you may see your baby grabbing onto its ears, nose, or umbilical cord.
Pregnancy Week 22 Symptoms
Braxton-Hicks
Braxton-Hick contractions are false labor pains caused by the contraction of the uterus. They are not contractions that indicate that labor is coming; instead, they prepare your body for labor. Unlike labor contractions, these contractions come irregularly and do not increase in length or strength. They can feel uncomfortable and like mild menstrual cramps. You may start to feel Braxton-Hicks at any time in your pregnancy from now on.
Stretch marks
You may have started to notice stretch marks forming on your belly and breasts. These indented, purple, red, or blue lines occur when skin is stretched quickly. It is difficult to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy and they are usually permanent scars. You may not be able to avoid them completely, but you can start to use lotions and oils on your belly and breasts to help reduce the severity of the marks.
Back pain
Now that your baby bump is growing, you might start to experience back pain. Back pain in pregnancy usually begins in the second trimester and is characterized as a dull or achy pain in the lower back. To relieve pain, try to keep a good posture. If your belly is bigger, you may want to try a pregnancy band to relieve some of the pressure out of your back. Heat pads or massage may also help to relieve some pain.
Swelling
Swelling in pregnancy is a normal symptom that usually starts in the second trimester and may worsen towards the end of pregnancy. Excess fluids in the body and pressure from your growing uterus can cause water retention in the feet, ankles, and hands. If you notice your fingers starting to swell, you should remove any rings until the swelling goes down. Let your doctor or midwife know if the swelling worsens or if there is a large amount in your face or around your eyes.
Protruding belly button
Don’t be surprised if your normally ‘innie’ belly button starts to protrude from your abdomen. Although it doesn’t happen to all women, sometimes the uterus and fetus put so much pressure on the abdomen that it pushes out the belly button. Generally, this will go back to normal after the baby is born.
Pregnancy week 22 tips
Take pictures
Have you taken your weekly baby bump photo yet? These pictures will be a good memory to look back on and it is a fun way to show your belly growing throughout your pregnancy. In fact, if you have been taking pictures since the beginning of your pregnancy, you will probably already see some transformation.
Start a baby registry
This is a good time to start a baby registry. A baby registry is a list of baby items at a particular store that goes on your wish list. Friends and family can then look at this list and buy items they can give you at your baby shower. Popular baby registry items include diapers, clothing, and toys.
Come up with baby names
Now that you know the sex of your baby, you can start to brainstorm baby names. You and your partner can both come up with a list, which you can compare and narrow down the options. Decide if you would like a common name, a modern name, or a unique name. You can download baby name apps, watch baby naming videos or just look through baby books to help brainstorm.
Prenatal classes
Take some time and research any prenatal classes in your area that may be of interest to you. Not only are birthing classes something to look into, but you may not have considered the other options available to you. Prenatal yoga or exercise classes are fun ways to get in some movement and meet other expecting moms. Your area may also have a special prenatal women’s group for expecting mothers to meet up and socialize.
