During week 22, you and your baby are in the midst of a beautiful development process. You will learn what to expect during this phase and how to prepare for what lies ahead.
Your baby is around 27.8 cm long from head to toe and will weigh about 430g.
There is a possibility that stretch marks will appear on your skin. It is common to get stretch marks during pregnancy. You can see them as streaks or lines on your skin which is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
Your little one will be practising breathing in your womb while the lungs are developing. Your baby is now swallowing small amounts of the amniotic fluid, which will usually stay in the bowels and then come out after birth.
The baby’s senses are developing, and they can now hear your voice and heartbeat, and they can also start to perceive light and dark. There is a noticeable difference between your baby’s lips, eyelids, and eyebrows. The iris still lacks pigment, but the eyes have formed. A protective substance called vernix caseosa covers the wrinkled skin.
You can experience lower back, hip, and leg pain as your body continues to adapt throughout the stages of your pregnancy.
The doctor will perform routine blood tests and urine tests to monitor your health and check for potential problems. This is an excellent opportunity for you and your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns.
If you haven’t already, try to incorporate gentle exercise into your daily routine. Walking especially, makes for a perfect exercise.
Get plenty of rest. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try using a pregnancy pillow to support your growing belly.
Your pregnancy journey is an exciting one as you bond with your growing baby. Maintaining your health and taking care of yourself will also ensure your baby’s health.
We hope this guide provided you with some insight into what you can expect this week.
References
NHS | https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/pregnancy/week-by-week/2nd-trimester/week-22/#anchor-tabs
