Week 22 of Pregnancy

Baby Size Comparison in Week 22

In week 22 of pregnancy your baby measures about 28 cm long and weighs about 430 grams: roughly the size of Papaya. Remember these are approximate averages from standard growth charts; every baby grows at their own pace, and your doctor follows your baby's personal growth curve across visits, not a single number. If an ultrasound measures a little bigger or smaller than average, that is usually normal as long as growth continues at a steady rate.

Baby Development in Week 22

The eyebrows and hair form clearly, and the eyelids and lips have become distinct. The fetus can now distinguish your voice from other sounds; it calms down when hearing it and becomes active with unfamiliar sounds. The sense of touch has developed, so it sometimes responds to touching your belly from outside with a responding movement.

The pancreas has begun producing hormones, and the liver stores iron. The lungs keep developing but are not ready for outside breathing yet. Fat accumulates under the skin, making it less transparent and fuller. The fetus practices swallowing, breathing, and sucking movements regularly in preparation for life outside the womb. Its weight approaches half a kilogram.

The eyebrows and hair form clearly, and the eyelids and lips are distinct. The fetus distinguishes your voice from other sounds; it calms when hearing it and becomes active with unfamiliar ones. The sense of touch has developed, so it sometimes responds to touching your belly from outside. The pancreas produces hormones, and the liver stores iron. The lungs keep developing but are not ready for outside breathing yet. Fat accumulates, making the skin less transparent and fuller. It practices swallowing, breathing, and sucking movements regularly in preparation for life outside the womb.

Your Body Changes in Week 22

Stretch marks may spread, and skin itching increases, especially in the evening. Foot and ankle swelling in the evening is common; raise them when sitting.

Back pain, acidity, and constipation are the trio of the late second trimester. You may feel rib pain as the uterus stretches upward. Shortness of breath with exertion is normal. Sleep is interrupted by urination and the baby's strong movements. Total weight gain is about 6 to 8 kilograms. Emotionally, labor anxiety may begin creeping in; talk about it and do not suppress it.

Evening skin itching is eased by moisturizers and cotton clothes. Hemorrhoids are treated with fiber, water, and avoiding straining. Foot swelling is normal in the evening. And early labor anxiety is normal; talk about it and do not suppress it.

Practical Tips for Week 22

• Read to your baby aloud daily; it distinguishes your voice and will calm to it after birth.
• Moisturize the belly and thigh skin twice daily to ease itching and stretch marks.
• Avoid tight clothes on the belly and waist; choose comfortable cotton.
• Do light pelvic exercises and keep a healthy sitting posture for your back.

Frequently Asked Questions About Week 22