Week 22 of pregnancy is an exciting stage filled with rapid growth for your baby and noticeable physical changes for you. At this point, your baby’s movements become stronger, their senses continue to develop, and many of your pregnancy symptoms may change in intensity. You may notice your belly becoming rounder, your navel protruding, or even your shoe size increasing. All these changes are natural responses to hormonal shifts and the expanding uterus.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything happening to you and your baby in week 22, including fetal development, common symptoms, warning signs, recommended nutrition, exercise tips, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Major Developments in Your Baby During Week 22
By week 22, your baby is becoming more aware of the world both inside and outside the womb.
Hearing and Sensory Development
The bones in your baby’s inner ear have matured enough to detect sound vibrations. This means your baby can hear:
-
Your heartbeat
-
Your voice
-
Rhythms and noises from outside
Studies suggest babies exposed to familiar voices and sounds in the womb show calmer reactions to them after birth.
Your baby is also developing other senses. They may touch their face, suck their fingers, or grasp the umbilical cord. Nails are forming on their fingers and toes, and their liver is starting to break down old blood cells—an important step in preventing newborn jaundice.
Movement and Breathing Practice
Your baby’s heartbeat is strong enough to be heard through a Doppler device. They are practicing swallowing and “breathing” movements by inhaling amniotic fluid. Their mouth opens and closes to strengthen muscles needed for sucking after birth.
Taste Development
Everything you eat affects the taste of the amniotic fluid. Research shows that babies can react to strong flavors such as garlic or spicy foods—sometimes even making a frowning face during ultrasounds! These early exposures help shape future taste preferences.
Major Changes in the Mother’s Body During Week 22
As your baby grows, your body undergoes multiple adjustments to support the pregnancy.
Physical Changes
-
The uterus has risen close to (or slightly above) your navel.
-
Your belly appears rounder and more prominent.
-
The navel may stick out due to abdominal pressure.
-
Skin may darken around the abdomen, breasts, and groin.
-
Increased blood volume may cause flushed skin or warmth.
Discomforts and Normal Symptoms
-
Round ligament pain (pulling sensation in the lower abdomen)
-
Backaches from shifted posture
-
Mild swelling in feet and hands
-
Constipation or bloating
-
Increased appetite
-
Stronger or more frequent fetal movements
-
Greater fatigue or sleep changes
All these symptoms are typical unless accompanied by warning signs.
Fetal Size and Weight in Week 22
By week 22, your baby has grown significantly:
-
Length: 27–28 cm (from head to heel)
-
Weight: 420–500 grams
Your baby is about the size of a large bell pepper or papaya. Subcutaneous fat continues to form, gradually making the baby look less wrinkled and more like a newborn.
Movements become clearer as muscles and nerves strengthen.
Where Is the Baby Located in Week 22?
During this week, your uterus is approximately 2 cm above the navel, so your baby is positioned:
-
Between the navel and the bottom of the ribcage
-
Most movements are felt around the middle of the abdomen
Your baby still changes position frequently—head-down, sideways, or breech—which is normal at this stage.
If you have an anterior placenta (placenta at the front of the uterus), movements may feel softer.
Normal Symptoms in Week 22
Common Symptoms
-
Navel protrusion
-
Round ligament pain
-
Heavier feeling in the legs
-
Lower back pain
-
Increased vaginal discharge
-
Mild swelling
-
Constipation
-
Increased appetite
-
Noticeable baby kicks
Warning Signs in Week 22
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
-
Vaginal bleeding
-
Leakage of clear fluid (possible amniotic fluid)
-
Severe or persistent abdominal pain
-
Complete absence of fetal movement
-
Strong headaches that don’t improve
-
Blurred vision or seeing flashes
-
Severe swelling of face, hands, or legs (possible preeclampsia)
-
Fever over 38.5°C
-
Painful, regular contractions
-
Lower back pain radiating to the legs
These may indicate conditions requiring urgent evaluation.
Diet and Exercise in Week 22 of Pregnancy
Healthy Eating Tips
-
Eat enough protein (chicken, legumes, eggs).
-
Increase calcium intake (milk, yogurt, almonds).
-
Consume iron-rich foods (red meat, spinach, lentils).
-
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
-
Drink 6–8 glasses of water daily.
-
Avoid processed, fried, or overly salty foods.
-
Avoid undercooked meat and fish.
Safe Exercises
-
20–30 minutes of relaxed walking
-
Pregnancy-safe stretching
-
Swimming or water exercises
-
Prenatal yoga
Stop exercising immediately if you experience dizziness, chest pain, contractions, or vaginal bleeding.
Safety Tips for Outdoor Activities
-
Carry emergency numbers on your phone.
-
Keep an ID card or pregnancy card with you.
-
Walk in safe, smooth, familiar areas.
-
Stay hydrated before, during, and after activity.
-
Wear breathable, layered clothing.
-
Use one earbud only—stay aware of your surroundings.
-
If you fall, do NOT walk home alone. Call someone.
-
Avoid isolated parks or unfamiliar places.
Safe Neck Stretches for Pregnant Women at a Desk
Side Neck Stretch
-
Sit upright with shoulders relaxed.
-
Tilt your head gently to the right (do not lift your shoulder).
-
Hold 3–6 seconds.
-
Repeat on the left side.
-
Perform 2–3 sets.
Forward + Gentle Rotation Stretch
-
Bring your chin toward your chest.
-
Slowly rotate your chin toward your right shoulder.
-
Hold 3–6 seconds.
-
Repeat on the left side.
-
Perform 2–3 sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. My husband was excited early in the pregnancy but now seems distant or jealous. Is this normal?
Yes. Many fathers experience emotional shifts during pregnancy due to stress, fear of responsibility, financial concerns, or feeling less involved. Support him by spending quality time together, communicating openly, involving him in baby-related decisions, and reassuring him of his importance.
2. Can I get a flu shot during week 22 of pregnancy?
Yes. According to CDC and WHO, the flu vaccine is safe and recommended for pregnant women. It protects both mother and baby. Only individuals with severe allergies to vaccine components need special evaluation.
3. How big is the baby in week 22?
Your baby measures around 27–28 cm and weighs 420–500 g, similar to a large bell pepper.
4. Where is the baby located in week 22?
The uterus sits just above the navel, so the baby lies between the navel and lower ribs. Movements are often felt around the middle of the abdomen.
5. What should fetal movements feel like in week 22?
Movements are usually irregular but noticeable—fluttering, light kicks, rolling, or tapping. If you feel no movements for an entire day, or a sudden significant decrease, contact your healthcare provider.
6. What does the week 22 ultrasound show?
Anomaly scan usually evaluates:
-
Head, abdomen, and femur measurements
-
Brain, spine, kidneys, heart, and digestive organs
-
Placenta location
-
Amniotic fluid levels
-
Umbilical cord blood flow
-
Fetal position
-
Baby’s gender (if desired)
A normal scan greatly reduces the likelihood of major congenital anomalies.
Pregnancy Care Tips for Week 22
-
Sleep on your left side to optimize blood flow to the baby.
-
Drink plenty of water.
-
Avoid lifting heavy objects.
-
Take prenatal vitamins as prescribed.
-
Stretch regularly.
-
Reduce stress with deep breathing or relaxing music.
-
Use warm showers to ease muscle tension.
How is week 22 of pregnancy going for you?
Share your symptoms, questions, or experiences in the comments so we can help you with personalized advice.
No comment