By week 22, your baby is becoming more aware of the world both inside and outside the womb.<\/p>\n
The bones in your baby\u2019s inner ear have matured enough to detect sound vibrations. This means your baby can hear:<\/p>\n Your heartbeat<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Your voice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Rhythms and noises from outside<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Studies suggest babies exposed to familiar voices and sounds in the womb show calmer reactions to them after birth.<\/p>\n 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\u2014an important step in preventing newborn jaundice.<\/p>\n Your baby\u2019s heartbeat is strong enough to be heard through a Doppler device. They are practicing swallowing and \u201cbreathing\u201d movements by inhaling amniotic fluid. Their mouth opens and closes to strengthen muscles needed for sucking after birth.<\/p>\n 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\u2014sometimes even making a frowning face during ultrasounds! These early exposures help shape future taste preferences.<\/p>\n As your baby grows, your body undergoes multiple adjustments to support the pregnancy.<\/p>\n The uterus has risen close to (or slightly above) your navel.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Your belly appears rounder and more prominent.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The navel may stick out due to abdominal pressure.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Skin may darken around the abdomen, breasts, and groin.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Increased blood volume may cause flushed skin or warmth.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Round ligament pain (pulling sensation in the lower abdomen)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Backaches from shifted posture<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Mild swelling in feet and hands<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Constipation or bloating<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Increased appetite<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Stronger or more frequent fetal movements<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Greater fatigue or sleep changes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n All these symptoms are typical unless accompanied by warning signs.<\/p>\n By week 22, your baby has grown significantly:<\/p>\n Length:<\/strong> 27\u201328 cm (from head to heel)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Weight:<\/strong> 420\u2013500 grams<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Your baby is about the size of a large bell pepper<\/strong> or papaya<\/strong>. Subcutaneous fat continues to form, gradually making the baby look less wrinkled and more like a newborn.<\/p>\n Movements become clearer as muscles and nerves strengthen.<\/p>\n During this week, your uterus is approximately 2 cm above the navel<\/strong>, so your baby is positioned:<\/p>\n Between the navel<\/strong> and the bottom of the ribcage<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Most movements are felt around the middle of the abdomen<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Your baby still changes position frequently\u2014head-down, sideways, or breech\u2014which is normal at this stage.<\/p>\n If you have an anterior placenta (placenta at the front of the uterus), movements may feel softer.<\/p>\n Navel protrusion<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Round ligament pain<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Heavier feeling in the legs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Lower back pain<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Increased vaginal discharge<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Mild swelling<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Constipation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Increased appetite<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Noticeable baby kicks<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:<\/p>\n Vaginal bleeding<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Leakage of clear fluid (possible amniotic fluid)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Severe or persistent abdominal pain<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Complete absence of fetal movement<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Strong headaches that don\u2019t improve<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Blurred vision or seeing flashes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Severe swelling of face, hands, or legs (possible preeclampsia)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Fever over 38.5\u00b0C<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Painful, regular contractions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Lower back pain radiating to the legs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n These may indicate conditions requiring urgent evaluation.<\/p>\n![\"Major](\"https:\/\/maryamaghaei.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Week22.webp\")
<\/span><\/p>\nHearing and Sensory Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Movement and Breathing Practice<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Taste Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nMajor Changes in the Mother\u2019s Body During Week 22<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Major](\"https:\/\/maryamaghaei.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-1.webp\")
<\/span><\/p>\nPhysical Changes<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Discomforts and Normal Symptoms<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Discomforts](\"https:\/\/maryamaghaei.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/f16c8d57-7e68-4e5c-8a03-6cd830aac89a.webp\")
<\/p>\n\n
\nFetal Size and Weight in Week 22<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nWhere Is the Baby Located in Week 22?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nNormal Symptoms in Week 22<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Common Symptoms<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nWarning Signs in Week 22<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nDiet and Exercise in Week 22 of Pregnancy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Diet](\"https:\/\/maryamaghaei.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/a47cfd08-40c0-49f2-8ab2-1a1ee3706588.webp\")
<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Safe](\"https:\/\/maryamaghaei.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ca21a298-d208-4560-9d6e-ee05689aa47a.webp\")
<\/p>\n