22 Weeks Pregnant

Baby’s Development

Your baby has grown to about 27.5 centimeters long — roughly the size of a papaya — and weighs around 430 grams [1]. Those tiny eyes are now fully formed, though the irises still lack their permanent pigment; eye color will develop gradually over the first 6 to 12 months after birth. Your baby’s lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more defined, giving that little face real character. There’s a surprisingly strong grip at work, too — your baby can already hold the umbilical cord and grasp a hand. Inside that growing head, the brain is developing at astonishing speed, with roughly 100 billion neurons forming and new connections multiplying by the moment. Movement is very active right now: kicks, punches, rolls, somersaults, hiccups, and startled jumps at loud sounds. Your baby’s skin is still translucent and wrinkled, and a fine downy hair called lanugo covers the entire body. Viability is approaching, with around 24 weeks marking the threshold where advanced NICU care can offer a chance [2].

Body Changes

Your uterus now sits about 2 to 3 centimeters above your navel, and you can easily feel it when you press on your belly. Most women have gained between 14 and 20 pounds by this point in their pregnancy, and your bump is becoming hard to miss. You may notice stretch marks, the linea nigra running down your belly, melasma (the “pregnancy mask” on your face), and more visible or varicose veins. Your breasts may be up about two cup sizes, and you might notice a little colostrum leaking. Your resting heart rate runs around 80 to 100 beats per minute, and your blood pressure is now at its lowest point of pregnancy as your blood vessels dilate — which can leave you feeling a little lightheaded [2].

Tips for Week 22

• Soothe PUPPP rash if it appears — it’s usually harmless but very itchy. Oatmeal baths, cool compresses, a fragrance-free moisturizer, and topical corticosteroids (with your provider’s okay) can help, and it typically resolves after birth.
• Reassess your exercise routine — running is still fine, but you may need modifications. If pelvic pain, round ligament pain, or Braxton Hicks worsen with running, switch to lower-impact options like swimming, the elliptical, or hiking.
• Plan your glucose screening (24 to 28 weeks) — this is typically a 1-hour test where you drink a 50g glucose solution and have blood drawn an hour later; under 140 mg/dL is considered normal. Talk with your OB about the screening approach.
• Ease lightheadedness — stand up slowly, stay hydrated, don’t skip meals, and consider compression socks. If it’s severe or comes with chest pain, call your provider.

Things To Do (Checklist)

• Continue 150 min/week moderate exercise
• Modify exercise if pelvic/ligament pain
• Schedule glucose screening (24-28 weeks)
• Treat PUPPP rash if present
• Stay hydrated, eat regular meals/snacks

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m having Braxton Hicks a lot. Should I worry? A: When they’re irregular, infrequent, and painless, Braxton Hicks are completely normal. The concerning signs are contractions that become regular (every 10 minutes), painful, or increase in frequency — if that happens, call your provider, as it can signal preterm labor risk [1].

Q: Is it safe to sleep on my back? A: Now is the time to transition to side-sleeping. ACOG recommends sleeping on your left side after 20 weeks to avoid compressing the vena cava, and a pregnancy pillow between your knees can make this much more comfortable [2].

Q: I have pelvic pain. Is that normal? A: Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is common — the hormone relaxin loosens your pelvic joints, causing pain in the front of your pelvis, groin, or inner thighs. Physical therapy, a support belt, and avoiding stairs and heavy lifting can help. Talk it over with your OB [1].

Sources

1. ACOG — How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
2. Mayo Clinic — 22 Weeks Pregnant
3. The Science of Mom — Alice Callahan (Chapters 7-8: Late Second Trimester)