How Big Is My Baby At 22 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby is starting to look like a newborn and is about the size of a coconut. The baby is about 10.94 inches and weighs about 15.17 ounces.

Baby Development

• Your baby’s lungs are developing fast.
• The taste buds continue to develop on the tongue.
• Your baby can feel the touch, as brain and nerve endings have formed.
• Your baby’s muscles are getting stronger.
• Your baby can hear your heartbeat and gurgling sounds in your stomach.
• Your baby’s kicks and jabs are more prominent now.

22 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Increased Sex Drive:  Your sex drive may increase due to the raging hormones. It is normal at this stage of pregnancy.

Thicker And Longer Hair:  Your hair may become thicker, longer, and shinier than usual. This happens because your body sheds hair more slowly than before during pregnancy. This is caused by pregnancy hormones.

Breast Changes:  There may be some changes in your breasts, such as enlarged breasts, darker nipples and areoles, visible veins on your breasts, and bigger bumps on your areoles. This happens as your breasts prepare for breastfeeding.

Heartburn & Indigestion:  Heartburn occurs when stomach acids move upwards to the esophagus. This happens due to the relaxation of the valve between the stomach and esophagus. Indigestion occurs due to the relaxed digestive system caused by pregnancy hormones.

Skin Changes:  You may notice patches of darker skin on your face. This happens due to the increased melanin in your body.

Backache:  Backache is a chronic symptom of pregnancy. This happens because your growing baby puts a lot of pressure on your inner muscles.

Protruding Belly Button:  If you have an innie belly button, it may pop up during pregnancy. This happens due to your expanding belly. It is normal and will go back inside after delivery.

Increased Vaginal Discharge:  May experience increased vaginal discharge during this week. This happens due to hormonal changes. The main purpose of this discharge is to prevent infections from reaching the uterus. It is normal and is not a cause to worry. Call your doctor if it is heavy, colored, tinged with blood, has a foul odor, or causes discomfort.

Stretch Marks:  Getting some stretch marks on your stomach, hips, thighs, and legs starting this week is common. This happens because of expanding uterus and your increased weight.

Edema:  Your ankles, hands, and feet may swell. This happens because your body holds more water during pregnancy, which can move towards the lowest parts of your body. Taking the load off, avoiding standing for long periods of time, and popping your feet up higher than your heart will help.

Frequent Urination:  You may continue to be bothered by needing to pee frequently. This happens because of hormones and extra pressure exerted by the uterus on the bladder.

22 Weeks Pregnant: Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

• Enroll in pregnancy classes to help you prepare well for labor and delivery.
• Continue to follow good prenatal habits like eating healthy food and taking folic acid and prenatal vitamins daily.
• Do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Strengthened pelvic floor muscles can make your labor and deliver easy and help you recover fast after delivery.
• Wear breathable loose clothes and a supportive bra to feel comfortable.
• Include healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean meat, cereals, and dairy products in your diet.
• Eat small meals or snacks at regular intervals for better digestion and to prevent heartburn.
• Keep yourself adequately hydrated by drinking a lot of water.
• Take plenty of rest and sleep at least 8 hours a day.
• Avoid long and strenuous physical activity, exercises involving jerky or sudden movements.
• Don’t take any medication or herb without your doctor’s clearance.
• Spend time with family, friends, and other loved ones and share your feelings. This will help you to cope with stress and anxiety and stay calm and relaxed.
• Enroll in a pregnant yoga class.