Week 22 of Pregnancy
Second trimester
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
Baby is
about the size of a papaya
7.5 inches · 1 lb
Baby this week
- •Eyes are developing; eyelids are still fused but will soon open
- •Hearing is becoming more refined and baby can recognize your voice
- •Swallowing and digestion are developing as baby practices with amniotic fluid
- •Footprints and fingerprints are fully formed and unique
- •Skin is thin and translucent but starting to thicken
You this week
- •Increased appetite as baby's growth accelerates
- •Back pain or pressure in the lower back from weight shift
- •Varicose veins or spider veins as blood volume increases
- •Linea nigra (dark line down the center of your belly) may appear or darken
- •Occasional Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
- •Round ligament pain as ligaments stretch to support your growing uterus
This week's tips
- •Schedule your glucose screening test (glucose tolerance test) if you haven't already—this typically happens between weeks 24-28
- •Practice good posture and use pregnancy pillows to ease back discomfort
- •Stay hydrated and consider compression socks if varicose veins are bothersome
- •Talk to your baby throughout the day—they can hear and respond to your voice
- •If you're planning childcare or maternity leave, now is a good time to start researching and planning ahead
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
You're officially in the third trimester's home stretch! Over the next few weeks, your baby will gain weight rapidly and their systems will continue maturing. You may start feeling more frequent movement and your belly will grow noticeably larger.
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For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and baby is different. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for guidance specific to your situation.
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