22 Weeks Pregnant | Belly, Ultrasound and Baby Size

You’re 22 weeks pregnant!

Things are moving right along and you might have a cute little baby bump by now.

Most pregnant women feel really comfortable at this stage of pregnancy.

You might be feeling you’ve got quite a lot to do, though.

22 weeks pregnant is how many months?

You’re past the midway point now, but how many months are 22 weeks pregnant?

At the end of 22 completed weeks, you’ll be into your 6th month of pregnancy.

22 weeks pregnant

It might feel like you still have heaps of time until the baby’s born but you might be suddenly surprised when your due date gets closer.

To make sure you get everything done before your due date, it’s a good idea to start a list.

You and your partner might want to work out things like:

• What should you expect during labor and birth?
• Where will the baby sleep after birth?
• Does your car need adjustments to carry a baby safely? What car seat do you need?
• What season will the baby be born in (so you can organize baby clothes, sleepwear, etc)?
• What items can you borrow rather than buy?
• Where will you take classes for birth preparation?
• Have you thought about a birth plan?
• Do you want to hire a doula?

Many parents-to-be spend hours researching and shopping for baby items. The huge range of options can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Try asking for recommendations from loved ones and other experienced parents.

And don’t forget to look at the safety ratings of all items you buy – especially car seats, prams, and cots.

Deciding how to feed your baby

Another thing to think about at 22 weeks pregnant is whether you plan to breastfeed or formula feed.

Breastfeeding is the best nutritional choice for your baby.

Leading health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend breast milk as the only food for your baby for the first 6 months after birth.

Breast milk contains a whole host of readily absorbable vitamins and minerals.

It’s also great for your baby’s immune system.

Antibodies in breast milk protect against viruses and bacteria that can make young babies very sick.

Breastfeeding also reduces a mother’s likelihood of getting breast cancer.

Check out What’s In Breast Milk and What’s In Formula? for a comparison between the ingredients in breast milk and formula.

Now’s the time to check out breastfeeding classes in your local area and sign up.

It’s a good way for you and your partner to gain a lot of really useful information about breastfeeding.

You can also find out where to access support if breastfeeding becomes a challenge.

If you plan to formula feed, you might like to read our article on How To Get Started With Baby Formula.

22 weeks pregnant your body

Now you have reached week 22 of pregnancy and you’re in your second trimester, your healthcare provider or doctor has probably scheduled a glucose test for you.

It’s a test for gestational diabetes, which is usually done between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy unless you’re high risk for this condition or your doctor is concerned.

Gestational diabetes affects up to 8% of pregnant women, many of whom have never had diabetic symptoms before.

Gestational diabetes increases the risk of pregnancy complications, such as:

• Large baby (macrosomia)
• Preterm birth
• Low blood sugar in the baby after birth
• Respiratory distress syndrome

Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes are also more likely to have Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Read about the risk factors and how to reduce your chances of being diagnosed in our article on Gestational Diabetes.

This study found the biggest risk factor for gestational diabetes was being overweight or obese during pregnancy.

Diet during pregnancy can contribute to the risk of gestational diabetes, as you can read in Why Diet Is A Significant Cause Of Gestational Diabetes.

If you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you need to manage your diet and test your blood sugar regularly. It’s also really important you get regular exercise to help manage insulin resistance.

It doesn’t need to be strenuous exercise, especially if you aren’t already following an exercise program or aren’t very fit.

Exercise benefits you in the short term and can help you have a more positive, even shorter, labor. It also improves blood flow to your baby.

A simple daily walk for 20-30 minutes, swimming a few laps, or even yoga are all excellent ways to build more activity into your day.

Find out more in Exercise And Pregnancy – Can I Exercise In Pregnancy?

Make sure you seek medical advice or check with your healthcare provider before beginning or increasing your physical activity routine.

22 weeks pregnant symptoms

The second trimester is famous for being the time when you aren’t feeling all the fatigue and nausea of the first trimester. But this does mean you won’t experience pregnancy symptoms at 22 weeks pregnant.

Blood pressure at 22 weeks pregnant

During pregnancy, some women might experience hypertensive disorders (also known as high blood pressure). Obstetricians and gynecologists will monitor blood pressure every visit for high risk women, as high blood pressure is a feature of preeclampsia.

Stretch marks and itchy skin

This is a result of your skin stretching to accommodate your growing baby and uterus. To help reduce stretch marks, try some coconut oil, as long as it agrees with you; otherwise, a bio-oil is another alternative.

Our article Pregnancy Stretch Marks – Everything You Need To Know has lots more information.

Increased sex drive

Around pregnancy week 22, it’s not uncommon for pregnant women to notice their libido kicks off into the stratosphere. And yes, you can thank pregnancy hormones for that.

Sex is healthy and safe during pregnancy. As your belly grows, you might need to get inventive with pregnancy sex positions.

Hair growth 22 weeks

This is great when it’s only on your head, but you might start to notice hairs popping up in unlikely places.

It’s safe to shave or epilate during pregnancy, but you might find your skin is more sensitive.

Read about these top shaving hacks from a certified nurse-midwife.

Increased vaginal discharge

The extra blood flow heading towards your pelvis means you’ll probably need to have panty liners with you at all times.

Check out our article on normal vaginal discharge for more information.

Breathlessness

You might notice you get short of breath more quickly, thanks to your little one taking up more space and crowding your lungs. Try some breathing and relaxation techniques to help you to take deep breaths and breathe a little easier.

Leg cramps at 22 weeks pregnant

Waking at night gripped by pain in the calves? Make sure you’re getting plenty of magnesium and potassium. Some mothers swear by eating a banana just before bed or having an Epsom salts bath. Check out Leg Cramps During Pregnancy | Causes And Remedies for more tips and remedies. 

Belly button popping out

This doesn’t seem like too much of a big deal, but when an ‘innie’ turns into an ‘outie’ it can be a bit disconcerting. The skin inside your belly button might never have seen the outside world.

Try using paw paw cream or another gentle cream to prevent the area from becoming irritated. Avoid wearing clothes that rub on your belly button. Be sure to read Pregnant Belly – 7 Interesting Facts for more tips. 

Braxton Hicks contractions at 22 weeks

These are often called ‘practice’ contractions. You’ll feel them as a tightening and hardening of your belly. Braxton Hicks are irregular and uncomfortable, rather than painful.

You should not be having labor pains – especially if you also have bleeding, spotting, and back pain. If you have any regular labor contractions, speak to your healthcare provider immediately.

For more information check out Braxton Hicks Contractions – What Are They?

Varicose veins at 22 weeks pregnant

These can be triggered by increased blood flow during pregnancy. They occur when the uterus exerts pressure on the large vein (the inferior vena cava) that transports blood from the feet and legs back to the heart.

Varicose veins are most often found on the thighs, but they can also be found on other body parts, including the arms and vagina. Put your feet up whenever possible. Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time. Elevation, as well as support stockings or socks, can help.

22 weeks pregnant ultrasound

At 22 weeks pregnant, you might have already had or have booked in for your morphology scan.

This scan is a detailed ultrasound that checks your baby’s growth and development as well as for signs of complications.

It looks at the baby’s body and measurements, as well as the position of the placenta, the umbilical cord, and the amniotic fluid levels. It also checks your uterus and cervix.

It’s also known as an ‘anomaly scan’ or an ’18 to 22 week scan’.

22 weeks pregnant weight gain

At 22 weeks pregnant, you might notice a steady weight gain each week. This is normal as your baby is growing.

To keep your weight gain within a healthy range, try some moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming.

Regular exercise will promote energy throughout your pregnancy, and keep your body strong. This will also be useful when it comes time to give birth.

Exercise also helps increase circulation.

There are so many positive benefits to exercise during pregnancy, it’s important to make sure you include it each day if you can.

You should try to spend some time outside in the sun to keep your vitamin D levels up.

Vitamin D is important for your baby’s bone growth, brain development, and future health.

As always, don’t become overheated while exercising, and be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid water retention.

22 weeks pregnant baby position

Many babies at 22 weeks pregnant like to lie across the uterus.

This is called a transverse lie.

It means the baby’s head is at one side of your belly and the feet at the other.

Many women worry this could mean their baby will not engage head down.

It’s common for babies to move about well into the third trimester.

Most will eventually assume a head-down position when they run out of room to move.

Should I feel the baby move every day at 22 weeks?

Most mothers will feel their baby’s movements from 20 weeks. It could be slightly before this date or slightly after this date.

The key is the pattern of movement. Once this is established, you should feel your baby move on a regular basis.

This could mean your baby is more active in the evening or throughout the day.

If you notice that your baby is not moving, according to the usual pattern, at 22 weeks pregnant, you should contact your midwife or doctor for an assessment. They will listen to your baby and check that all is well.

What does a 22 week baby look like?

At pregnancy week 22, your baby’s face is now fully formed.

The eyes are moving but still fused shut. The tear ducts are formed.

The eyelashes and eyebrows are complete and probably look like little white tufts, giving your baby’s face more expression.

22 weeks pregnant your baby

At 22 weeks pregnant, a baby’s nervous system is fully wired up and nerve endings are making connections.

This means your baby is now able to recognize light, warmth, sound and pain.

You might notice your baby jumping whenever there’s a loud noise.

Try playing different types of music to see which gets the strongest reaction.

About this time, your baby is developing the sense of touch and will explore the inside of your womb.

If you were to see inside, you might catch your baby gripping the umbilical cord.

Don’t worry though, the grip isn’t strong enough to cut off blood flow.

22 weeks pregnant baby weight in kg

At pregnancy week 22, your baby probably weighs around 368 grams (0.85 pounds) and is about 28-30 cm (11.5-11.8 inches) long.

At 22 weeks, your baby is about the size of a coconut.