Learn what’s happening in week 22 of pregnancy and find out how your baby is developing.
By the end of week 22, you will enter the sixth month of your pregnancy. Your baby is now the size of a spaghetti squash and is moving quite a lot.
You may feel extremely tired all the time. But, things are probably pretty hectic right now, as you begin preparing for your baby’s arrival.
What Happens in Your Body in Pregnancy Week 22?
Many moms experience excessive sweating because the thyroid gland is more active in pregnancy. This is one of the unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy, but it’s definitely not dangerous.
Just try to wear natural fibers, drink plenty of water and wear your hair off your face. If the sweats are worse at night keep the curtains closed by day to keep the sun out and run a fan in your bedroom for an hour before you go to bed.
One of the most common pregnancy symptoms at 22 weeks is urinary tract infections. Symptoms of urinary tract infection include:
- pain or a burning sensation when peeing;
- need to pee more often than usual;
- blood in urine;
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- sweats;
- chills;
- fever;
- cloudy and foul-smelling urine;
- and pressure in the bladder.
If you suspect that you may have a urinary tract infection, talk to your doctor.
Your breasts may continue to grow larger and larger and they are probably prepared. Colostrum continues to develop in your breasts and your uterus expands beyond your navel. The typical symptoms of pregnancy at 22 weeks include back pain, swollen feet, increased vaginal discharge, nasal congestion, and bleeding gums.
Changes in Your Body at 22 Weeks Pregnant
Your uterus continues to grow and if you haven’t already, you might feel your baby’s first real kicks in week 22. Your feet can also increase in size during pregnancy.
Pregnancy hormone relaxin will loosen the ligaments and joints surrounding your pelvis and when this happens, the bones under them will spread slightly resulting in foot growth.
You may notice that your feet and ankles are swollen by the end of the day. This is known as pregnancy swelling or edema. Choose comfortable and roomy shoes and avoid standing in one position for too long.
Your Baby at 22 Week of Pregnancy
Your baby’s face is fully formed by week 22. Eyebrows and eyelashes are also fully formed and your baby is starting to gain fat. Your little one is now the size of a small doll and weighs about 1 pound.
The senses of taste and touch progress significantly this week and taste buds begin forming. The surface of your baby’s brain, which was smooth, begins to develop folds and this process will continue until week 34.
Your little baby can now recognize light and dark much better than before. He/she can also hear your voice and your heartbeat.
Pregnancy Week 22 Tips
Drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods to keep constipation under control. Avoid processed foods such as pasta and white bread as they slow down the digestive process.
Even though fish is a great source of iron and protein, some fish. Shellfish may contain potentially dangerous levels of mercury, so you need to avoid certain seafood.
Avoid undercooked meat and cheese made from non-pasteurized milk.
You are probably visiting your doctor this week for another prenatal checkup. Your doctor might tell you about the upcoming glucose screening test – a routine test that checks for gestational diabetes.
