Week twenty-two of pregnancy will see your baby bump continue to grow. Your baby can now hear your voice and might start responding to it in the womb. You can feel flutterings when you talk to your baby or massage your bump. You might also experience some Braxton Hicks contractions as a warm-up to birth!
But what else is happening at twenty-two weeks pregnant? Keep reading for an in-depth look at your twenty-second week of pregnancy, including your common symptoms and what an ultrasound will show.
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 22 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 22 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 22 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 22 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is about the size of a coconut
- Your baby will practice breathing with its developing lungs
- Your baby’s tastebuds can be influenced by your diet this week
- Your common symptoms include tiredness, pans on your stomach, and headaches at twenty-two weeks
- You might notice stretch marks on your stomach, upper thighs, or breasts
- You might experience normal swelling, but keep an eye to ensure it isn’t a sign of pre-eclampsia
What Does It Mean To Be 22 Weeks Pregnant?
You are well into your second trimester at twenty-two weeks pregnant, with your baby bump growing! You should notice some flutters or bubbles in your belly as your baby moves or responds to you. You can talk, sing, or stroke your bump and feel flutters as a response! Now is the perfect time to start bonding with your growing baby.
Stretch marks might start to appear on your skin; these are common in pregnancy week and are harmless. The marks will appear purple or red before fading to silver after birth. Creams containing shea or cocoa butter can help reduce the appearance of these marks and hydrate your pregnant belly.
Your pregnancy symptoms will continue, with many women struggling to sleep or enduring headaches. You might also experience pain on the side of your stomach, known as round ligament pains. Your expanding uterus causes these and will subside with rest.
Some women suffer from false labour contractions, known as Braxton Hicks. These can start at twenty-two weeks pregnant, feeling like pressure or contractions across your stomach. These contractions can last between thirty seconds and two minutes, ranging from uncomfortable to painful.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 22 Weeks?
Pregnancy can be detected at twenty-two weeks pregnant, but it might be negative on a home pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine to confirm a pregnancy. hCG is one of the pregnancy hormones that increase in your body during the first few months of pregnancy. The levels drop after four months and might not be high enough to confirm a pregnancy through a home test.
Your doctor can confirm your pregnancy with a blood test. This also measures your hCG levels, but a blood test can be more accurate. Your doctor might also perform an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy. Here, they will measure your baby and use their development to determine how far into your pregnancy you are. They will also check the heartbeat and ensure your baby is developing correctly.
Speak to your doctor immediately if you suspect you are pregnant but have not had an ultrasound or confirmed your pregnancy.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
You should have an ultrasound at twenty-two weeks pregnant if you have not already had your mid-trimester ultrasound. Speak to your doctor or midwife if you have not had an ultrasound in the last few weeks of your pregnancy. An ultrasound might also be requested at twenty-two weeks if you are experiencing complications or your last ultrasound showed signs of a complication or birth defects that your doctor wants to double-check.
At this ultrasound, you will see your baby developing and growing. You will see their organs developing, possibly the sex of your baby, and even their face! This depends on your baby’s positioning; the sonographer might try to move them to get a better view.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-two weeks pregnant, you might be offered additional tests. These are screening tests usually provided through your second trimester of pregnancy. These tests include the following:
- A glucose screening for gestational diabetes
- A multiple marker screening for neural tube defects
- A Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling to check the umbilical cord for defects
- An amniocentesis to check the amniotic fluid for chromosomal disorders
You might also be offered other genetic screening tests to look for hereditary conditions. Whether you are offered these will depend on your medical history and any risk factors that could increase your baby’s chances of a genetic condition. These tests are optional; you do not need to have them. Your doctor or healthcare provider can offer more guidance and information about the tests.
You will also be offered whooping cough and COVID-19 vaccinations from any point until thirty-two weeks of pregnancy to protect your baby.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
A heartbeat can be detected at twenty-two weeks pregnant. An ultrasound will pick up your baby’s heartbeat, allowing you to listen. You can also use a Doppler machine to detect a heartbeat. This will look like a small microphone placed on your stomach to transmit the sound of your baby’s heartbeat.
Doppler machines rely on your baby’s position to find the heartbeat, so it can take a few minutes to position it correctly. Don’t panic if you don’t hear the heartbeat straight away. Your midwife will likely use a Doppler machine between ultrasounds to monitor your baby’s heartbeat. You can also purchase home Doppler machines, allowing you to hear the heartbeat whenever possible!
The heartbeat will sound fast at twenty-two weeks, averaging 110 to 160 beats per minute. Your midwife or doctor can talk you through the heart rate and point out any abnormalities or concerns, if there are any.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
The common symptoms at twenty-two weeks pregnant include headaches, stretch marks, and tiredness or trouble sleeping. Many women also experience braxton hicks contractions. These are also known as false labour contractions and can feel similar to contractions experienced in labour.
Your womb will contract, and your stomach can feel harder. These can happen daily, ranging in frequency and severity from woman to woman. Not everyone experiences Braxton hicks contractions, but they can happen at any point from now until your labour. Speak to your midwife or doctor if you experience Braxton hicks or think you might be in early labour.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels fall at twenty-two weeks pregnant, averaging between 1,400 and 53,000Uu/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at twenty-two weeks pregnant. You might experience pain on the side of your stomach, known as round ligament pain, caused by your expanding womb. Leg cramps are also common this week.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness usually happens during the first trimester of pregnancy, but some women will still experience morning sickness at twenty-two weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts might feel sore or tender this week. They might also ache, feel full, or leak as your breast milk starts to develop.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout pregnancy, including week twenty-two. You might notice some weird food cravings or combinations you don’t usually eat.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at twenty-two weeks pregnant, but it should be less than earlier. As your growing uterus moves upwards, pressure is relieved from your bladder.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common this week as you struggle to sleep. Changes to your bedtime routine, including extra pillows and meditation, can help. You might also want to add an afternoon nap to ensure your body is well-rested.
Will I Feel Bloated At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Feeling bloated is common at twenty-two weeks pregnant. Avoiding eating late at night and eating small meals throughout the day can help with bloating.
Will I Get A Headache At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common in pregnancy, including this week. You might suffer from headaches more if you regularly had headaches before pregnancy.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth can happen throughout pregnancy, including twenty-two weeks pregnant. However, it is more common during the earlier months of pregnancy.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell usually happens during your first trimester, but you can also experience it at twenty-two weeks pregnant.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath or feeling breathless can happen at twenty-two weeks pregnant. Your growing baby takes up space, leaving less room for your lungs and heart. Avoiding laying on your back can help with feeling breathless.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea can happen throughout pregnancy, including pregnancy week twenty-two. However, it isn’t always related to pregnancy and could be an allergy, food poisoning, or a stomach bug. Speak to your doctor if diarrhea lasts more than forty-eight hours.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can happen throughout pregnancy, with white, milky discharge considered normal. Speak to your midwife or doctor if you notice any changes in the colour, odour or if you experience increased vaginal discharge.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at twenty-two weeks pregnant. Your ligaments are looser and stretched, which can add pressure to your joints and muscles, resulting in lower back pain.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings usually happen in the first trimester of pregnancy but are normal at twenty-two weeks pregnant. The hormonal changes in your body are the likely cause.
Is Spotting Normal At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting is normal throughout pregnancy and can happen in your second trimester. Speak to your doctor if the spotting continues for more than twenty-four hours, becomes heavier, or is accompanied by other symptoms.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 22 Weeks Pregnant?
The following symptoms are also common at twenty-two weeks pregnant.
- Thicker and shinier hair
- Spotty or oily skin
- Vaginal infections
- Urine infections
- Swollen feet and hands
- Dizziness
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Constipation
- Nosebleeds
- Piles
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
How Big Is A Baby At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-two weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a sweet potato. They will measure roughly 27.8cm from head to toe. Your baby’s lungs are developing this week. They will also start breathing practice in your womb, getting ready for life outside the womb.
Your baby is also swallowing small amounts of amniotic fluid. The fluid will stay in their bowels and pass after birth as dark and sticky poo, known as meconium.
Your baby’s tastebuds are continuing to develop. They can be influenced by what you eat from now on. Follow a healthy and balanced diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables.
Can You Feel The Baby At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
You can feel the baby at twenty-two weeks pregnant! Most women feel their baby move between eighteen and twenty-four weeks pregnant, with the movements feeling like flutterings or bubbling in their stomachs. It will be a few weeks before the movements become stronger, and you can feel punches or kicks. Sit still and focus on your stomach to see if you can feel fetal movements.
Speak to your midwife or doctor if you have concerns about not feeling your baby move by the end of week twenty-four of pregnancy.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
A miscarriage at twenty-two weeks pregnant in Australia is considered a stillbirth. The common symptoms are heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, backache, and pregnancy symptoms disappearing. You might also notice a lack of fetal movements. The symptoms can become more severe quickly, so you must immediately speak to your doctor or midwife.
A stillbirth at this stage in pregnancy must be delivered. You might have the choice of medically induced labour or to wait for things to progress naturally. Your doctor will explain both options and help you make the right choice. They will also support you, allowing you time with your baby. It can be an incredibly upsetting time for families; be sure you know the symptoms and use any support offered.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
You have a low chance of a miscarriage at twenty-two weeks. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 1% of babies born at twenty weeks or more were stillborn, giving you a low chance on average.
Other factors can increase your chance of stillbirth, including complications during pregnancy, birth defects, age, and weight. Your doctor can explain these risks and provide any support you might need.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
The following precautions can be taken to maintain your health during pregnancy.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
You should continue to take prenatal vitamins at twenty-two weeks pregnant. A multivitamin designed for pregnancy can be taken to provide your body and your baby with the nutrients they need. Look for a prenatal vitamin with iron and vitamin D if you are pregnant during the winter. Your doctor can also provide you with recommendations if needed.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Weight gain is a part of pregnancy, but eating a healthy and balanced diet ensures that moms can fuel their bodies while maintaining a healthy weight. A diet of lean protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables should be followed. You can ask your doctor for help creating a diet plan if needed.
Stay Hydrated
You will also want to drink plenty of water throughout your pregnancy. Staying hydrated and drinking water can help circulate nutrients around your body, aid digestion, and help form the amniotic fluid around your baby. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend drinking eight to twelve glasses of water daily during pregnancy to help aid the benefits of hydration.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoking while pregnant doubles your risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and birth. It has also been connected to several birth defects, including cleft lip.
You should seek guidance and support from your doctor to help you quit smoking.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-two weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a variety of behavioural, intellectual, and physical disabilities that last for life. These are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, FASDs. The (CDC) found these disorders include poor memory, hyperactive behaviour, small head size, poor reasoning and judgement skills, and more.
They recommend that no alcohol should be consumed throughout your pregnancy.
Caffeine intake should also be reduced to 200mg daily during pregnancy. Research by the Royal College of Midwives found that consuming 300mg of caffeine or more increased your risk of lower birthweight or preterm birth.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid high doses of vitamins A, C, and E during pregnancy, as these can harm your baby. You should also avoid any supplements labelled as unsuitable for pregnant women. Your doctor can provide further guidance about the appropriate supplements to take during pregnancy.
Can I Exercise While 22 Weeks Pregnant?
It is safe to exercise at twenty-two weeks pregnant. You can incorporate gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga. You should avoid high-impact exercises like running, contact sports, and exercises where you could fall, involve excessive jumping or are 2,500m above sea level.
Exercising regularly throughout pregnancy will help keep your body fit and active and prevent excessive weight gain. Some weight gain is normal throughout pregnancy as your baby bump and baby grow, but you still want to remain healthy! Your healthcare provider can advise on safe exercises and maintaining your healthy weight during pregnancy.
Is It Safe To Travel When 22 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to travel at twenty-two weeks pregnant. You should speak to your doctor before flying if you have any pregnancy complications, high blood pressure, or deep vein thrombosis. Before heading to another country, you should also check if you need vaccinations or if there are advisories in place.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at twenty-two weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 22 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at twenty-two weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
You might struggle to sleep during the night at twenty-two weeks pregnant. Your pregnant belly and pelvic pain can make sleeping uncomfortable, so try adding extra pillows or sleeping with a pillow between your legs. A body pillow can also be helpful here.
Incorporating a nap during the day can also help you get enough sleep this week.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 22 Weeks Pregnant?
You should sleep on your left side at twenty-two weeks pregnant. This is considered a safe sleeping position that won’t add pressure to your pregnant belly.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 22 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is known as the LMP method and is how most due dates are calculated. Use the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days to have an estimated due date.
Your doctor will also give you an estimated due date. This is given to you in your first ultrasound, where your baby is measured to determine how far into your pregnancy you are. Your baby’s development is also considered here when calculating a due date.
These due dates are only estimates and should not be taken as guaranteed delivery dates. Many women give birth after their due dates, so don’t panic if your due date passes and no baby arrives!
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 22 Weeks Pregnant?
The biggest change at twenty-two weeks pregnant is sudden swelling in your feet. Pregnancy swelling is common and can leave you with swollen feet and ankles. It can be tricky to notice this change, especially if your baby bump stops you from seeing your feet!
Swelling can also be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, which can be very serious. Should your swelling be accompanied by a dull headache that won’t shift, blurred vision, pain below your ribs, sickness, or feeling unwell, you should speak to your doctor immediately. Pre-eclampsia usually happens after twenty-four to twenty-six weeks, but it is worth knowing the signs.
You might also notice stretch marks as your body grows. These typically appear on your stomach, breasts, or upper thighs and fade in time. You might also notice that your belly button pushes outward. An outie belly button is common in pregnancy, as your growing uterus puts pressure on your stomach, pushing it out. This is normal and nothing to worry about!
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is working hard again, developing your baby’s brain and the rest of their body. An increased blood flow is happening to provide you and your baby with the blood you need. This does slow your blood flow slightly, causing you to feel dizzy. Make sure that you don’t stand up too suddenly.
Your body is also retaining more water than usual to help with the increased blood flow. You might get the pregnancy glow where your skin is radiant or notice that you experience oily or spotty skin.
Your body might also have false contractions, known as Braxton Hicks. The uterine muscles contract, mimicking the contractions of labour. These can be uncomfortable or painful for some women, but they usually pass after a minute or two.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips will help you prepare for the rest of your pregnancy or an upcoming one.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
You should try to maintain a healthy weight throughout your pregnancy and beforehand. This can help to reduce pregnancy complications and maintain your health through pregnancy. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that being overweight increases your risk of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.
A healthy and balanced diet with regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. While extra weight gain is expected during pregnancy, you don’t want to put on more than you need to, which could classify you as overweight.
Your doctor can advise you on your healthy weight and how you can achieve and maintain this.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might also need to make some lifestyle changes. These include stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs. Not only do these have a detrimental impact on your health, but your baby’s too. Your doctor can provide any support or assistance you need to make the necessary lifestyle changes.
Not only can these help with a current pregnancy, but upcoming pregnancies, too.
Attend Pregnancy And Birthing Classes
Pregnancy and birthing classes are accessible across the country and provide you with information about the rest of your pregnancy and birth. These classes can be attended alone, with your partner or a friend and will help answer any questions and prepare you for the rest of your pregnancy.
The classes are also a great way to meet other expecting mothers in the area. These women could quickly become your friends, offering support and a space to share your concerns as your pregnancies progress together.
Think About Your Birthing Plan
Your labour is inching closer every week, so consider your birthing plan. A birthing plan is not set in stone, but it’s worth thinking about what you would like to help you better prepare. Consider the following questions:
- Do you want a natural birth?
- Do you want a water birth?
- Do you want medical intervention?
- Do you want pain relief?
- Do you want anyone present?
- Do you want visitors after the birth?
- Do you want your partner to cut the umbilical cord?
Ask yourself these questions or consider them with your partner to find what works for you. Your midwife can offer any guidance here and explain if any consideration needs to be made based on your medical history or complications in your pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
Week twenty-two of pregnancy is an exciting one! Your belly grows again as your baby continues to develop. Your belly button can push outwards, and you might notice swelling around your body. While the symptoms can be uncomfortable, seeing your baby again or hearing their heartbeat can make it all worthwhile. Plus, you are another week closer to delivering your baby!