22 Weeks Pregnant: Week-by-Week Guide

• 22 weeks pregnant is which trimester? Second trimester
• How many weeks of pregnancy are left? 18 weeks
• How many months is 22 weeks pregnant? You’re in your fifth month.

With week 21 of your pregnancy complete, you’re on week 22. Enjoy it, as week 23 is on the horizon! 

One of the most exciting things about pregnancy is how many changes you’ll experience with your little one over the span of just 7 days! Here’s some tips and tricks to keep on top of all that’s happening.

What Happens During the 22th Week of Pregnancy?

• "I'm all ears, Mom!": our little one can finally hear you! Feel free to sing to them and chat away as you build a beautiful connection. Some moms bond with their babies by playing mellow music toward their bellies with headphones. (Just don’t pump up the jams too loudly!)
• It's dark in here: Your baby's eyes are still tightly shut, but they can perceive brightness. If you shine a flashlight on your belly, you might feel your baby react by kicking or turning away.
• A new meaning to the term "fur baby": At 22 weeks, your baby has a protective cover for the skin, a fine hair called lanugo, which is gone by the time of birth.
• Some (literally) touching times: Your baby’s cognitive development is on the fast track throughout the second and third trimesters. As a result, by week 22 there’s movement as your bundle learns newborn reflexes like grabbing and squeezing.

What Should I Be Feeling at 22 Weeks Pregnant?

• Stretch marks around your body (your belly, hips, legs, breasts, and butt, for example) are likely visible. These are completely normal and extremely common—as many as 90% of women develop pregnancy-related stretch marks. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, staying hydrated, and moisturizing can help mitigate them if they’re bothering you or causing itchiness.
• At 22 weeks, your baby's movement may feel like gentle flutters. It may be subtle at first, but get ready, those little kicks will increase in intensity over time.

How Big Is a Fetus at 22 Weeks?

From crown to rump, a 22-week-old fetus is about 7.5 inches. The size has been compared to a bell pepper, papaya, small coconut, or large mango.

22 Weeks Baby Weight

As you’re gaining weight, so is your baby. Around this time, they’ll be at the one-pound milestone—roughly the same weight as a baseball.

Braxton Hicks at 22 Weeks

Your uterus may start contracting as soon as 22 weeks pregnant. Known as Braxton Hicks contractions, these occasional painless, irregular squeezes are one of the ways your body prepares for labor. Also called false labor, many women describe the feeling less as a contraction and more so a tightening sensation.

How Big Is Your Baby at 22 Weeks Pregnant?

Week 22 Pregnancy Symptoms

During week 22 of pregnancy, your body is changing quickly. As your baby grows, you will too, and there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may experience at this time.

6 Common Week 22 Pregnancy Symptoms

1. You may experience some pregnancy-related constipation. There are several home remedies that can help. Try taking a prenatal supplement with omega-3s, aim for a diet rich in fiber, and incorporate some light exercise (but be sure to check with your doctor first).
2. A slower digestive system can leave you with heartburn or indigestion. Eating smaller meals more often and avoiding greasy and spicy foods may provide some relief.
3. Leg cramps may indicate a calcium or magnesium deficiency in your diet. A good set of prenatal vitamins should provide the support you need.
4. It’s a small change, but if your belly button was an innie, it’s probably an outie by now.
5. Your back probably aches—you’re carrying extra weight. This is a good time to do gentle stretches or massage that tension out.
6. Is that little bun in the oven making you feel like an oven? Hormonally driven hot flashes may leave you suddenly sweating and looking for an AC. Your body is working hard and your body temperature may be slightly higher. Keep your cool literally and figuratively by staying hydrated, wearing loose clothes, and slowing down when necessary. Hot flashes are harmless, but speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.

3 Expert Tips for a Healthy And Safe Pregnancy

Being 22 weeks pregnant is an important time for you and your baby. Here’s some more expert-recommended advice on how to adjust to this new stage and keep you and your baby safe.

1. Manage food cravings: The better you eat, the better you’ll feel, and the better the health of both you and baby. Try some strategies to control your junk food cravings.
2. Learn to express boundaries: You will probably be approached by tummy touchers. Some moms-to-be don’t mind, while other women find this completely inappropriate. Know where you stand and have a tactful response ready.
3. Step into your preggers power: Remember to have some fun with this and do your best to embrace your changing body. You could start thinking about a maternity photographer or add some new maternity wear to your online cart.

Week 22 Checklist: How To Plan Your Pregnancy

Knowing what to do week-by-week can help you feel prepared and alleviate stress. Add these new items to your to-do list this week. You’ve got this, mama!

Learn more about your pregnancy, including pregnancy planning and pregnancy nutrition to feel prepared to continue this magical adventure. You’re armed with the facts, what to do, and now you can take time to connect with the little one growing inside you.

 With week 21 in the rearview mirror and week 22 going strong, look to the future and what's coming up in week 23!