22nd Week Pregnancy: Symptoms, Baby Development And Tips

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How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 22 Weeks?

At 22 weeks, you are in the fifth month of pregnancy.

How Big Is Your Baby At 22 Weeks?

This week, your baby is about the size of a spaghetti squash

(1). It will measure 10.94in (27.8cm) in length and weigh 1-1.5lb (500 -700g) (2).

Quick fact

At 22 weeks, your baby can be as big as the size of papaya fruit (12).

Baby Development At 22 weeks

Here is how your baby develops during this week:

As the baby develops, you will also experience specific symptoms indicating the changes inside you.

What Symptoms Do You Experience In The 22nd Week Of Pregnancy?

Every pregnancy is different, and so not all women have the same symptoms. Some pregnancies go uneventful while others experience several changes both physically and psychologically.

Here are some pregnancy symptoms you may experience during this week:

• Weight gain An average weight gain of one to two pounds per week during the second trimester of pregnancy is considered safe, as recommended by the American Pregnancy Association (APA) (10). However, in case of women who have BMI less than 18.5 and greater than 24.9, the recommended weight gain rates usually range in between 0.5 to one pound.

• Heartburn is mostly due to progesterone, which causes relaxation of the valve between the esophagus and the stomach leading to acid regurgitation. It can also be due to the growing uterus, which pushes the gastric acid from the stomach to the esophagus.

• You may experience leg cramps due to the increased blood flow in the lower part of the body. A deficiency of calcium and magnesium can also lead to leg cramps (10).
  

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• Hormonal fluctuations cause the release of whitish vaginal discharge, which prevents any bacteria from entering the uterus. Medical consultation may be needed if the discharge is foul smelling, excessive, and/ or causes itching in the private parts (12)

• The progesterone hormone relaxes the digestive tract, slowing down the intestinal motility and resulting in constipation.

• The expanding uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels, inhibiting proper flow of blood to the brain, which might cause dizziness in some women.

• Hormonal fluctuations can lead to sexual desires and fatigue.

• Edema or water retention in the body can result in swollen hands and feet. Let your doctor know about it if it is excessive (13)

• The pressure put by the growing uterus and on the lower back causes backache.

• Hormonal changes can make your hair healthier and shinier in some women while in some it might lead to hairfall.

• Hormonal changes during this time can also lead to the occurrence of morning sickness in some women.

• The extra blood flow in the lower part of the body causes varicose veins or the swelling up of veins in the legs (14)
  

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• The increased blood flow to the rectal area might cause hemorrhoids or the swelling of blood vessels, which are painful. These are generally reversible and only supportive care is needed (11)

Quick tip

Add fiber-rich foods to your diet, and avoid standing for long durations or straining too much when using the toilet to prevent hemorrhoids (11).

• The pressure put by the growing uterus on the bladder increases the frequency of urination.All this will lead to specific changes in your body.

In addition to the above-mentioned symptoms, Katy, a mother of two, describes the symptoms she observed during the 22nd week of her pregnancy. She shares, “It’s like I have suddenly hit a wall in the past week. I feel more tired. It could be that the heat has finally set in and perhaps that’s what is slowing me down and making me feel lethargic. I’m still doing great at eating healthy and exercising daily, so I know that is only positive for me….yet I am feeling so tired all of a sudden… My belly size is increasing, and I’m feeling a bit more achy. I’m experiencing some sciatic pain on my right side, feeling exhausted, and always ready to take a nap, especially with this heat (i).”

Changes In The Body At 22 Weeks

Here are some physical and emotional changes you may experience this week (12):

Physical changes

• Enlarged belly with a protruding navel

• Stretch marks
  

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• Changing fingernails, as some women may experience faster growth of nails

• Discolored skin, as some dark patches develop due to increased melanin

• Bigger and darker nipples

Emotional changes

• Anxiety

• Mood swings
  

  Image: Shutterstock

In some cases, you may experience unusual symptoms that indicate preterm labor. More about it next.

Can A Baby Survive If Born At 22 Weeks?

According to a cohort study done by the National Research Network, Japan, the babies born during the gestational age of 22 weeks have fewer chances of survival or are at a higher risk of having NDI (neurodevelopmental impairment) (13). Though with the advancement of technology in the medical field, the chances of survival have become better but there is still lack of enough evidence and data about the long-term prognosis and neurodevelopmental outcome of  babies born at such early gestation. Nonetheless, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association analyzed 10,877 babies born between 2013 and 2018 and identified a significant increase in the survival rates of infants born between 22 and 28 weeks compared to previous years.

Next, we list down the symptoms that indicate the onset of preterm labor.

When To Call The Doctor

If you experience the following symptoms, call the doctor right away (14):

• A contraction (hardening of stomach along with pain) once every 10 minutes (5 or more in an hour)

• Braxton Hicks contractions (contractions, cramps or tightening in a particular abdominal area)

• Rupture of the amniotic sac causing the amniotic fluid to leak from the vagina

• Menstrual-like cramps

• Pelvic pressure

• A low and dull backache

• Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea

• A sudden increase in vaginal discharge

• Blood from vagina

Otherwise, schedule a regular prenatal checkup.

Your OB/GYN Visit

During the antenatal visit, the doctor will check:

• Weight

• Blood pressure

• Gestational diabetes

• Fetal heart rate with a fetoscope
  

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Additionally, a few tests may be done to check how the pregnancy is progressing and the rate of the fetal development.

Pregnancy tests

If an anomaly scan has been done at 18-20 weeks, ultrasound is not required at this gestation. However, if it is not done, then you might need one now. An ultrasound is for a comprehensive study of the fetal anatomy and fetal movement. However, it may not give details about all the organs. It helps in detecting any congenital defects or abnormalities in the fetus (15).

Besides following the doctor’s orders, you should also develop a healthy lifestyle for a better pregnancy experience. How can you make it possible? Read on to know.

Tips For Mom-to-be

Here are some prenatal care tips that you should follow to stay healthy and happy at this stage of pregnancy.

• Stay hydrated; drink at least eight glasses of water.

• Give your body eight hours of sleep in the night and two hours in the day.

• Add beans, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy products, and meat in your diet.

• Eat home-cooked food and have small meals at regular intervals to satiate your cravings.

• Continue the prenatal vitamin supplements including vitamin C and folic acid among others.

• Exercise daily if there is no contraindication. Enroll in prenatal exercise groups.

• Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and drugs.

• Keep stress away and stay calm.

Quick tip

Although mild stress is normal during pregnancy, severe and prolonged stress may harm the fetus. Thus, focus on stress management by speaking about your concerns to your partner, a friend, or a doctor (16).

• Maintain oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth.

• Wear loose, breathable clothes.

• Avoid deep-fried and fatty foods. Add more fiber to your diet to reduce constipation.

• Avoid taking any medicines without the doctor’s permission.

• Avoid sitting crossed legged, as it can cause a backache.

• Wear comfortable maternity clothes and footwear.

• Avoid sitting for long hours and walk around frequently.

• Enroll in childbirth classes to learn more about labor and delivery.

• Spend time with family and friends.

• Read parenting books.

• Use a heating pad or sleep with a body pillow to ease the back pain.

Your partner can also help you feel better by helping you out a little.

Tips For The Dad-to-be

Here are a few pointers for daddy dearest.

• Sharing the responsibilities of household chores.

• Creating a pleasant environment at home.

• Accompanying you to prenatal visits.

• Taking you for shopping.

• Planning an outing for you.

• Giving you a good neck and foot massage for relaxation.

Infographic: Pregnancy Symptoms During 22 Weeks Of Gestation

Now that you’re in the 22nd week of pregnancy, you’ll soon complete your second trimester. Your baby has now evolved into the size of spaghetti squash, and you will have an evident baby bump. The following infographic explains what other changes and symptoms you may experience this week.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: 22nd Week Pregnancy: Symptoms Baby Development And Tips

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Congratulation on your 22nd week of pregnancy! As you are nearing your childbirth, learn about various changes and symptoms you may experience. Find out the ideal weight gain during pregnancy and get tips on maintaining good health.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Asmita KaundalMD

Dr. Kaundal has 10 years of experience as an obstetrician and gynecologist and is currently working as a consultant IVF at Matritava Advanced IVF and Training Centre, New Delhi.She has previously worked at Lady Hardinge Medical College, MKW and IMB IVF centre, Apollo Cradle Royale and AIIMS, New Delhi.

Read full bio of Dr. Asmita Kaundal

Sakshi MishraMSc

Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. She has worked on a research project, “In silico ligand designing exhibiting anti-diabetic activity derived from responsible phytochemicals of selected herbs.

Read full bio of Sakshi Mishra

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Aneesha AmonzMSc

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz