Pregnancy week 22: symptoms, baby size and tips
Welcome to pregnancy week 22, a beautiful stage in which your baby is now the size of a papaya, measures about 28 centimetres and has perfectly defined facial features. Their movements are getting stronger every day, and you’re still enjoying that lovely second-trimester energy. Let me walk you through it, as always ❤️.
If you’re coming from pregnancy week 21, you’re doing great. And if you want the full journey at hand, check out our pregnancy week by week guide.
What is pregnancy week 22?
As always, pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period (LMP), not from conception. In week 22 you’re about 20 weeks past fertilisation, you’re starting your sixth month of pregnancy (weeks 22 to 26) and you’re still in the middle of the second trimester, which runs from week 13 to 28.
For most women, these are the most manageable weeks of pregnancy: your bump is a lovely, visible size, the first-trimester tiredness is behind you and your baby’s movements become a daily joy. It’s a great time to enjoy yourself and to prepare a few things at your own pace.
Baby size in week 22
Your little one keeps growing steadily and gains a little more weight each week:
- Length: about 28 centimetres from head to toe.
- Weight: between 430 and 460 grams, roughly a large papaya.
- It’s starting to store fat under the skin, which will help regulate its temperature after birth.
How is your baby developing in week 22?
Your little one already looks like a miniature newborn and keeps maturing non-stop:
- Defined features: eyebrows, eyelashes, eyelids and lips are well formed; their eyes, though open, don’t yet have the final iris pigment.
- Covered in lanugo and vernix: that fine hair and the protective layer that care for their skin inside the womb.
- Fingerprints are there: their tiny fingers already have the unique prints that will stay with them for life.
- Sucks their thumb and swallows amniotic fluid: perfect training for their digestive system and for your future routines.
- Hears better and better: they can pick out your voice, your heart and outside sounds. Talking to them and playing gentle music is a gift for both of you.
- Moves with strength: kicks, stretches and rolls you now notice more clearly, especially when you rest.
If you still haven’t confirmed your pregnancy or want a sense of your symptoms, you can take our free online pregnancy test, and if you fancy a bit of fun, try your luck with our fun fingerprint pregnancy test game: it’s only a game, not a real test.
Symptoms and feelings in week 22
Every pregnancy is different, but in week 22 it’s common to notice:
- Stronger baby movements: the loveliest feeling of this stage.
- A rounder, heavier bump: you’ll feel the extra weight in your back and lower back.
- Occasional Braxton Hicks: mild, irregular practice contractions. A few that don’t hurt are normal; if they increase or worry you, check in with your doctor.
- Heartburn or reflux: the growing uterus pushes against your stomach. Eating little and often helps.
- Leg cramps or swollen ankles: typical towards the end of the day.
- Drier, itchy skin: especially on your bump; hydrating oils and creams bring relief.
Tips for week 22
- Sleep on your side, especially the left, to improve blood flow.
- Stay hydrated and eat a varied, fibre-rich diet.
- Do gentle exercise or prenatal yoga, and work on your pelvic floor (Kegel exercises).
- Talk, sing and play music to your baby: they’re starting to recognise you by your voice.
- Rest with your legs up if your ankles feel swollen.
- If you have questions about your pregnancy and weeks, use my gestogram to estimate your due date or work out how many weeks you are with the pregnancy weeks calculator.
FAQ
How many months am I at week 22? You’re starting your sixth month of pregnancy, which runs from week 22 to 26, still within the second trimester.
How big is the baby at week 22? About 28 centimetres from head to toe and between 430 and 460 grams, roughly a large papaya.
Is it normal to feel contractions at week 22? Mild, irregular Braxton Hicks contractions can appear. If they’re few and don’t hurt, it’s normal; if they get more frequent or worry you, talk to your doctor.
Should I feel the baby move every day? Babies have activity and rest cycles, so the frequency varies. If you notice a clear change in their movement pattern, speak to your gynaecologist.
Why do I have heartburn now when I didn’t before? Your growing uterus presses against your stomach and relaxes the valve that stops reflux. Eating little and often and avoiding fatty foods usually helps.
Which scan should I have now? If you haven’t had it, now is the ideal time for the anomaly scan (ideally between weeks 18 and 23), which checks your baby’s development and organs.
Remember that every pregnancy is unique and this article is only a guide. If you have any concern or symptom that worries you, always speak to your doctor or gynaecologist, and enjoy this lovely stage ❤️.
