Table of Contents
What’s Happening with Your Baby?
Congratulations! You’re now 22 weeks pregnant, and your baby is growing bigger every day. At this stage, your little one is about the size of a papaya or an ear of corn, measuring a little over 10 inches from head to toe and weighing around one pound.
Your baby’s skin is becoming less transparent and is starting to develop a little more pigment. The hair on your baby’s head is growing too, and the follicles responsible for hair growth are developing. Your baby’s ears are also developing rapidly, and they can now hear your voice, as well as other sounds in the environment, such as music or a dog barking.
Your baby’s lungs are also starting to develop and produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs in the lungs inflate and stay open. This is important for your baby’s breathing after birth. Your baby’s digestive system is also maturing, and the intestines are starting to produce meconium, which is your baby’s first poop.
What’s Happening with Your Body?
At 22 weeks pregnant, you might start noticing some changes in your body. Your belly is growing, and you might feel more tired than usual. You may also experience some leg cramps or backaches, as your body adjusts to the added weight of your growing baby.
You may also start experiencing some mild swelling in your feet and ankles, which is normal during pregnancy. Avoid standing for long periods of time and try to keep your feet elevated whenever possible.
Your doctor may recommend that you take an iron supplement at this stage of your pregnancy. This is because your body is producing more blood to support your growing baby, and you need more iron to make hemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body.
What Should You Do?
With your baby growing bigger every day, it’s important to take care of yourself and your growing bump. Here are some things you can do at 22 weeks pregnant:
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet, and make sure to include plenty of iron-rich foods such as red meat, leafy greens, and fortified cereals.
- Stay active by going for a walk or practicing prenatal yoga. Exercise can help improve your mood and energy levels, as well as prepare your body for childbirth.
- Get plenty of rest and avoid standing for long periods of time.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight should I be gaining at 22 weeks pregnant?
On average, women gain around 1-2 pounds per week during the second trimester. However, every woman is different, and your doctor will be able to give you personalized advice based on your individual circumstances.
How often should I be feeling my baby move at 22 weeks pregnant?
At 22 weeks pregnant, you should be feeling your baby move regularly. However, every baby is different, and some babies may be more active than others. If you are concerned that you are not feeling your baby move as often as you should, talk to your doctor.
Can I still have sex at 22 weeks pregnant?
Yes, you can still have sex at 22 weeks pregnant, as long as you are comfortable and your doctor has not advised against it. However, you may need to try different positions as your belly grows, and you may experience some discomfort or vaginal dryness.
Are there any foods I should avoid at 22 weeks pregnant?
Yes, there are some foods that you should avoid during pregnancy, including raw or undercooked meat, fish that is high in mercury, unpasteurized dairy products, and foods that contain raw eggs or mayonnaise. Talk to your doctor for a complete list of foods to avoid.
When should I start preparing for childbirth?
It’s never too early to start preparing for childbirth, but most women start thinking about it more seriously in the third trimester. Talk to your doctor or a childbirth educator for more information on childbirth preparation classes and techniques.