Everything you need to know about week 22 of pregnancy

22nd Week of Pregnancy (Week 22)

Welcome to the 22nd week of pregnancy – you are now firmly in your second trimester. Your baby is continuing to grow steadily, noticeably increasing in size and weight and developing more and more personality. In the 22nd week of pregnancy, you will probably not only notice your baby’s movements more intensely, but also feel emotionally just what a little miracle is growing inside you.

Your body is also changing further: your baby bump is becoming more prominent, your weight is gradually increasing, and typical pregnancy complaints such as back pain or water retention may occur. At the same time, this is a phase in which many pregnant women experience calm, energy, and even first taste-related cravings or food desires – and the anticipation grows with each passing day.

The 22nd Week of Pregnancy at a Glance

Your Baby in Week 22:

• In week 22, your baby is about 28–30 cm long and weighs around 450–500 g.
• The skin is still thin but is protected from the amniotic fluid by the vernix caseosa.
• The senses are developing steadily – your baby reacts to sounds, light, and touch.
• The sense of touch is particularly well developed – your baby is discovering its body, playing with the umbilical cord, and may even suck its thumb.
• Your baby’s sleep-wake rhythm is also becoming more stable – with active and quiet phases.
  
  

Your Body in Week 22:

• Your bump continues to grow visibly – you may feel your skin stretching and possibly notice the first stretch marks.
• Your centre of gravity is shifting – this can lead to back pain or tension.
• Your breathing also changes: you breathe more deeply, but sometimes also more quickly – a sign of your increased need for oxygen.
• Many pregnant women also experience increased sweating, mild circulatory problems, or water retention in their legs and hands during this phase.
  
  

Baby’s Development in the 22nd Week

In the 22nd week of pregnancy, your baby continues to grow in size, weight, and strength. The proportions are becoming more harmonious – compared to the first weeks, the body now almost resembles that of a newborn, only much more delicate. Movements are also getting stronger: kicks, stretches, and little turns can now be felt regularly.

The brain is constantly forming new nerve connections – especially for the sensory organs. The sense of touch is particularly active at the moment: your baby is exploring its surroundings, playing with the umbilical cord and discovering itself – with its hands, fingers, and toes. The sense of balance is also increasingly developing.

This week, the different layers of skin continue to form, while the first fat deposits are being laid down under the skin – important for temperature regulation and energy. The nasal mucous membrane begins to develop, and the first taste sensations are perceived via the tongue through the amniotic fluid.

The lungs are practising breathing movements in preparation for life outside the womb, even though your baby is, of course, still supplied via the placenta – getting ready for the big world out there.

Your Body in the 22nd Week of Pregnancy

Your baby bump continues to grow – in week 22, the upper edge of your uterus is usually clearly palpable above your navel. This also changes your posture: many women report a hollow back, back pain or tension in the lower back area.

Water retention (especially in the evenings), tiredness, or mild heartburn are also typical companions this week. Your metabolism is particularly active, which may cause your body temperature to be slightly elevated – this is completely normal and nothing to worry about.

Your body is now producing more fat, some of which is stored as fatty tissue to strengthen you for the time after birth. These energy reserves are particularly important for milk production.

Treat yourself to regular breaks, drink plenty of water, and wear comfortable clothes. A warm bath or gentle exercise such as yoga will help you feel good. If you like, you can also take your first pictures of your baby bump – as a loving memory of this special time.