Week by week pregnancy guide: 22 weeks pregnant
A need-to-know guide...
You're now 22 weeks pregnant but what should you expect? Read week 22 of our week by week pregnancy guide to find out everything you need to know...Looking for a pregnancy week by week guide? You're in the right place, and here we get into the details of being 22 weeks pregnant..
During this stage you'll probably be showing quite a bit and have told your friends and relatives so it's only natural that you'll want to know everything about your stage of pregnancy. That's why we've put together this handy guide...
Symptoms at 22 weeks pregnant
You've gained around 12-15lbs, but may feel sexier than ever. A third of women say they feel more sensual during months four to seven and have more powerful orgasms. Equally it's perfectly normal to go off sex during pregnancy. Don't worry, your sex drive will return.
Backache can be a problem for some mums-to-be and it's no great mystery why. Not only has your centre of gravity changed, but the ligaments in your body have become softer and stretchier in order to limber up for labour. This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis. Some women find a maternity support belt helpful.
Fetal development at 22 weeks pregnant
Your baby is roughly 27.8cm and weighs 430grams. They have fat to keep them warm and their brain is growing rapidly. Their eyes, eyelids and eyebrows are now fully developed. Their vocal cords are beginning to function, as are their reflexes meaning they can hiccup, grasp things and even startle at loud noises outside the womb. If your baby is a girl then her uterus will have formed by now. If it's a boy then his testes will begin to descend and he'll start producing testosterone.
The changes you should make at 22 weeks pregnant
Some women will have an amniocentesis this week.
If you are expecting twins that share a placenta then you will have another growth scan and antenatal appointment this week.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Are you getting all the benefits you're entitled to? You may be eligible for help towards travel costs to hospital for antenatal care (including petrol or taxi fare) and a Sure Start Maternity Grant for £500. Go to direct.gov.uk for more information.
Feeling a bit absent-minded and muddle-headed? Well it does seem that pregnancy can leave you quite literally lost for words. In one study carried out at the University of California, it was found that pregnant women started to perform less well in verbal memory tests after 29 weeks of pregnancy.
Stephanie Lowe is Family Editor at GoodToKnow covering all things parenting, pregnancy and more. She has over 13 years' experience as a digital journalist with a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to all things family and lifestyle. Stephanie lives in Kent with her husband and son, Ted. Just keeping on top of school emails/fund raisers/non-uniform days/packed lunches is her second full time job.
-
Evolution of Barbie explained: 6 ways the iconic doll has adapted over the years
We look at how Barbie has changed over the years, as the iconic doll celebrates its 65th birthday
By Sarah Handley Published
-
How do air traffic controllers make sure flights stay safe? An explainer for kids by The Week Junior
Air traffic controllers make sure thousands of planes stay safe
By The Week Junior Published
-
Pregnancy week by week guide
Everything you need to know when you're expecting
By Stephanie Lowe Published
-
Week by week pregnancy guide: 32 weeks pregnant
Your baby is starting to grow very fast...
By Stephanie Lowe Published
-
Week by week pregnancy guide: 33 weeks pregnant
Everything you need to know about being 33 weeks pregnant
By Stephanie Lowe Published
-
Week by week pregnancy guide: 30 weeks pregnant
Here's everything you need to know...
By Rosie Conroy Published
-
11 weeks pregnant - symptoms, fetal development and what to consider
Welcome to your second trimester...
By Anna Bailey Published
-
9 weeks pregnant - symptoms, fetal development and what to consider
Greasy hair? Acne? Sickness? Sore boobs? Fatigue? Welcome to 9 weeks of pregnancy
By Anna Bailey Published
-
Pregnancy calendar: Your pregnancy timeline
Just found out you're pregnant? Don't miss out on any important milestones with our guide...
By GoodtoKnow Published
-
16 weeks pregnant - symptoms, fetal development and what to consider
Including your baby's development...
By Anna Bailey Published