Pregnant: What happens in week 22 of pregnancy

Your baby's development in the 22nd week of pregnancy

Formation of the fat layer: In terms of proportions, your little one in your belly is almost fully formed – however they are still very thin. In the coming weeks the fetus will build more and more protective fatty tissue, which keeps it warm and serves as a reserve for the time after birth.

Sphincter begins to function: Since the 3rd month of pregnancy, your baby's digestion has been working: it eliminates the waste products of swallowed amniotic fluid not only through urine but also through the intestines. From about the 22nd week of pregnancy the fetal anal sphincter begins to function. From now on, your child's body stores waste in the intestines until it is expelled after birth as the so-called meconium.

Head hair grows: On the ultrasound image it is still difficult to see, but the scalp hair, eyebrows and eyelashes of your baby in the 22nd week steadily – and in the form of translucent, white fine hairs. By birth this so-called lanugo hair will become increasingly stronger as a protective layer. The protective lanugo hair then disappears shortly before birth so that the permanent body hair can grow.

All skin layers complete: In the 22nd week of pregnancy all layers of your baby's skin are fully developed. The skin is still very pale and looks wrinkled. This is because at the current time your child has less than one percent body fat . In the next weeks it will gain a layer of fat, which plumps up the skin from the inside and makes it smoother.

Hiccups: If you occasionally notice a rhythmic twitching in your belly noticeable, then your baby probably has hiccups. When swallowing amniotic fluid the fetus sometimes chokes – a sign that it is intensely practicing its breathing.

What can be seen on the ultrasound image?

If the 2nd major ultrasound examination has not yet taken place for you in the 19th to 21st week of pregnancy has taken place, it will likely be scheduled for the current week. During this check-up your obstetrician will determine how your baby has developed and whether this corresponds to the developmental stage of the current week of pregnancy. You also take a closer look at the size together: In the 22nd week of pregnancy your child is about 26.5 to 28 cm long – which is roughly the size of an artichoke. The fetus weighs a weight of 430 to 470 grams. Currently your baby is growing more slowly, but will gain even more weight by birth. On the ultrasound you can now see the delicately shaped foot and hand knuckles. The spine is also visible depending on the position of your baby.

Physical changes – what happens to the mother in week 22?

In the 22nd week of pregnancy your baby bump is hard to miss and it will continue to grow bit by bit in the coming weeks. The heavy pregnancy complaints from the 1st trimester such as nausea and severe fatigue have generally subsided significantly since the 5th month of pregnancy. These have now been replaced by external changes to your body or by other pregnancy symptoms such as magnesium deficiency or weakened connective tissue instead. Find out more about it here:

Nipples change: Already in the previous months of pregnancy your breasts have grown and the areolas have darkened. In the 22nd week of pregnancy you may notice several small bumps on the areolas. These are the so-called Montgomery glands, which serve to protect the nipples during later breastfeeding. The glands secrete a fatty substance that nourishes the nipples and areolas and keeps them supple. At the same time they carry the characteristic smell of the mother, which gives your baby a sense of familiarity and helps them recognize you in the first days.

Cravings: If your cravings in the 22nd week of pregnancy are hard to deny, it's a sign that your little one is eating along and taking a lot of nutrients for itself. Currently a weight gain of about 250 grams per week is normal. Feel free to give in to your cravings, as long as you indulge them in moderation. With several small meals spread over the day, you can counteract cravings.

Connective tissue suffers: The hormonal changes, the increased blood volume and the weight gain during pregnancy take a toll on the connective tissue. In the 22nd week of pregnancy many women experience more pronounced hemorrhoids and varicose veins noticeable. These can sometimes be quite uncomfortable, but fortunately they usually disappear on their own after birth. Nevertheless it is important that you have your doctor check them, so that you can counteract possible pain.

Increased magnesium requirement: Your baby is diligently building its muscles – this manifests in the expectant mother, among other things, through an increased need for magnesium noticeable. If you often complain of calf cramps is a signal of magnesium deficiency. Now you should possibly take additional magnesium, because a deficiency over a longer period can, in the worst case, trigger premature labor can. You obtain magnesium mainly through a healthy diet during your pregnancy . From whole grains, legumes and nuts there is something for every pregnant woman. The intake of supplements should always be discussed with your obstetrician.

20th week of pregnancy: tips for well-being

Pelvic floor exercises: In the 22nd week of pregnancy many women deal with pelvic floor exercises for the first time. The pelvic floor is a sheet of muscle that stretches from the pubic bone to the spine and supports the abdominal and pelvic organs as well as the sphincter muscles of the urethra and anus. If you train and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, it has a positive effect on your body. This makes it easier to carry the weight during pregnancy and also reduces the risk of tears and cuts that can occur during birth. In addition, the latter heal faster with a strengthened pelvic floor. With a weak pelvic floor muscle you are more likely to experience pain, incontinence and hemorrhoids. To encourage strengthening of the muscles, exercise classes such as yoga and classes with special pelvic floor exercises for pregnant women are ideal.
Request massages: The strain on the spine is now clearly noticeable – pain in the lower back is among the most common pregnancy ailments. A gentle massage promotes circulation and helps relieve muscle blockages. For a classic back massage the belly is probably already too big in the 22nd week – but if you straddle a comfortable chair, your partner can easily massage your back.
Practice calmness: If you consciously practice calmness, it will make things easier for you in a certain way during pregnancy and even more so in life with your baby. Expectant mothers often receive well-meaning tips, advice or sharp comments from all sides on various pregnancy topics. However, never let yourself be too strongly influenced or even unsettled by this. Always take deep breaths and be aware that it is only your pregnancy and you can trust your instincts. Because you alone decide what is good for you and your baby.

To the 23rd week of pregnancy