Pregnant: What happens in pregnancy week 22

The development of your baby in the 22. week of pregnancy

Development of the fat layer: In terms of proportions, the little person in your belly is almost finished – however they are still very thin. In the coming weeks the fetus builds more and more protective fat tissue, which warms it and serves as a reserve for the time after birth.

Sphincter begins to function: Since the 3. month of pregnancy your baby's digestion has been working: it excretes the waste products of swallowed amniotic fluid not only via urine, but also via the intestines. From around the 22. week of pregnancy the intestinal sphincter of the fetus begins to function. From now on, your child's body stores the waste products in the intestines until it passes them after birth as the so-called meconium.

Head hair grows: On the ultrasound image it is still hard to see, but nonetheless the head hair, eyebrows and eyelashes of your baby in week 22 steadily – and in the form of translucent, white hairs. By birth this so-called lanugo hair will become increasingly thicker as a protective layer. The protective lanugo hair then disappears shortly before birth, allowing the actual body hair to grow.

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

Hiccups: If you occasionally notice in the 22. week a rhythmic twitching in your belly noticed, then your baby probably has hiccups. When drinking the amniotic fluid the fetus sometimes swallows incorrectly – a sign that it is intensively practicing its breathing function.

What is visible on the ultrasound image?

If the 2. major ultrasound examination has not yet taken place for you in the 19. to 21. week of pregnancy it has not taken place, it will probably be due this week. During this prenatal examination your gynecologist records how your baby has developed and whether this corresponds to the developmental stage of the current week of pregnancy. You also take a close look at the size together: In the 22. week your baby is approximately 26,5 to 28 cm long – which roughly corresponds to the size of an artichoke. The fetus weighs a weight of 430 to 470 grams. Currently your baby is growing more slowly, but it will gain much more weight by birth. On the ultrasound you can now see the delicately shaped foot and hand knuckles. Depending on your baby's position, the spine is also clearly visible.

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

In the 22. week of pregnancy your baby bump is hard to miss anymore and it will continue to grow bit by bit in the coming weeks. The severe pregnancy complaints from the 1. trimester such as nausea and severe exhaustion are usually since the 5. month of pregnancy clearly subsided. 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. You can find out more about this here:

Nipples change: Already in the preceding months of pregnancy your breasts have grown and the areolas have darkened. In the 22. 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 an oily substance that cares for and keeps the nipples and areolas supple. At the same time they carry the characteristic smell of the mother, which gives your baby a feeling of familiarity and helps it to recognize you in the first days.

Cravings: If your cravings in week 22 are hard to deny, it is a sign that your little belly dweller is eagerly eating along or is claiming plenty of nutrients for itself. Currently a weight gain of approximately 250 grams per week is normal. Feel free to give in to your cravings, as long as you satisfy them in moderation. Eating several small meals spread throughout the day helps counteract cravings.

Connective tissue suffers: The hormonal changes, increased blood volume and weight gain during pregnancy take a toll on the connective tissue. In week 22 many women experience increased 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 let your doctor take a look, so that you can counteract possible pain.

Increased need for magnesium: Your baby is busy building its muscles – this is noticeable in the expectant mother, among other things, by an increased need for magnesium becoming noticeable. If you often experience calf cramps that is a signal of magnesium deficiency. You should possibly take additional magnesium now, because a deficiency over a longer period in the worst case can trigger premature labor can. Magnesium is mainly taken in through a healthy diet during your pregnancy From Whole grain products, legumes and nuts are suitable for every pregnant woman. The intake of supplements should best always be discussed with your gynecologist.

20. week of pregnancy: Tips for well-being

Pelvic floor exercises: In week 22 many women deal with pelvic floor exercises for the first time. The pelvic floor is a muscle sheet that extends 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. It makes it easier to carry the weight during pregnancy and also reduces the risk of tears and cuts that can occur during birth. Moreover, the latter heal faster with a strengthened pelvic floor. With a weak pelvic floor muscle, pain, incontinence and hemorrhoids are more likely to occur. To stimulate muscle strengthening, exercise classes such as yoga and courses 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 blood circulation and helps release muscle blockages. For a classic back massage the belly in the 22. week is probably already too big – 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 pregnancy and certainly in life with your baby. Often pregnant women receive well-meant tips, advice or sharp comments from all sides on various pregnancy topics. Do not let this influence or unsettle you too much. Always breathe deeply and remind yourself that it is your pregnancy and you can trust your instincts. Because you alone decide what is best for you and your baby.

To the 23rd week of pregnancy