At 22 weeks, you're still in what many pregnant people consider the "honeymoon phase" of the second trimester. Those hormonal-induced first trimester symptoms like nausea and vomiting are typically long gone, and the aches and pains that come with carrying an almost-ready developing baby are still weeks off. You likely already had your anatomy scan. But if you could see your soon-to-be little one, you'd notice some cool developments this week.
Pregnancy Week 22 Quick Facts
- At 22 weeks, you're five months pregnant
- You have 18 weeks until your due date
- You're in your second trimester
Your Unborn Baby's Size at 22 Weeks
At 22 weeks, your baby is about 10.94 inches and weighs around 15.17 ounces. That’s like the size of a papaya!
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Pregnancy Symptoms Week 22
Many of the least pleasant pregnancy symptoms are either over with or yet to come. But your body is still changing, so you may notice some symptoms. Common ones include:
- Shortness in breath
- Increased libido
- Irregular contractions (also known as Braxton-Hicks)
- Backaches
- Swollen feet
- Stretch marks
If you're exercising and notice it takes less exertion for you to feel heavy—or if you start feeling winded at the grocery store—it's a common symptom at this point.
"The reasons for shortness of breath include needing more oxygen, pregnancy hormones, and less room for your lungs to expand due to your growing uterus," says Sunoz "Sunny" Soroosh, CNM, WHNP-BC, MPH, a certified nurse midwife with Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Increased sex drive is common, and sex is typically safe during pregnancy (ask your health care provider). But you or your partner may have different levels of desire. Give yourselves grace during this time of change.
"It's up to the pregnant person whether they want to engage in sexual activity or not," Soroosh says. "If they are not comfortable, that is their decision."
Some remedies may help relieve the backache that can come at this stage of pregnancy. Soroosh suggests looking into a chiropractor, physical therapist, acupuncturist, or a "belly band."
"Make sure to always listen to your body and take breaks in your day if you need them," adds Soroosh.
Swollen feet are usually normal but can also be a sign of preeclampsia. "You should see your provider if they are very severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, swollen face, and hands or arms, not feeling well, or elevated blood pressure,” Soroosh says.
Your Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week
Developmental Milestones
Symptoms may be less, but plenty is going on inside you as the second half of your pregnancy continues. "You should be feeling fetal movement at this point in your pregnancy," says Soroosh.
First-time parents may feel fetal movement a little later than people who have been pregnant before. The developing baby is also fine-tuning senses.
"Your baby may now respond to external stimuli with movement, such as music or being touched," Soroosh says. "Your baby's eyes are still fused shut, but their eyes begin to move behind them, and their tear ducts are developing."
Your unborn baby may start to grow hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes. Some babies will even be born with full heads of hair.
"Your baby's lungs are also starting to develop, and they may have started to swallow small amounts of amniotic fluid to help them learn to breathe," Soroosh says.
Prenatal Tests and Doctor's Appointments
If your pregnancy doesn't have any complications, you won't have an ultrasound this week, says Brittany Noel Robles, M.D., MPH, CPT, an OB-GYN and personal trainer specializing in postpartum people.
You may not even have a doctor's appointment this week—pregnant people generally go every four weeks until week 24, when visit frequency switches to every other week.
If you do have an appointment, expect to roll up your sleeves.
"At a 22-week doctor's appointment, your health care provider will likely measure your abdomen to check your baby's growth, check your blood pressure and urine, and listen to your baby's heartbeat," Dr. Robles says. "Depending on the situation, you may also have an ultrasound to assess your baby's growth and well-being."
This check-up is also an opportunity to check in with your doctor.
"Additionally, you may have the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you have with your provider," says Dr. Robles. "It is important to remember that you are in control of your own medical care and can advocate for yourself at all times. Don't hesitate to speak up if you have questions. Remember, your health care provider is there to provide you with the best individual care possible."
Common Questions at This Pregnancy Stage
Is it safe to have sex at 22 weeks pregnant?
Usually, yes, "[as long as] there are no symptoms or conditions of pregnancy complications like short cervix, vaginal infections, abnormal bleeding, and lower abdominal pain," says Katerina Shkodzik, M.D., OB-GYN, medical advisor at Mira.
Soroosh adds, "If you ever have pain or bleeding with sex, stop and discuss with your provider.”
How can I get rid of stretch marks?
Sorry to be a vibe kill but "there aren't any scientifically proven ways of removing stretch marks," says Dr. Robles.
The sort of good news? "The stretch marks can fade over after pregnancy but in some cases not completely," Shkodzik says.
What's the difference between Braxton-Hicks and real contractions—am I in labor?
Feeling contractions at 22 weeks can feel concerning, but they're probably Braxton-Hicks.
"The big difference is that Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular," Soroosh says. "They can come here and there, or you can have multiple, but they eventually go away and don't form a consistent pattern of contractions that become stronger to bring you into active labor."
As always, discuss concerns with your provider.
Things You Might Consider This Week
At 22 weeks pregnant, you may feel like you have all the time in the world. But the big day will be here before you know it—and may take you by surprise. If you're going for a vaginal delivery without induction, the baby will choose their birthday. Before contractions start is the best time to get informed about birth.
"At 22 weeks, it's a great time to start thinking about the details of your birth and look into taking a childbirth education class," says Dr. Robles. "Some centers will also allow you to take a tour to familiarize yourself with the layout and staff."
Doulas can support you through the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum phases to ensure you feel informed, supported, and heard. Soroosh suggests searching for one through DONA International, an organization that certifies doulas.
If you haven't already, Dr. Robles says now is a good time to start thinking about the nursery, especially since items can go in and out of stock or become back-ordered. Getting ahead will help prevent you from feeling behind. If you're like me, you may want to test drive strollers to see if that $1,000 one is really worth it (I decided it wasn't, but reasonable people will disagree).
Working parents-to-be have some additional homework this week, too.
"Start thinking about when you want to start your maternity leave and return to work, as your provider can fill out any needed paperwork for you," Soroosh says.
Doula vs. Midwife: The Differences and How to Choose
Support You May Need This Week
You're more than halfway through your pregnancy. Take a step back and ask yourself if you feel supported. If you don't, Dr. Robles suggests reaching out for help—it's good practice for your parenthood journey.
"It is important to build a strong support system during pregnancy," Dr. Robles says. "This can include family, friends, and health care providers. In addition, you may be able to find online support groups and resources in your area to further assist during this time."
Your health care provider can also help you find services, including doulas, classes, and lactation counseling, so you feel as prepared as possible during the second half of your pregnancy and beyond.
"Additionally, many states offer programs such as WIC to provide assistance with nutrition during pregnancy," Dr. Robles says.
Finally, be sure to take care of yourself mentally.
"If you feel overwhelmed or are struggling emotionally while pregnant, don't hesitate to reach out for help," Dr. Robles says. "Many mental health providers offer free or reduced-cost services, so be sure to ask your doctor for a referral if you need it."
Head over to week 23 of pregnancy
FAQs
Is 22 weeks considered 6 months pregnant? ›
Is 22 weeks considered 6 months pregnant? Although pregnancy weeks can be grouped into months using various methods, at 22 weeks you are likely 5 months pregnant.
What is 22 weeks pregnant equal to? ›22 weeks pregnant is how many months? If you're 22 weeks pregnant, you're in month 5 of your pregnancy. Only 4 months left to go!
What week is 6 months pregnant? ›Weeks 22-24: By the start of week 24, you are entering your sixth month of pregnancy.
Is it normal to feel full all the time at 22 weeks pregnant? ›This feeling is totally normal during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. The hormone levels and size of the baby mean your body feels full very quickly.
When does the 3rd trimester start? ›A pregnancy is divided into trimesters: the first trimester is from week 1 to the end of week 12. the second trimester is from week 13 to the end of week 26. the third trimester is from week 27 to the end of the pregnancy.
When does 5 months pregnant start? ›There are a few different ways the weeks of pregnancy are grouped into months, so this fifth month could range from week 17 or 18 up to week 20, 21, or 22.
How early can a baby be born? ›A preterm or premature baby is delivered before 37 weeks of your pregnancy. Extremely preterm infants are born 23 through 28 weeks. Moderately preterm infants are born between 29 and 33 weeks. Late preterm infants are born between 34 and 37 weeks.
How much weight should I have gained at 22 weeks? ›As you near the end of your first trimester, and begin the second, weight gain is expected to increase. Some providers like to see women with a "healthy" BMI prior to pregnancy, gain 10 pounds by 20 weeks. During the second and third trimester, guidelines often suggest gaining 1/2 to 1 pound per week.
Can my baby feel my touch at 22 weeks? ›Yes! Baby's brain and nerve endings have now developed enough that they can sense touch, which means they'll feel your hand pressing gently on your 22 week baby bump.
When does 7 months pregnant start? ›The weeks of pregnancy don't fit neatly into months, so seven months can begin between 25 weeks and 27 weeks pregnant and extend up to 28 to 31 weeks.
How many weeks is 5 months pregnant? ›
If you are 20 weeks pregnant, you are five months pregnant.
How many months is 23 weeks pregnant? ›Although the 40 weeks of pregnancy can be grouped into months in various ways, at 23 weeks you're usually considered 6 months pregnant.
Do babies kick a lot at 22 weeks? ›For new mothers, they'll often begin to notice movement around 22 weeks. As the child grows, it begins to become more active, so you may start to feel like your baby is kicking too much or more than usual.
How much movement is normal at 22 weeks? ›Around 21 to 24 weeks, you may start to feel some jerky movements inside your belly. You might even see them on the outside. Repeated jerky movements usually mean that your baby has the hiccups. Hiccups are perfectly normal.
How big is your belly at 22 weeks pregnant? ›22 weeks pregnant belly
At the 22nd week of pregnancy, your belly measures approximately 20-24 cm (7.9 -9.5 in) from the pelvic bone to the top of the uterus. You can also get stretch marks that are caused because the skin stretches rapidly that is actually torn below the surface.
What pregnancy trimester is the hardest? For many women, the first trimester of pregnancy is often the hardest. During this period, your body is going through a major transformation and needs time to adjust to the changes.
When does your belly grow the most during pregnancy? ›Pregnant Belly: Third Trimester (Weeks 28 to 40) You're in the home stretch and your belly is probably feeling the effects of it! Grow baby, grow! Your excitement and anticipation are at their peak, along with the size of your belly.
When do Braxton Hicks start? ›Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic contractions and relaxation of the uterine muscle. Sometimes, they are referred to as prodromal or “false labor" pains. It is believed they start around 6 weeks gestation but usually are not felt until the second or third trimester of the pregnancy.
Which week is best for delivery? ›Babies born too early may have more health problems at birth and later in life than babies born later. Being pregnant 39 weeks gives your baby's body all the time it needs to develop.
What are the signs of healthy pregnancy at 5 months? ›Symptoms at 5 months pregnant
leg cramps and/or varicose veins. swollen feet and ankles. constipation. increased dizziness.
Why is my belly so big at 5 months pregnant? ›
A Large Belly
If your belly is larger than normal, it could be polyhydramnios, which is too much amniotic fluid surrounding your baby. This condition, similar to oligohydramnios, is diagnosed by ultrasound, during which your doctor will measure your abdomen to determine if your uterus is too large.
What is a full-term pregnancy? Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks (280 days) from the first day of your last menstrual period (also called LMP) to your due date. Your due date is the date that your provider thinks you will have your baby.
What is the earliest birth to survive? ›At what week in pregnancy can a baby survive outside the womb? The earliest a baby has been born and survived is 21 weeks and 5 days. Two babies born prematurely hold the record for this.
What causes babies to come early? ›These three risk factors make you most likely to have preterm labor and give birth early: You've had a premature baby in the past. You're pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets or more). You have problems with your uterus or cervix now or you've had them in the past.
Can my baby feel it when I rub my belly? ›They can feel pain at 22 weeks, and at 26 weeks they can move in response to a hand being rubbed on the mother's belly.
How much weight do you lose immediately after giving birth? ›Most women lose around 13 pounds (6 kg) right after childbirth, which includes the baby's weight, as well as the weight of the amniotic fluid and placenta. When it comes to fat loss, with a healthy diet and regular exercise, you may lose about 1 pound (0.5 kg) a week.
What is a healthy pregnancy weight? ›| If before pregnancy, you were… | You should gain… |
|---|---|
| Underweight BMI less than 18.5 | 50-62 pounds* |
| Normal Weight BMI 18.5-24.9 | 37-54 pounds |
| Overweight BMI 25.0-29.9 | 31-50 pounds |
| Obese BMI greater than or equal to 30.0 | 25-42 pounds |
Studies have shown that infants as young as one month-old sense when a parent is depressed or angry and are affected by the parent's mood. Understanding that even infants are affected by adult emotions can help parents do their best in supporting their child's healthy development.
How does my baby react when I sneeze? ›The baby is well-protected in the uterus, and even a hard sneeze will not affect the baby.
Why do pregnant ladies hold their belly? ›For some moms-to-be, constantly touching, patting, rubbing and holding their belly can be soothing. For others, it's a way to feel close to the baby inside. But no matter the reason, rubbing your belly simply makes you feel good.
What to expect at 6 months pregnant? ›
At six months pregnant, you're nearing the end of your second trimester. You might be feeling pretty energized and excited about your baby's arrival in a few months, even if you're dealing with common pregnancy symptoms like heartburn, hot flashes, and backaches.
Why is my belly small at 7 months? ›Tall women or women who have long torsos may have a smaller-looking bump, because they have more space for the baby to fill, lengthwise. Your baby is positioned in your uterus in a way that minimizes your bump. You have strong core muscles. Women with stronger cores tend to show later.
What week is month 8? ›The eighth month (weeks 29-32)
-begins 28 weeks after the start of your last period. At the end of the month there are still 8 weeks until the birth (1 month, 26 days).
By the time you're around 20 weeks pregnant, your womb is about the same level as your belly button. That means your baby is still low down in your abdomen, which is why all the movement feel so low.
How should I sleep in 5th month of pregnancy? ›Experts recommend lying on your left side. It improves circulation, giving nutrient-packed blood an easier route from your heart to the placenta to nourish your baby. Lying on the left side also keeps your expanding body weight from pushing down too hard on your liver. While either side is okay, left is best.
How big is a 5 month old fetus? ›Month 5. At the end of 5 months: Baby is 8 to 10 inches long. Weight is about 1 pound.
Can my baby feel my Orgasim? ›In fact, a pregnancy orgasm might even feel like a little massage to your baby. The only time an orgasm may be dangerous during pregnancy is if your doctor has ordered complete pelvic rest for you—in some rare cases, orgasms can trigger premature contractions.
Is baby fully developed at 23 weeks? ›at this stage. And your cute little 23-week fetus's face is fully formed—they just need a little extra fat to fill it out. Baby is entertaining themselves by listening to your voice and your heartbeat and can even hear some loud sounds like cars honking and dogs barking.
Is it OK to skip dinner when pregnant? ›Expectant moms can't harm the growing baby by missing one lunch or dinner. "You should listen to your body," Dr. Park says. "If you're really nauseous and have no appetite, it's okay to skip a meal."
What week does month 7 start in pregnancy? ›The weeks of pregnancy don't fit neatly into months, so seven months can begin between 25 weeks and 27 weeks pregnant and extend up to 28 to 31 weeks.
How many weeks is full term pregnancy? ›
What is a full-term pregnancy? Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks (280 days) from the first day of your last menstrual period (also called LMP) to your due date. Your due date is the date that your provider thinks you will have your baby.
Which trimester is the hardest? ›What pregnancy trimester is the hardest? For many women, the first trimester of pregnancy is often the hardest. During this period, your body is going through a major transformation and needs time to adjust to the changes.
Can you have a miscarriage at 27 weeks? ›An early stillbirth is a fetal death occurring between 20 and 27 completed weeks of pregnancy. A late stillbirth occurs between 28 and 36 completed pregnancy weeks. A term stillbirth occurs between 37 or more completed pregnancy weeks.
How often should a baby kick at 22 weeks? ›There's no set number of times that you should feel your baby move . It's around 22 weeks that you may start to feel your baby move for the first time but don't worry if you aren't feeling much yet.
How big should I be at 22 weeks? ›22 weeks pregnant bellies
Your uterus is about an inch above your belly button at 22 weeks pregnant. It could look like an unmistakable baby bump or it could be easily disguised, depending on your body type and clothing. Eventually, your feet will disappear under your growing bump.