Second trimester · 22 weeks pregnant
Week 22: a tiny newborn in miniature
Distinct features, a sense of touch and lots of grasping.
Your baby now looks like a small newborn, with distinct lips, eyelids and eyebrows. The eyes are formed but the irises still lack colour. The sense of touch is developing fast and the baby explores by grasping.
Size and weight
About the size of
a papaya
Length
27.8 cm
Weight
430 g
Averages from standard growth charts. Measured crown to rump until week 20 and head to heel afterwards.
How your baby is developing
- Lips, eyelids and eyebrows are distinct; the eyes lack pigment for now.
- The pancreas develops and begins producing hormones.
- The sense of touch matures; the baby grasps the cord and strokes its face.
- The baby can hear your heartbeat, your voice and loud noises outside.
How you may feel
- A rapidly growing bump
- Stretch marks
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Back ache
- Faster hair and nail growth
- A protruding belly button
Mild swelling of the feet by evening is normal. Sudden swelling of the face and hands, especially with a headache, is not and needs a same-day check.
What's next
Tests and appointments
- If you missed the 16–20 week screening, ask your doctor to arrange the anatomy ultrasound now. Cervical length may be measured between 16 and 24 weeks.
- From 22 weeks urine is checked for protein at every visit.
What to do this week
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes; your feet may grow half a size.
- Book antenatal classes for the third trimester.
- Rest with your feet raised above hip level for 20 minutes a day.
Call your doctor or maternity hospital if
- Any vaginal bleeding, or fluid leaking from the vagina
- Regular, painful tightenings or period-like cramps
- A severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden swelling of your face and hands
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain, fever, or pain when you pass urine
If something feels wrong, trust yourself and call 103 or your maternity hospital. You will never be wasting anyone's time.
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