22 weeks pregnant

What to expect this week

What's happening in week 22

At twenty-two weeks, your baby is constantly making their presence felt!

Your baby at 22 weeks

Your baby is around 27cm from head to toe now, about the size of a fig and continuing to grow. Your placenta will also keep growing throughout your pregnancy, providing nourishment for your little one.
Amazingly, your baby’s gums are already developing tooth buds, ready for their first teeth to come through a few months after birth.
Their eyes will also have formed, but due to a lack of pigment in their iris they won’t have an eye colour yet. It’s also common for baby’s to be born with one eye colour but for them to change in the first few months.
Their other organs continue to grow with their pancreas producing essential hormones and their lungs also developing more rapidly, which will continue in the coming weeks.
Your baby might be developing their own little daily routine now, and establishing a pattern in their waking and sleeping. It might not be the same as yours though, so be prepared for some middle-of-the-night kicks and mid-morning quiet periods. (all good practice for the coming months!).

You at 22 weeks pregnant

You are probably enjoying your baby's movements right now, particularly when they 'perform' in response to your voice if you talk or sing to them, or jump if there is a loud noise or bang. You might also be enduring 'bump touchers' as your belly becomes more and more obvious – everyone from your work colleagues to the postman wanting to cop a feel of your expanding tummy! Don't be afraid to ask people not to – you are not public property just because you are pregnant.
Some mums-to-be experience some of the more annoying pregnancy symptoms as they head towards the third trimester. Puffy ankles and swollen feet can be a problem for some, so be sure to put your feet up whenever you can and to wear supportive and comfy shoes if this affects you. If you wear contact lenses, you might find they are becoming uncomfortable now, as well – speak to your optician for advice if you are experiencing this.

What to think about in week 22

Have you thought about baby-proofing your home yet? Obviously you are not going to have to be worrying about fridge locks and baby gates for a while, but you might want to make some changes in preparation for your newborn coming home. For example, where will your travel system live? Do you need to clear out the garage or under-stairs cupboard? Where will your Moses basket go - do you need to re-arrange your bedroom to fit it (or your baby's cot) in?
Think also about the organisation of your day-to-day living spaces - you'll need to make sure that everything is in easy reach for those breastfeeding sessions – if the phone is currently at the furthest point in the room from the sofa, you might want to make a few little changes!