22 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Symptoms, Tips & Baby Movement
Beautiful moments of your 22 weeks pregnancy will make you happy. Your baby in the tummy may begin to respond to the music and sound of your voice. Your baby will also recognize these sounds and respond to them after birth. By now you’ll have a big tummy that may not affect your mobility. The baby is making a lot of rapid movements in your tummy like pushing, kicking, etc. Read further 22 weeks pregnant guide to know all the important points like how is your growing week by week etc.
Symptoms of 22nd Week Pregnancy
What are the symptoms of the 22nd week of pregnancy?
22 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Most Common Symptoms
The most common symptoms of pregnancy are –
Stretch Marks
During pregnancy, as the tummy grows, the skin begins to stretch fast. In this process, it may tear from beneath the surface. Stretch marks are very normal during pregnancy. And they may possibly never go completely from your skin. Post-delivery they get reduced or fade in color. Thus, these stretch marks can look very less noticeable.
Belly Button
As the belly expands, the belly button will start to protrude. Although it goes back to normal after childbirth.
Increase in Vaginal Discharge
The vaginal discharge may increase. This may be due to an increase in the blood flow in the pelvic area. Due to this, you may not feel a desire for sex which is common during this phase.
Increase in Sex Drive
Many women experience an increase in their libido by this phase of pregnancy. This happens because of the raging hormones. It’s safe to get indulged in sex provided your doctor has not restricted you from doing so.
Swelling in the Hands/ Feet
Since you’re pregnant, you’ll experience fluid retention in your body. Minor swelling in the body is completely normal. And it’ll get reduced eventually after childbirth. If it happens suddenly or is severe then you must consult your doctor. A sudden swelling may hint at a pregnancy complication called preeclampsia.
Backache
The back may begin to hurt due to the pressure of baby weight and growing tummy. Sleep along with a pregnancy pillow. Also, add a lot of cushions to your work chair to ease the backache symptoms. Taking a soothing prenatal massage may also help.
Difficulty to Breath
As the baby starts to grow bigger it starts to crowd the mother’s lungs. Thereby making it difficult for the mother to breathe. Remember, not to exercise and workout vigorously. Do it in moderation and take a break to relax in between.
Hair Growth
You’ll notice that your hair has become quite thick and shiny. This change is because of the hormones in your body.
22 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Common Problems
What are the common problems you’ll experience in the 22nd week of pregnancy?
At this stage of pregnancy, women tend to get worried and scared about preterm labor. The reason being painless, false contractions which are called Braxton hicks. They may feel that they are going through early labor. There’s nothing to get worried about unless the contractions become very frequent, painful, and increase in severity. In such cases, you must contact the doctor. Premature labor is also assisted with other symptoms like feeling pressure on the pelvis, pain or cramps in the abdomen or lower back, and unusual vaginal discharge.
Precautions/Warning During Week 22 of Pregnancy
What precautions you should take during week 22 of pregnancy?
As you’re getting ready for childbirth, the body must be strengthened enough. You must be very careful and follow the below-mentioned precautions.
Diet for 22 weeks pregnant
The problem of constipation cannot be avoided. You must consume a lot of fibrous foods that can relieve the symptoms. Also, drink plenty of fluids as the fibrous foods absorb the moisture during digestion. Furthermore, consume a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet regardless of the food cravings. Don’t eat foods like soft cheese, unpasteurized dairy products, sushi, raw milk, cold meats, uncooked or raw seafood or meat products, half fried eggs, etc. You can get subjected to dangerous bacteria like Listeria. And this can cause complications related to pregnancy.
Posture for 22 weeks pregnant
The itchiness, irritation around the belly, and the growing bump will make you change your position often. However, always maintain a good position. While sleeping, sleep on your left side. Also, use loads of cushions to make you feel comfortable throughout. You may feel the urge to slouch but avoid doing it any It’s very dangerous for you and the baby since it may cut the blood or oxygen supply.
Exercise for 22 weeks pregnant
Exercise moderately every single day. Do meditation and basic stretches which will help in dealing with physical and emotional stress. Also, make sure to inform your trainer which month you are currently in.
Sleep for 22 weeks pregnant
You may be probably deprived of sleep as this phase of pregnancy may affect your sleeping patterns a lot. Waking up early and going late to bed becomes a routine. Try to take a warm shower, drink a glass of milk and listen to some soothing music before hitting the bed. As it is very important for you to take rest.
Pre Natal Checks during 22 weeks
Attend all your scheduled appointments and also do all the necessary prenatal tests done at regular intervals. Many women possibly suffer from iron deficiency so consume a lot of foods rich in iron to increase the red blood cell count.
Smoking And Passive Smoking for 22 weeks pregnant
Quitting the habit of smoking is not enough. You must also avoid the company of smokers. Passive smoking is also equally harmful.
Unusual Symptoms during 22 weeks
If you tend to experience bleeding, pain, or any symptoms that are not normal, then make sure that you check with the doctor. Do not hesitate to discuss even the smallest of your questions or doubts.
22 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Baby Growth and Development
How is your baby growing and developing during the 22nd week of pregnancy?
By 22 weeks of pregnancy, the baby looks much closer to what it’ll be looking after birth. During this point, the eyes are developed. However, the iris color is not showing yet. The baby may have developed eyebrows, eyelashes, etc.
It’s covered in a thick layer of fine and soft hair called a Lanugo. The skin of the baby gets wrinkled now and it would remain like this until the body grows and starts to produce more fat thereby stretching the skin.
The other organs of the baby continue to grow. The pancreas will produce the essential hormones whereas the lungs will be developing rapidly.
The baby will also develop its own routine inside your tummy. This routine can differ from the mother. In that case, you can expect a quiet period in the mornings and kicks at night for the coming months.
Baby Size in 22nd Week of Pregnancy
What is the baby size in the 22nd week of pregnancy?
In the 22nd week of pregnancy, your baby is approximately 27.8 cm long and is the size of a squash.
22 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Parental Care
What parental care is needed during the 22nd week of pregnancy?
You must sign up for a prenatal class that will train you on what can you expect during labor and childbirth. These classes last for several weeks altogether. Make sure that yours get completed before 37 weeks. They will teach you how you can identify labor, what to do when it occurs, and also teach certain techniques that can help you while giving birth. Also, you must attend your regular doctor checkups to make sure that the baby’s growth and development is occurring at a normal rate.
Changes in 22nd Week of Pregnancy
There’ll be changes in looks, feelings, and experiences during pregnancy.
22 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Change in Looks
How will you look like during the 22nd week of pregnancy?
By this time your abdomen will expand considerably to an extent that you’ll start to get stretch marks on the skin. The belly button will also protrude out. Your skin may develop spots on the face or dark patches which will reduce eventually after childbirth.
22 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Change in Feelings
How will you feel during the 22nd week of pregnancy?
What changes you will experience in feelings during the 22nd week of pregnancy?
This period of pregnancy may be considered a little relaxing and it excites many women. Since the symptoms of early pregnancy have vanished by now. And also the women are not large enough to get extra uncomfortable due to their size. The center of gravity also begins to shift and you may begin to feel delicate and unbalanced on your feet.
Some women may get unconscious about their looks due to acne, stretch marks, the growing belly, and weight gain.
22 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Change in Experiences
What changes you will experience during week 22 of pregnancy?
By this time your body starts to prepare for birth. You may experience false, less painful contractions i.e. Braxton hicks. This can be referred to as practice contractions since the uterus is making you ready from weeks before you are ready for the real delivery. These contractions are pretty normal. You needn’t worry about this. However, if they get frequent and severe then call your doctor as soon as possible.
Stretch marks will also appear on your skin. They appear since the skin of the belly, thighs, etc. is stretching. Post-delivery these marks will reduce. It’ll not completely go away.
Diet during 22nd Week of Pregnancy
What should you eat during the 22nd week of pregnancy?
Which food you should avoid during the 22nd week of pregnancy?
Sex During 22nd Week of Pregnancy
Is it safe to have sex during the 22nd week of pregnancy?
You can have sex safely during week 22 of pregnancy. Make sure that you don’t practice any wild positions and go gentle taking care not to harm the baby.
However, in some cases, the doctor may advise not to do it since there can be certain complications like preterm labor, a history of miscarriage, or any other severities. In such cases refrain from indulging in sex for your and babies safety.
Doctor Consultation in 22nd Week of Pregnancy
Do I need to visit a doctor in the 22nd week of pregnancy?
What should you discuss with the doctor?
This period of pregnancy may bring along fear of preterm labor and the appearance of stretch marks. Check with your doctor on how you can reduce the discomfort. He will also suggest you anti-stretch marks cream, lotion, or oil. Also, discuss with the doctor if you have any queries or doubts regarding this.
22 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Test/ Procedure
What are the tests or procedures you should have in the 22nd week of pregnancy?
Routine blood and urine tests will be done at the time of regular prenatal check-ups. You’ll be also asked to check for gestational diabetes. During this, you will have to drink a can of glucose water and wait for an hour. Post an hour your sugar levels will be checked again by drawing blood. If the results show increasing levels of sugar then he will call you for the second time. It will be done four different times before the gestational diabetes is confirmed.
Supplements in 22nd Week of Pregnancy
Do you need to take supplements during the 22nd week of pregnancy?
- You must continue taking the supplements for folic acid, calcium, and iron.
- Folic acid is present in dark green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, fenugreek leaves, avocado, etc.
- Calcium is present in milk and milk products, fortified cereals, almonds, etc.
- Iron is present in beetroot, egg yolk, fortified cereals, etc.
22 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Important Points
What is important to know during the 22nd week of pregnancy?
During the 22nd week, your body will try to prepare for the upcoming childbirth. You may experience false, less painful contractions i.e. Braxton hicks. This can be referred to as practice contractions since the uterus is making you ready for weeks before you are ready for the real delivery. Stretch marks will appear on your skin by this time. The baby will be making quick movements inside the uterus.
Preparation Guidelines for Baby
How should you start preparing for the baby’s birth?
Get ready for the birth of your child by enrolling yourself in a childbirth class. This class continues for several weeks and prepares you for labor pain, how to do breastfeeding, what to expect during childbirth etc. Try to complete your classes before reaching the 37th week of pregnancy.
Eating healthy, nutritious, and balanced food and doing moderate exercises will help you a lot. Always maintain your posture properly so that you get relief from back pain. Slouching can affect the oxygen and blood supply for you and your baby. If the back pain is severe you can consult a doctor to manage it.
Just enjoy your lovely days with your loved one who is yet to come!
