Week by Week Pregnancy: 22 Week Pregnant
At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 27.8 cm long from head to toe and is roughly the size of a sweet potato. During this stage of the second trimester, your baby continues to grow while the lungs develop and practise breathing movements inside the womb.
Your baby can now swallow small amounts of amniotic fluid, while the taste buds continue to develop. Movements may also become easier to recognise, with little kicks, turns and wriggles becoming increasingly noticeable.
Your body is changing too. As your bump grows, stretch marks may begin to appear, while backache, heartburn, constipation, leg cramps and pelvic discomfort are among the symptoms you may experience during the second trimester.
22-week highlight:
Your baby is around 27.8 cm long. The lungs are developing, breathing movements are being practised, small amounts of amniotic fluid are being swallowed and the taste buds continue to develop.
Contents
- What Does 22 Weeks Pregnant Mean?
- Baby Development at 22 Weeks
- How Big Is a Baby at 22 Weeks?
- How Are Your Baby's Lungs Developing at 22 Weeks?
- Does Your Baby Swallow Amniotic Fluid?
- Are Your Baby's Taste Buds Developing?
- What Do Baby Movements Feel Like at 22 Weeks?
- Your Body at 22 Weeks Pregnant
- Can Stretch Marks Appear at 22 Weeks?
- 22 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
- Frequently Asked Questions
22 Weeks Pregnant at a Glance
| Topic | At 22 Weeks |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy week | Week 22 |
| Trimester | Second trimester |
| Baby's length | Around 27.8 cm from head to toe |
| Approximate size | About the size of a sweet potato |
| Lungs | Continuing to develop |
| Breathing movements | Baby is practising them in the womb |
| Amniotic fluid | Baby can swallow small amounts |
| Taste buds | Continuing to develop |
| Movements | Kicks and wriggles may become more noticeable |
| Your body | Stretch marks and other second-trimester symptoms may appear |
What Does 22 Weeks Pregnant Mean?
At 22 weeks pregnant, you are in your second trimester and your baby is continuing to grow and develop rapidly. The lungs are developing further and your baby practises breathing movements inside the womb.
If you have already started feeling your baby move, you may find it easier to distinguish kicks, turns and wriggles this week. However, when movements are first felt and how strong they seem varies considerably between pregnancies.
Most people begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. If this is your first pregnancy, you may not notice movements until after 20 weeks.
| Question | At 22 Weeks |
|---|---|
| Are you in the second trimester? | Yes |
| How long is your baby? | Around 27.8 cm from head to toe |
| Are the lungs developing? | Yes |
| Is your baby practising breathing movements? | Yes |
| Does your baby swallow amniotic fluid? | Yes, in small amounts |
| Are the taste buds developing? | Yes |
| Can you feel your baby move? | Yes, although some people may not feel movements yet |
Baby Development at 22 Weeks
At 22 weeks, your baby is around 27.8 cm long from head to toe and is approximately the size of a sweet potato. Your baby continues to grow while the lungs develop further.
Your baby is practising breathing movements inside the womb. This does not mean that air is entering the lungs. Before birth, your baby's oxygen supply comes through the placenta and umbilical cord, while these movements form part of the developing respiratory system's preparation for life after birth.
Your baby is also swallowing small amounts of amniotic fluid. Some of the material passing through the digestive system contributes to the formation of meconium, the dark, sticky first poo usually passed after birth.
The taste buds continue to develop too. You can explore how your baby changes throughout pregnancy in our Baby Development in the Womb guide.
| Development | What's Happening at 22 Weeks? |
|---|---|
| Length | Around 27.8 cm from head to toe |
| Growth | Baby continues to grow |
| Lungs | Continuing to develop |
| Breathing movements | Baby practises them inside the womb |
| Swallowing | Baby swallows small amounts of amniotic fluid |
| Digestive system | Meconium is forming in the bowel |
| Taste | Taste buds continue to develop |
| Movement | Kicks, turns and wriggles may be felt |
How Big Is a Baby at 22 Weeks?
At 22 weeks, your baby is around 27.8 cm long from head to toe and approximately the size of a sweet potato.
Measurements at this stage are useful averages rather than targets your baby needs to match exactly. Individual babies grow at slightly different rates, and measurements taken during an ultrasound scan may not be identical to figures given in pregnancy guides.
Baby's size at 22 weeks:
Around 27.8 cm from head to toe is a useful average for visualising your baby's size. Your baby's individual ultrasound measurements do not need to match this figure exactly.
How Are Your Baby's Lungs Developing at 22 Weeks?
At 22 weeks, your baby's lungs are continuing to develop and your baby practises breathing movements. These movements are different from the breathing that will take place after birth.
Your baby does not breathe air inside the womb. Oxygen reaches the baby's bloodstream through the placenta, while lung development continues throughout the remainder of pregnancy.
Your baby is not actually breathing air in the womb.
When pregnancy guides refer to “practising breathing”, they mean that your baby is making breathing movements. Oxygen continues to be supplied through the placenta until birth.
Does Your Baby Swallow Amniotic Fluid at 22 Weeks?
Yes. At 22 weeks, your baby swallows small amounts of amniotic fluid. Swallowing is a normal part of the development of the digestive system.
Material passing through the baby's digestive system contributes to the formation of meconium, the dark and sticky first poo usually passed after birth.
Are Your Baby's Taste Buds Developing at 22 Weeks?
Yes. Your baby's taste buds continue to develop at 22 weeks. The composition of amniotic fluid can be influenced by some of the foods you eat, exposing your baby's developing sensory system to different flavours.
This does not mean you need to eat particular foods to influence your baby's preferences. A varied, balanced diet remains the appropriate approach during pregnancy.
What Do Baby Movements Feel Like at 22 Weeks?
At 22 weeks, movements may feel like fluttering, swirling, rolling, wriggling, nudges or small kicks. Movements that were difficult to recognise a few weeks ago may now become easier to distinguish.
Most people begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. There is no single number of movements that every baby should make each day.
As your pregnancy progresses, the important thing is to become familiar with your own baby's usual pattern of movement rather than comparing it with another pregnancy.
If you have not felt your baby move yet:
This does not necessarily mean that something is wrong at 22 weeks. However, if you have not felt any movement by 24 weeks, contact your midwife or maternity team.
Your Body at 22 Weeks Pregnant
Your uterus and pregnancy bump continue to grow at 22 weeks. As your skin stretches, you may begin to notice stretch marks on your tummy, breasts or upper thighs.
Pregnancy hormones and your growing uterus can also contribute to backache, stretching sensations around your abdomen, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, leg cramps and dizziness.
Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, can develop during pregnancy too. They may cause itching, soreness or discomfort around the anus, particularly when opening your bowels.
| Change | What You May Notice at 22 Weeks |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy bump | Continues to grow |
| Stretch marks | May appear on the tummy, breasts or upper thighs |
| Backache | May occur |
| Digestion | Heartburn, bloating or constipation may occur |
| Legs | Leg cramps may occur |
| Piles | Can develop during pregnancy |
| Baby movements | May become easier to recognise |
Can Stretch Marks Appear at 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes. Stretch marks can begin to appear around this stage of pregnancy. They may develop as lines or streaks on your tummy, breasts or upper thighs as your body changes and your skin stretches.
Stretch marks are common during pregnancy and are not harmful. Whether you develop them can be influenced by factors including your skin type, genetics and how quickly your skin stretches.
After pregnancy, stretch marks usually become less noticeable over time, although they may not disappear completely.
Developing stretch marks does not mean that there is a problem with your pregnancy.
They are a common response to the rapid stretching and changes your skin experiences during pregnancy.
Whooping Cough Vaccination at 22 Weeks Pregnant
If you are pregnant in the UK, you can have the whooping cough vaccination from 16 weeks of pregnancy. The vaccination helps you produce antibodies that pass to your baby through the placenta, providing protection during the first weeks after birth when your baby is particularly vulnerable to whooping cough.
The NHS recommends having the vaccination during every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. If you have not yet had it, ask your midwife, GP surgery or antenatal team about arranging your vaccination.
Mental Wellbeing at 22 Weeks Pregnant
Looking after your mental wellbeing is an important part of antenatal care. Pregnancy can bring periods of worry, stress or emotional change as well as physical symptoms.
If anxiety, persistent low mood or other emotional difficulties are affecting your everyday life, speak to your midwife or GP. You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe before asking for support.
In Part 2:
We'll cover what you may see on an ultrasound scan at 22 weeks, your baby's size and movements, common pregnancy symptoms, abdominal and pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, swelling, nutrition, exercise and sleep.
What Can You See on an Ultrasound Scan at 22 Weeks?
At 22 weeks pregnant, an ultrasound scan can show your baby's head, face, spine, heart, arms, legs and several internal structures in considerable detail. You may also see your baby turning, moving their arms and legs or bringing their hands towards their face.
Measurements of the baby's head, abdomen and long bones may be taken to assess growth. Depending on the reason for the scan, the sonographer may also assess the position of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid.
If your 20-week screening scan has already been completed, you would not normally need another detailed screening scan simply because you have reached 22 weeks. However, if it was not possible to obtain all the required views because of your baby's position, you may have been offered another appointment to complete the examination.
| During the Scan | What May Be Seen or Assessed? |
|---|---|
| Head and brain | Physical structures can be assessed |
| Face | The profile and some facial structures may be visible |
| Heart | Heart structures and activity can be assessed |
| Spine | The structure of the spine can be examined |
| Arms and legs | Limbs and movements may be visible |
| Growth | Fetal measurements can be taken |
| Placenta | Its position can be assessed |
| Amniotic fluid | Can be assessed when appropriate |
How Big Is Your Baby at 22 Weeks?
At 22 weeks, your baby is around 27.8 cm long from head to toe and is approximately the size of a sweet potato. Your baby continues to grow and gain weight throughout the second trimester.
These figures are averages rather than targets. Measurements obtained during an ultrasound scan do not need to correspond exactly with the average measurements shown in pregnancy guides.
| Feature | At 22 Weeks |
|---|---|
| Length | Around 27.8 cm from head to toe |
| Approximate size | About the size of a sweet potato |
| Growth | Baby continues to grow and gain weight |
| Lungs | Continuing to develop |
| Movement | Kicks and wriggles may become more noticeable |
Do Baby Movements Increase at 22 Weeks?
At 22 weeks, you may find that your baby's movements are becoming easier to recognise. Early fluttering sensations may gradually develop into more obvious wriggles, rolls, nudges and small kicks.
How strongly you feel these movements varies between pregnancies. The position of the placenta can make a difference; for example, an anterior placenta at the front of the uterus may cushion some movements and make them more difficult to feel.
There is no set number of movements that every baby should make each day. As pregnancy progresses, the important thing is to become familiar with your baby's individual pattern of movement.
If you have not felt your baby move yet:
Most people first feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. If you have not felt any movement by 24 weeks, tell your midwife or maternity team.
22 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
At 22 weeks, your growing uterus and pregnancy hormones can cause a range of second-trimester symptoms. The type and intensity of symptoms vary considerably from person to person.
You may experience backache, stretching sensations around your abdomen, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, bloating, leg cramps, headaches or dizziness. Increased vaginal discharge, stretch marks and mild swelling of the feet or ankles can also occur.
Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, may develop during pregnancy. Drinking enough fluids, eating fibre-rich foods and remaining appropriately active can help reduce constipation, which can make piles worse.
| Symptom or Change | Can It Occur at 22 Weeks? |
|---|---|
| Baby movements | ✔ Yes |
| Backache | ✔ Yes |
| Abdominal stretching sensations | ✔ Yes |
| Heartburn and indigestion | ✔ Yes |
| Constipation and bloating | ✔ Yes |
| Leg cramps | ✔ Yes |
| Stretch marks | ✔ May occur |
| Increased vaginal discharge | ✔ May occur |
| Piles | ✔ May occur |
| Mild, gradual swelling | ✔ May occur |
Is Abdominal Pain Normal at 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Mild, short-lived abdominal discomfort or stretching sensations can occur at 22 weeks. Common causes include stretching of the ligaments supporting your growing uterus, constipation and trapped wind.
You may notice brief, sharp discomfort in the lower abdomen or sides when you stand up suddenly, change position, cough or turn over in bed.
Seek medical advice if the pain is severe, does not settle or is getting worse. You should also contact your maternity team if abdominal pain occurs with vaginal bleeding, regular cramps or tightenings, lower back pain, unusual vaginal discharge, fluid leaking from the vagina, a high temperature or pain when you pass urine.
Can You Have Pelvic Pain at 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) can occur at 22 weeks. Pain may be felt around the pelvis, pubic area, hips, groin or lower back and can become more noticeable during particular movements.
Walking, using stairs, standing on one leg, turning over in bed or getting in and out of a car may make symptoms worse. If pelvic pain is making it difficult to move around or affecting everyday activities, speak to your midwife or GP. Early assessment and physiotherapy can help manage pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.
Is Vaginal Discharge Normal at 22 Weeks Pregnant?
It is normal to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Healthy pregnancy discharge is usually thin, clear or milky white and should not have an unpleasant smell.
Contact your midwife or GP if your discharge smells unpleasant, is green or yellow, causes itching or soreness, or is accompanied by pain when you pass urine. These changes can be signs of an infection.
White discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese and occurs with itching or irritation can be associated with thrush. If you think you have thrush, ask your midwife, GP or pharmacist about treatment that is suitable during pregnancy.
If you notice watery fluid from your vagina:
Do not assume that persistent watery leaking or a sudden gush of fluid is simply normal pregnancy discharge. Contact your maternity team for advice.
Is Swelling Normal at 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Mild swelling that develops gradually in your feet and ankles, particularly later in the day, can occur during pregnancy. Sudden or rapidly increasing swelling should be treated differently.
Seek medical advice immediately if you develop a sudden increase in swelling of your face, hands or feet, particularly if it is accompanied by a severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, severe pain below your ribs, vomiting or feeling very unwell. These can be symptoms of pre-eclampsia.
It is important to recognise the symptoms of pre-eclampsia from this stage of pregnancy.
Pre-eclampsia usually develops from around 20 weeks. Blood pressure and urine checks at your antenatal appointments help your maternity team look for signs of the condition.
Can You Get Piles at 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes. Piles can develop during pregnancy or become more troublesome if you already have them. They can cause itching, soreness, swelling or discomfort around the anus, particularly when opening your bowels.
Preventing or reducing constipation can help. Eat fibre-rich foods, drink enough fluids and remain physically active if you are able to do so.
If you have significant pain or bleeding, or your symptoms persist, speak to your midwife, GP or pharmacist. Check that any cream, medicine or other treatment is suitable for use during pregnancy before using it.
What Should You Eat at 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Continue to aim for a balanced and varied diet at 22 weeks. Fruit and vegetables, higher-fibre starchy carbohydrates, pregnancy-safe sources of protein and dairy foods or suitable alternatives can all form part of a healthy pregnancy diet.
You do not need to “eat for two”. A balanced diet and appropriate portions are more important than doubling the amount of food you eat.
Continue following pregnancy food-safety advice. Vitamin D is important during pregnancy, while supplements containing vitamin A in the form of retinol should be avoided. Check that vitamins, supplements and herbal products are suitable for pregnancy before taking them.
| Nutrition | Practical Approach |
|---|---|
| Fruit and vegetables | Include a variety regularly |
| Protein | Choose pregnancy-safe sources |
| Fibre | Can help reduce constipation and problems with piles |
| Fluids | Drink regularly throughout the day |
| Vitamin D | Follow pregnancy supplementation guidance |
| Vitamin A | Avoid supplements containing retinol |
| Portions | You do not need to eat for two |
Can You Exercise at 22 Weeks Pregnant?
If your pregnancy is progressing normally and your healthcare professional has not advised otherwise, remaining physically active is generally recommended. Walking, swimming and other pregnancy-appropriate activities can be good options.
Do not exhaust yourself. As a practical guide, you should still be able to hold a conversation while exercising. If you become too breathless to talk comfortably, reduce the intensity.
As your bump grows, your centre of gravity changes. Take additional care with activities where there is a significant risk of falling or being hit in the abdomen.
How Should You Sleep at 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Your growing bump, baby movements, heartburn, backache or leg cramps can make finding a comfortable sleeping position more difficult. Sleeping on your side and using pillows between your knees or underneath your bump may help you feel more comfortable.
The NHS specifically advises going to sleep on your side from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Either your left or right side is suitable.
If you wake up on your back during the night, there is no need to panic. Simply turn onto your side before going back to sleep.
In Part 3:
We'll cover normal changes at 22 weeks, when to contact your midwife or maternity service, bleeding, pre-eclampsia warning signs, baby movements, common pregnancy myths, your 22-week checklist and frequently asked questions.
What Is Normal at 22 Weeks Pregnant?
At 22 weeks, a growing bump, increasingly noticeable baby movements, mild stretching sensations, backache and digestive changes can all be normal parts of pregnancy. The symptoms you experience and their intensity can vary considerably from person to person.
Heartburn, indigestion, constipation, bloating, leg cramps, headaches, dizziness, piles and increased vaginal discharge may occur. Stretch marks can also begin to appear on your tummy, breasts or upper thighs.
Mild swelling of the feet and ankles that develops gradually, particularly later in the day, can also occur. Sudden or rapidly increasing swelling, however, needs to be assessed differently.
| Symptom or Change | Can It Be Normal at 22 Weeks? |
|---|---|
| Growing pregnancy bump | ✔ Yes |
| Feeling baby movements | ✔ Yes |
| Not yet feeling clear movements | ✔ Yes |
| Mild, brief abdominal stretching | ✔ Yes |
| Backache | ✔ Yes |
| Heartburn and indigestion | ✔ Yes |
| Constipation and piles | ✔ Can occur |
| Leg cramps | ✔ Yes |
| Stretch marks | ✔ Can occur |
| Increased vaginal discharge | ✔ Yes |
| Mild, gradual swelling of the feet or ankles | ✔ Can occur |
How Can You Support a Healthy Pregnancy at 22 Weeks?
Continue focusing on a balanced diet, regular fluids, appropriate physical activity and attending your antenatal appointments throughout the second trimester.
- Eat a balanced and varied diet.
- Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
- Follow pregnancy food-safety guidance.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Do not stop prescribed medicines without speaking to a healthcare professional.
- Check that medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal products are suitable for pregnancy.
- Remain physically active if it is appropriate for your pregnancy.
- Continue pelvic floor exercises.
- Look after your teeth and gums.
- Attend your antenatal appointments and recommended screening.
When Should You Contact Your Midwife or Maternity Service at 22 Weeks?
Many new symptoms can occur during pregnancy, but some changes should be assessed by a healthcare professional. In particular, do not ignore symptoms that are severe, persistent, worsening or accompanied by other concerning changes.
Contact your midwife, GP or maternity service for advice if you experience:
- vaginal bleeding or spotting;
- severe, persistent or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain;
- regular cramps or tightenings;
- fluid leaking from your vagina;
- unpleasant-smelling, green or yellow vaginal discharge;
- vaginal itching or soreness;
- pain or burning when passing urine;
- a high temperature;
- severe or repeated dizziness or fainting;
- vomiting that prevents you from keeping food or fluids down;
- significant pain, swelling, tenderness or warmth in one leg;
- sudden or rapidly increasing swelling of your face, hands or feet.
Some symptoms need urgent medical assessment.
Seek urgent medical help if you have heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting, loss of consciousness or feel seriously unwell.
Is Bleeding Normal at 22 Weeks Pregnant?
Bleeding during pregnancy does not always mean there is a serious problem, but it should be assessed. The amount, colour and duration of the bleeding, together with symptoms such as pain, cramping or dizziness, can help your maternity team determine what may be causing it.
If you have vaginal bleeding or spotting at 22 weeks, contact your maternity service for advice. Seek urgent medical help if the bleeding is heavy or accompanied by severe pain, fainting, significant dizziness or feeling very unwell.
What Are the Symptoms of Pre-eclampsia at 22 Weeks?
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication that usually develops after 20 weeks and requires medical assessment. Some people may initially have no obvious symptoms, which is one reason blood pressure and urine checks are an important part of routine antenatal care.
Seek medical advice immediately if you develop symptoms including:
- a sudden increase in swelling of your face, hands or feet;
- a severe headache;
- blurred vision or flashing lights;
- severe pain just below your ribs;
- vomiting;
- feeling very unwell.
Mild swelling and sudden swelling are not the same.
Gradual swelling of your feet and ankles can occur during pregnancy. Sudden or rapidly increasing swelling, particularly involving your face and hands, should be assessed promptly.
Is It Normal Not to Feel Your Baby Move at 22 Weeks?
Yes. It is still possible not to have clearly felt your baby move at 22 weeks. Most people first notice movements between 16 and 24 weeks. If this is your first pregnancy, it may take longer to recognise them.
Early movements do not necessarily feel like obvious kicks. They may initially feel like fluttering, bubbling, swirling, rolling or gentle nudges.
If you have not felt your baby move at all by 24 weeks, contact your midwife. Your maternity team can check your baby's heartbeat and movements and arrange further assessment if necessary.
Once you regularly feel your baby moving, become familiar with their usual pattern.
If your baby is moving less than usual, you can no longer feel movement or there is a clear change in your baby's usual pattern, contact your maternity unit immediately. Do not wait until the next day.
What Does Leaking Fluid at 22 Weeks Pregnant Mean?
Increased vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy, but persistent watery leaking or a sudden gush of fluid should be assessed. It may not always be easy to tell whether the fluid is normal discharge, urine or amniotic fluid.
If you think fluid is leaking from your vagina, contact your maternity service for advice. Seek prompt assessment if leaking fluid is accompanied by bleeding, pain, cramps, a high temperature or feeling unwell.
Common Myths About Being 22 Weeks Pregnant
| Myth | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| “Everyone should feel strong kicks by 22 weeks.” | No. When movements are first noticed and how strong they feel varies between pregnancies. |
| “You need to count a particular number of kicks every day.” | No. There is no set number of movements that applies to every baby. The important thing is becoming familiar with your baby's usual pattern. |
| “Practising breathing means the baby is breathing air.” | No. Your baby makes breathing movements but receives oxygen through the placenta. |
| “Stretch marks mean something is wrong with the pregnancy.” | No. Stretch marks are common during pregnancy and are associated with the skin stretching. |
| “A normal ultrasound scan rules out every possible condition.” | No. Screening and ultrasound scans cannot identify every possible condition. |
| “You need to eat for two during the second trimester.” | No. You do not need to double your portions. |
Your 22-Week Pregnancy Checklist
- Check the dates of your upcoming antenatal appointments.
- Continue eating a balanced and varied diet.
- Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
- Follow pregnancy food-safety guidance.
- Make sure medicines and supplements are suitable for pregnancy.
- Remain physically active if appropriate for your pregnancy.
- Continue your pelvic floor exercises.
- If you can feel movements, begin becoming familiar with your baby's usual pattern.
- If you have not felt any movement yet, remember to contact your midwife if you reach 24 weeks without feeling your baby move.
- Do not ignore sudden swelling, severe headaches or changes to your vision.
- Contact your maternity service if you think you are leaking amniotic fluid.
- Seek medical advice for bleeding, severe pain or other concerning symptoms.
Key Takeaway
At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 27.8 cm long from head to toe and approximately the size of a sweet potato. The lungs continue to develop, your baby practises breathing movements and swallows small amounts of amniotic fluid, while movements may be becoming increasingly easy to recognise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a baby at 22 weeks?
At 22 weeks, your baby is around 27.8 cm long from head to toe and approximately the size of a sweet potato. Individual measurements can vary.
How many months is 22 weeks pregnant?
22 weeks pregnant is often described as being around 5 months pregnant. However, calendar months vary in length, so pregnancy is measured more accurately in weeks.
What trimester is 22 weeks pregnant?
At 22 weeks pregnant, you are in the second trimester.
What do baby movements feel like at 22 weeks?
Movements may feel like fluttering, bubbling, swirling, rolling, nudges or small kicks. They usually become easier to recognise as pregnancy progresses.
Is it normal not to feel movement at 22 weeks?
Yes. Most people first feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. If you have not felt any movement by 24 weeks, contact your midwife.
Does a baby breathe at 22 weeks?
Your baby practises breathing movements at 22 weeks but does not breathe air inside the womb. Oxygen reaches your baby's bloodstream through the placenta and umbilical cord.
Does a baby swallow amniotic fluid at 22 weeks?
Yes. Your baby swallows small amounts of amniotic fluid as part of normal development.
Are stretch marks normal at 22 weeks pregnant?
Yes. Stretch marks can develop on areas including your tummy, breasts and upper thighs as your body changes during pregnancy. They are common and are not harmful.
How big should my bump be at 22 weeks?
There is no single normal bump size or shape at 22 weeks. Your body shape, previous pregnancies, baby's position and other individual factors can all affect how your bump looks.
Can you get pre-eclampsia at 22 weeks?
Yes. Pre-eclampsia usually develops after 20 weeks. Symptoms such as sudden swelling, a severe headache, changes to your vision or severe pain below your ribs require prompt medical assessment.
What happens at 23 weeks pregnant?
At 23 weeks, your baby continues to grow and develop, and movements may become stronger and easier to recognise as the second trimester progresses.
Related Guides
- 20 Weeks Pregnant
- 21 Weeks Pregnant
- Pregnancy Week Calculator
- Due Date Calculator
- Baby Development in the Womb
References
- NHS – 22 Weeks Pregnant
- NHS – Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy
- NHS – Your Baby's Movements
- NHS – Pre-eclampsia
- NHS – Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy
- NHS – Stomach Pain in Pregnancy
- NHS – Vaginal Discharge in Pregnancy
- NHS – Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy
- NHS – Swollen Ankles, Feet and Fingers in Pregnancy
- NHS – Exercise in Pregnancy
- NICE – Antenatal Care
Medical information: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about your pregnancy or symptoms, contact your midwife, GP or maternity service.
Share
