22 Weeks Pregnant
There are many noticeable changes happening to mom’s physical appearance during this 22nd week of pregnancy. As you make your way past the middle of the second trimester and towards the end of it, mom and baby are growing at a rapid, yet even pace. You are past the midway point for your pregnancy term, and most of the pregnancy symptoms have gone away. However, new symptoms, pains and emotions are yet to surface, so hang in there Mom!
Your Baby’s Development
At 11 inches long and weighing just under a pound, your baby is the size of a spaghetti squash during this 22nd week. It’s still very thin due to the lack of fatty tissues, however in more recent weeks to come, this will change. The skin is still wrinkly and covered with lanugo, however the internal organs are growing fast and the eyelids and eyebrows are becoming clear cut and distinguishable. Even the eyes have formed fully, but the irises (colored part of your eye) still lacks pigment. The liver of the baby has started production of various enzymes that are required for breaking down of bilirubin. The bilirubin is produced as a result of the breaking down of red blood cells. The fetal red blood cells have a shorter life span and so there is more production of bilirubin in a fetus. The bilirubin from fetal blood goes into the placenta and then passes into mother’s blood. The mother’s liver gets rid of the fetal bilirubin. The sensory system is also developing, as your baby learns its sense of touch and begins rubbing itself on his or her face, neck, torso and legs. If you’re having a girl, the uterus, ovaries and egg cells are fully formed.
Changes in Your Body
The most noticeable change is going to be your weight gain in this 22nd week. As your baby grows and your waistline expands, you can expect to gain close to a pound per week. If you weighed 15 lbs last week and you’ve stayed on a healthy well balanced diet, chances are you’ve gained about a pound. Talking with your doctor about weight gain and weight loss during pregnancy is crucial, as each woman is different and will fluctuate differently during her pregnancy term. Unfortunately for some women, the pregnancy symptoms have not and will not cease throughout the pregnancy term. For others, they’ve pretty much disappeared. Vaginal discharge is common for all women at this stage, and is due to the increase in blood flow. You’re probably able to feel your baby’s movements more frequently at this point, so enjoy this 22nd week.
Week 22 Tips
As you reach week 22, you’ve probably began to look more like you’re pregnant, rather than putting on a few pounds. This is a time when everyone you come into contact with realizes you are definitely pregnant, due to your physical appearance. Many people, without thinking, automatically reach out to ‘rub your belly’. Some mom’s don’t care, while others feel uncomfortable. It’s important you know what to expect at this point, and if you do not wish to have others rubbing your tummy, then find a nice way to explain that. It’s an exciting time for you and for your friends and family, so don’t be surprised if they rub you without asking permission. It’s natural.
