22 Weeks Pregnant: Signs, Symptoms, and What to Expect

You’re officially past the halfway point—an incredible milestone. At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing fast, your body is changing daily, and you’re likely feeling more connected than ever to this new life. Energy levels may still be strong, but new sensations—like stretching, swelling, and rhythmic kicks—remind you that your body is in full creation mode.

Here’s what’s happening this week, what you might be feeling, and how to support both you and your growing baby with care, compassion, and doctor-backed insight.

How You’re Feeling at 22 Weeks

At 22 weeks, your second-trimester glow might be in full effect—but your body is also adapting to the rapid growth happening inside.

You may notice:

A growing belly (and shifting center of gravity).
Your uterus has risen above your belly button, which may change how you move, sleep, and even breathe. You might feel light stretching or pulling across your abdomen as your ligaments expand to make room for your growing baby.
Round ligament pain.
This is that sudden, sharp twinge or dull ache in the lower belly or hips when you change position too quickly. It’s a normal sign of your uterus growing and your body adjusting to its new shape.
More pronounced movement.
The flutters from a few weeks ago may now feel like distinct kicks, rolls, or jabs—your baby is practicing coordination and strength.
Possible swelling.
Mild swelling in your ankles, hands, or feet is common. Staying hydrated and elevating your legs when possible can help.
Heartburn or indigestion.
As your uterus grows, it can press on your stomach, causing acid reflux. Eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy foods, and sitting upright after eating can bring relief.
Sleep shifts.
Finding a comfortable position can be trickier now. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees may support alignment and blood flow.

Emotionally:

You may feel more grounded and confident in your pregnancy—but new anxieties about birth or parenthood might surface. These feelings are part of your mental and emotional nesting. Try journaling, prenatal yoga, or connecting with other parents-to-be to feel supported and seen.

What’s New With Your Baby

Your baby is now about 11 inches long and weighs just over 1 pound—roughly the size of a papaya or spaghetti squash.

Here’s what’s developing this week:

Facial details are refining.
Eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair are visible, and your baby’s face looks more recognizable on an ultrasound.
Sensory systems are awakening.
Nerve endings are connecting rapidly. Your baby can now perceive light and dark through closed eyelids, respond to your voice, and even startle at loud sounds.
Lung development is underway.
Tiny air sacs (alveoli) are forming, and the baby is practicing breathing movements by inhaling amniotic fluid—a vital rehearsal for life outside the womb.
Skin is changing.
It’s still translucent and covered in a waxy coating called vernix caseosa, which protects it from amniotic fluid.
Sleep patterns are emerging.
Ultrasound imaging shows that babies this age cycle between active and resting periods, mirroring early sleep rhythms.

Each week brings more coordination, more awareness, and more connection between you and your growing baby.

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Your Week 22 To-Do List

1. Take your supplements.

At this stage, your nutritional needs are evolving. The Perelel 2nd Trimester Prenatal Pack was designed by OB/GYNs to support your baby’s rapid brain development, bone strength, and your body’s increased blood volume and energy demands.

What’s inside:

Prenatal Multivitamin: Broad-spectrum nutrition tailored for the second trimester.
Calcium + Magnesium: Helps maintain bone density and supports relaxation.
Omega-3 DHA + EPA: Fuels baby’s brain and nervous system growth.
Iron: Replenishes red blood cells as blood volume expands.

Together, these support your stamina, your mood, and your baby’s foundational growth—all with clinical precision and doctor oversight.

2. Move your body (safely).

Now that you may have more energy, try incorporating gentle exercise into your daily rhythm. Walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga help circulation, ease swelling, and strengthen the muscles that support your back and pelvis.

Aim for 20–30 minutes of moderate activity a few times per week—but always clear any new routine with your provider. Movement should feel energizing, never depleting.

3. Support your skin and hydration.

Your stretching belly deserves TLC. Moisturize daily to help maintain skin elasticity, and drink plenty of water to keep tissues supple. (A general rule: aim for 8–10 glasses per day, more if you’re active or in warm weather.)

4. Prepare for sleep.

Quality rest is essential for recovery and hormone balance.

Sleep on your left side to improve blood flow to the placenta.
Use a full-body or wedge pillow to reduce hip and back pressure.
Try magnesium or chamomile tea before bed for relaxation.

5. Check in with your provider.

Your 22-week appointment may include:

Measuring fundal height, or the distance from the top of the uterus to the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis. (to track baby’s growth)
Checking blood pressure and urine protein levels (to monitor preeclampsia risk)
Listening to baby’s heartbeat
Discussing any new symptoms like swelling, pain, or vision changes

Bring a list of questions—everything from sleeping positions to pelvic floor health. Your healthcare team is your partner in this journey.

6. Start thinking ahead.

At this point, many parents start exploring childbirth classes, doulas, and prenatal education resources. Learning about labor, pain management options, and postpartum recovery early can help you feel more prepared and empowered.

7. Connect with your baby.

Your baby can now hear you—so talk, sing, or read aloud. Research suggests that familiar voices can calm newborns after birth, so this small daily ritual has real impact.

Looking Ahead

Next week, you’ll be 23 weeks pregnant—your baby’s sense of sound will sharpen even more, and you may feel rhythmic movement as they practice breathing or even hiccuping. In the coming weeks, you might also start to notice stronger Braxton-Hicks contractions as your uterus “trains” for delivery.