Baby is the size of a coconut
👶 Baby's development
Eyes are fully formed, though the iris has no pigment yet. Baby reacts to belly touches.
💛 How mom feels
Belly skin may itch. Metabolism speeds up — you may feel hot. Time to consider antenatal classes.
📖 Tip of the week
The baby's hand is developed enough to grip the umbilical cord. The face is fully formed — on 4D ultrasound, features are clearly visible. If you have swelling, leg cramps, or shortness of breath — be sure to tell your doctor.
🔬 Detailed baby development
- The fetus's lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are more distinct and recognizable
- The inner ear (vestibular system) develops further, giving the fetus a sense of position and movement
- The lungs begin producing surfactant, a substance essential for breathing after birth
- The fetus's grip is strong enough to grasp the umbilical cord
- Lanugo (fine hair) covers the entire body and helps hold the vernix caseosa in place
- The fetus is about 27.8 cm long and weighs approximately 430 grams, roughly the size of a papaya
🤱 What mom may feel
- Stretch marks may spread across the abdomen, hips, and thighs
- Linea nigra (dark line from navel to pubic bone) becomes more prominent
- Increased appetite as the baby enters a rapid growth phase
- Occasional Braxton Hicks contractions, especially after activity or dehydration
- Gum sensitivity and bleeding may continue
🏥 Tests and check-ups
No major scheduled tests this week. Regular prenatal check-up continues every 4 weeks. If there were any findings on the anatomy scan, follow-up fetal echocardiography (detailed heart ultrasound) may be performed around this time.
💡 Tips for this week
- Continue Kegel exercises daily to strengthen pelvic floor muscles for delivery and postpartum recovery
- Begin researching pediatricians or family doctors for your baby
- If traveling, now through about week 36 is generally considered the safest window — consult your provider
- Eat iron-rich foods and take supplements if recommended to prevent anemia
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is the baby viable at 22 weeks?
At 22 weeks, survival outside the womb is possible but extremely rare and carries a high risk of serious complications. Viability is generally considered to start at 24 weeks. Each additional week in the womb significantly improves outcomes.
Can I travel during pregnancy?
The second trimester (weeks 14-28) is generally the safest and most comfortable time for travel. Consult your provider before any long trips. Stay hydrated, walk frequently on long flights to prevent blood clots, and carry your medical records.
Why is surfactant important?
Surfactant is a substance produced by the lungs that prevents the air sacs (alveoli) from collapsing when the baby exhales. Without enough surfactant, premature babies can develop respiratory distress syndrome. Production ramps up significantly in the third trimester.
📝 Week 22 of pregnancy: what's happening
At week 22, your baby measures approximately 27.8 cm and weighs around 430 g — about the size of a papaya. The lips, eyebrows, and eyelids are now fully developed, and the eyes are formed, though the irises still lack full pigmentation. Tooth buds for both milk (deciduous) and permanent teeth are forming beneath the gums. Your baby’s grip is strengthening, and if you could see inside the womb, you might catch your baby grasping the umbilical cord.
Your growing uterus continues to put pressure on surrounding organs, which can contribute to symptoms including heartburn, indigestion, and shortness of breath. The increased blood volume of pregnancy (up to 50% more than usual) means your heart is working harder, which can make you feel warm or flushed. Some women notice varicose veins developing in the legs or vulva — support stockings, elevating the legs when resting, and regular gentle walks can all help. If varicose veins are painful, ask your midwife for a referral.
From week 22, babies born extremely prematurely are considered to be at the cusp of viability in the UK, though intensive neonatal care would be required. This is not a cause for anxiety but is a good reminder of the importance of recognising warning signs such as regular contractions, lower back pain that comes and goes, or fluid leaking from the vagina, and contacting your maternity unit promptly if you experience these. Ensure you are familiar with the contact number for your local maternity assessment unit (MAU).
Consider attending a breastfeeding information session or workshop if one is available in your area through the NHS or charities such as the Breastfeeding Network or La Leche League GB. Although you have plenty of time before your baby arrives, early information helps you make an informed feeding choice and prepares you for common challenges. Continue with regular pelvic floor exercises daily — these become increasingly important as the weight of the baby puts pressure on the pelvic floor. A healthy, balanced diet and good hydration remain key priorities.
⚠️ When to see a doctor
- Vaginal bleeding of any amount
- Severe headache or vision changes
- Severe abdominal or lower back pain
- Swelling of face and hands (possible preeclampsia)
- Decreased or absent fetal movement after 20 weeks
- Blood pressure above 140/90
Sources
- WHO recommendations on antenatal care (2016)
- ACOG Practice Bulletins
- Williams Obstetrics, 26th Edition
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