The 22nd week of pregnancy is in the sixth month of gestation, so the woman is in the second gestational trimester.
During this week, the pregnant woman may feel discomfort in the lower abdomen and pubic area. This is due to uterine growth, which at this time already exceeds the navel.
In addition, through an ultrasound, it will be possible in this week to observe the eyelids, eyelashes and fingernails of the fetus.
Provided below is an index with the 7 points we are going to expand on in this article.
- 1.
- 1.1.
- 1.2.
- 1.3.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
- 4.1.
- 4.2.
- 5.
- 6.
- 7.
What happens in the mother in week 22?
When the pregnant woman reaches the 22nd week of pregnancy, she will notice more and more of the baby's movements. It is normal for the woman to have gained about 5-6 kg of weight by this time and her waistline will be barely noticeable.
Another of the manifestations that the woman has is an increase in palpitations. This is not worrisome, but quite the contrary, since the baby is receiving more oxygen and nutrients.
If the pregnant woman feels shortness of breath, then it would be best to visit the doctor.
In addition, the fundal height in the 22nd week of pregnancy approximately coincides with the navel.
Other significant changes and symptoms that occur in the pregnant woman's body during this week are listed below.
Skin changes
During this period, it is common for women to notice changes in their skin. Many women show small red veins or spots on the face, neck, chest area and extremities during this stage of pregnancy. These are spider veins that are generated by high estrogen levels and usually disappear after delivery.
Another frequent alteration in the skin of pregnant women is the presence of stretch marks. The expectant mother will notice how the skin has a different texture and there are marks or grooves, which is due to the stretching of the skin. For this reason, a good tip would be to keep the skin moisturized.
Braxton-Hicks contractions
Braxton-Hicks contractions begin to appear at this time. These contractions are not particularly noticeable, i.e., they are not like labor contractions.
The woman may feel her belly getting hard at a certain moment, which is due to the state of the uterus, which goes from relaxation to contraction. These movements are essential to prepare the pelvis and uterus for the moment of labor.
However, if the abdominal cramps become intense or the woman is not sure if the contractions she is experiencing are normal, it is best to consult a specialist to find out for sure.
Leg cramps
Some pregnant women describe severe leg cramps during the night that even cause them to wake up.
Leg cramps are a typical discomfort during pregnancy due to the strain on the pregnant woman's back.
The curvature of the spine changes during gestation to compensate for the excess weight, so the lower part of the spine is pushed forward. Because of this deviation, the nerve to the legs is compressed, which triggers those uncomfortable cramps.
How is the fetus at 22 weeks?
At 22 weeks gestation, the fetus begins to develop a certain pattern of activity and sleep. However, its eyelids are glued together and it cannot yet open its eyes. In addition, the part of the brain responsible for controlling emotions, i.e. the limbic system, is in the process of developing. The fetus is becoming more and more like a newborn and its body is rounder.
The fetus is likely to be more active while the pregnant woman is resting. The muscles continue to develop, so the future baby can move more vigorously. Its movements are made possible by the length of the umbilical cord, which allows the fetus to move within the amniotic sac in which it is located.
At the end of this week, the fetus measures about 19-20 cm from head to toe and weighs approximately 350-400 grams.
Tips for coping with week 22
As mentioned above, the legs may swell and the pregnant woman may even feel tingling.
Stretching the legs while sitting, putting the feet in cold water or using compression stockings are some recommendations to improve these discomforts in pregnant women.
In addition, women may have difficulty falling asleep. Taking infusions of lime blossom, lemon balm or valerian may help to combat insomnia.
FAQs from users
Can pregnancy be terminated in the 22nd week?
Yes, the 22nd week of pregnancy is the deadline to terminate the pregnancy if a fetal malformation incompatible with life should occur.
I've heard about the 4D ultrasound scan. Can you do it at 6 months?
Yes. As a matter of fact, month 6 is a good moment for women to undergo this test. As explained above, the baby has a more human-like physical appearance by this time
Suggested readings
The 22nd week of pregnancy corresponds to the sixth month of gestation. If you wish to have an overview of this time of pregnancy, you can visit the following link: What Happens during Your Sixth Month of Pregnancy?
If you are worried that you have become ill and you don't know if you can take medication, then we recommend you visit the following article: What Medications Are Safe to Take during Pregnancy?
We make a great effort to provide you with the highest quality information.
🙏 Please share this article if you liked it. 💜💜 You help us continue!
References
Alcolea Flores, S., Mohamed Mohamed D. Guía de cuidados en el embarazo. Consejos de su matrona. Hospital Universitario de Ceuta (Dirección Territorial de Ceuta e Instituto Nacional de Gestión Sanitaria (ed.). Colección Editorial de Publicaciones del INGESA. ISBN: 978-84-351-0408-1
D Sirgant, C d'Ercole, J Blanc. Pregnancy outcomes in women with previous preterm cesarean delivery between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation. Gynecol Obstet Fertil Senol. 2021 Apr;49(4):282-287 (View)
Duyff, R.L. (2002). American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide (2nd Ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Eugene S, Bonapace MD, Robert S, Fisher MD. (1998). Constipation and diarrhea in pregnancy. Gastroenterol Clin North Am; 27: 197- 211 (View)
Gary F, Mc Donald P. (1996). Adaptación materna al embarazo. En: Gary F, MacDonald P, Grant N Lereso K, Gilstrap L, editores. Williams. Obstetricia (4.a ed.). Barcelona: Masson.
González Merlo J. (1992). Modificaciones fisiológicas producidas en el organismo materno por el embarazo. En: Williams. Obstetricia (4.a ed.). Barcelona: Masón (View)
Mohamed Nabih El-Gharib, Sherin Barakat Albehoty. Transvaginal cervical length measurement at 22- to 26-week pregnancy in prediction of preterm births in twin pregnancies. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2017 Mar;30(6):729-732 (View)
FAQs from users: 'Can pregnancy be terminated in the 22nd week?' and 'I've heard about the 4D ultrasound scan. Can you do it at 6 months?'.
Authors and contributors
