Second Trimester: 22 Weeks Pregnant Development

You’re officially 22 weeks pregnant, mums! This is an exciting milestone in your motherhood journey.

You’re well into your second trimester, and both you and your baby are undergoing fascinating changes.

Here’s what you can expect with your baby and your body at this stage of pregnancy.

Your Baby at 22 Weeks of Pregnancy

At 22 weeks, your baby weighs around 350 grams and measures approximately 19 centimetres crown-to-rump—roughly the size of a sweet potato!

These incredible developments mean your baby is growing stronger and more active every day.

They are becoming more and more active by the day and are even beginning a regular wake-sleep cycle just like you (although not quite).

Here’s what’s happening with your little one now that you are 22 weeks pregnant:

Heartbeat: Your baby’s heartbeat is now so robust that it can often be heard using a stethoscope.
Swallowing: Your little one is practicing swallowing amniotic fluid—not for nourishment, but to exercise jaw muscles and the tongue. This swallowing action helps prepare for feeding after birth.
Taste buds: Your baby’s taste buds are maturing, enabling them to detect flavours. What you eat flavours the amniotic fluid, and some foods, like garlic or spicy dishes, may even cause your baby to grimace, as seen in ultrasounds!
Wake-sleep cycle: By this stage, your baby has established a rhythm of sleeping and waking, although their cycles will not align perfectly with yours.

If you thought you were going to say goodbye to those late-night kicks, think again.

In fact, don’t be surprised if your baby is doing somersaults and backflips, just as you’re about to wind down for the night.

And don’t be discouraged if you poke your belly and no they don’t respond. They’re probably still sleeping even though its already 10 a.m.

Your Body at 22 Weeks of Pregnancy

At this stage, your growing belly is becoming more prominent, but it doesn’t yet hinder your daily activities much.

By now people are already admiring and commenting on your baby bump, and it’s time you showed off your pregnancy.

Many women find the second trimester enjoyable, though there are some changes (and challengess) to adapt to especially as your uterus starts growing larger and larger.

Here’s what’s happening to your body now that you’re 22 weeks pregnant:

Disrupted sleep: Remember that bit about your baby waking up just as you’re about to go to sleep? Well for many mums, this will definitely keep them up, especially if their little one likes to move around a lot at night.
Restless legs: On the same topic of sleep disturbances, some pregnant mothers experiences a condition involving twitching and a burning sensation in the calves. Walking regularly and doing stretching exercises may help reduce this.
Backaches and joint pain: Pubic pain, hip discomfort, and backaches are common as your body adjusts to support your growing uterus.
Urine leaks: The added pressure of the uterus on your bladder can result in small leaks when sneezing or laughing. You may need to invest in a more durable sanitary pad (especially if you’re also experiencing excessive discharge).
Frequent urination: As a result of your growing uterus pushing down on your bladder, you may wake up several times during the night to go and pee (reduce your evening fluids to remedy this).

You don’t have to wait until postpartum to start doing Kegels. Kegel exercises are very important for female reproductive health.

They help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and prevent things like incontinence (even during pregnancy). They also help make childbirth easier.

Kegels are extremely easy to perform that you can do them anywhere you want. Simply squeeze your pelvic floor muscles and release (repeat as many times as you feel comfortable to do so).

Pregnancy Anaemia

Anaemia is a common concern during pregnancy, particularly iron-deficiency anaemia, which occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron to produce sufficient red blood cells.

As your blood volume grows, your body requires more and more iron to make blood cells (not just for you but for your baby too).

Your growing baby uses some of your iron stores, which can deplete your levels even if you take prenatal vitamins.

If it gets really bad, anaemia can leave you feeling tired, dizzy or generally unwell. It can be dangerous too if left untreated.

If you think you have anaemia and don’t forget to alert your doctor. They may recommend that you consume more iron-rich foods like spinach, red meat, beans and fortified cereals

Remember to pair these iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources (like citrus fruits) to enhance absorption.

If your doctor decides your anaemia is too severe, they may prescribe additional iron supplements (although iron supplements do tend to give some people constipation).

So stock up on those stool softeners just in case.

Travelling During Pregnancy

For many women, the second trimester is considered the ideal time to travel.

Miscarriage risks are generally lower, morning sickness is typically over, and your body is still agile enough for comfortable movement.

Most airlines permit pregnant women to fly until 36 weeks, but check with your doctor if you have any risks, such as placental issues or premature labour concerns.

Here’s what you can do to prepare for your first flight as a pregnant mother:

Carry your medical records, insurance card, and the name of a local obstetrician at your destination.
Confirm with your insurer whether pregnancy-related complications during travel are covered.
Avoid regions with unsafe drinking water, high disease prevalence, or political instability.
Skip raw or unpeeled fruits and vegetables and refrain from swimming in questionable waters.
If visiting a country where vaccines are recommended, consult your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks.

Planning ahead ensures your trip is safe and enjoyable, making it a wonderful opportunity to relax before the demands of the third trimester begin.

Baby on Board

Now that you’re able to travel, it’s important to remain vigilant and take extra precautions, especially if you’re flying.

Yes, there are certain precautions to take and you may still struggle with certain pregnancy symptoms.

Despite these minor inconveniences, the second trimester often feels like a sweet spot in pregnancy—energy levels rise, and many women find this phase particularly enjoyable.

You’re likely still able to bend, sit, and walk without much effort, and morning sickness has probably faded.

This stage of pregnancy is a time of growth, preparation and discovery. So enjoy the experience and take care of yourself!

References

Curtis, G. B., & Schuler, J. (2016). Your Pregnancy Week by Week (8th ed.). Hachette Books.
Kaye, P. (2021). Your Pregnancy: Week by Week. SPCK Publishing.
Riley, L. (2006). You and Your Pregnancy: Your Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Meredith Books.
Shanahan, M. K. (2002). Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Da Capo Press

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!