Week 22 of pregnancy

Your baby this week

About 476 g (estimated weight; Source: WHO fetal growth charts (Kiserud et al., PLoS Med 2017)) — about as heavy as an aam (mango) (Source: USDA SR Legacy (FoodData Central) FDC 169910 'Mangos, raw': portion '1 fruit without refuse' = 336 g edible portion; SR28 FOOD_DES refuse 29% (Seeds and skin). As-purchased weight = 336 / (1 - 0.29) = 473.2 g.). Every baby grows a little differently.

How your baby is developing

• Eyebrows and eyelids are typically fully formed.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)
• The sense of touch is developing further; skin remains thin, wrinkled, and translucent at this stage.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)

How you may feel

• Heartburn and indigestion often become more noticeable as the uterus presses on the stomach.NHS
• Mild swelling of the feet and ankles and the appearance of stretch marks are common.ACOG

Nutrition this week

• Iron — blood volume rises ~50% — iron demand climbs (Red meat)
• Calcium — fetal skeleton mineralising (Dairy)
• Vitamin D — calcium absorption + bone (Fatty fish)

Tests & scans

• Anomaly (mid-pregnancy) ultrasound (weeks 18–22)

When to reach out

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing clots.ACOG
• Severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain.ACOG
• Severe, persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down (possible hyperemesis gravidarum).NHS
• Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or chills.WHO
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or a racing/irregular heartbeat.NHS
• Pain or burning when urinating (possible urinary tract infection).NHS
• A severe or persistent headache that doesn't improve.ACOG
• Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet.ACOG
• Visual disturbances — blurring, flashing lights, or spots.ACOG
• Fluid leaking or gushing from the vagina (possible ruptured membranes).NHS
• Persistent pain in the upper abdomen, especially under the ribs on the right side.ACOG

These apply to this week specifically. See the full list of urgent warning signs the CDC publishes for pregnancy and the year after birth.