With the start of week 22, you might feel clumsy as most of your abdominal space is taken up by the baby. The baby is growing rapidly and invading most of your space. The uterus stretches to around 0.8 inches during this stage. The baby becomes very active during these weeks and makes intense movements within the belly. The movements become stronger, noticeable and more frequent.

The size of the baby 
The size of the baby resembles papaya at this stage.

Weight/height of the baby
The height of the baby at this stage is around 27.6cms or 10.9 inches while the weight of the baby is around 0.95 pounds or 430 grams

About your baby
The baby is physically active with rapid movements of the limbs during this week. The fatty tissues have not yet developed due to which the baby is still thin. The baby lies in the upright position during this stage at least for further 6-7 weeks. The internal organs of the baby are rapidly growing with wrinkled skin covered by fine hairs called lanugo. You can easily distinguish eyelids from eyebrows at this stage with the complete formation of eyes. During week 22, the liver starts producing essential enzymes for the breakdown of bilirubin. The baby starts rubbing the torso, legs, and face during this week. The baby now responds to lights and voices during this stage. The sensory system of the baby starts to develop during this stage where they can perceive dark and light surroundings. The baby can now hear the heartbeats and your voice as well.

About your body
You’ll feel clumsy and discomfort able due to increased weight gain during this week and the rest of the pregnancy. The baby bump is now visible so everyone will recognize it. You will experience visible stretch marks over the belly with an increased size of the uterus. The symptoms which you might experience during week 22 include abdominal pain, constipation, gas, varicose veins, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, Braxton hick’s contractions, pelvic pressure, increased libido, hemorrhoids, backaches, enhanced vaginal discharge along with increased snoring.

Do & Don’ts 
• Consume prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables
• Avoid smoking, alcohol or increased consumption of caffeine
• Perform light exercises throughout pregnancy in order to stay active and super healthy
• If you’ll require childcare then start searching for it
• Stat preparations for the nursery room
• If you are planning to have a maternity shoot, arrange a photographer
• Take the birthing classes
• Get enough calcium in your diet
• Evaluate your weight in order to avoid excessive weight gain

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