22 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Size, Symptoms & What to Expect
At 22 weeks, your baby is the size of a papaya — about 11 inches long and nearly 1 pound. They can hear your voice, their taste buds are forming, and you're likely feeling real kicks. Here's what's happening this week.
By TeachToddler Editorial Team · Updated April 11, 2026 · Pregnancy
🍈 Your Baby at 22 Weeks
Your baby is now about 11 inches long from crown to heel and weighs close to 1 pound — roughly the size of a papaya. This week marks exciting sensory developments as your baby becomes increasingly aware of the world inside your womb.
- Hearing is online: The cochlea (inner ear) is fully formed, and your baby can now hear your voice, heartbeat, digestive sounds, and even muffled music or conversations outside the womb
- Taste buds developing: Taste buds have begun forming on the tongue, and your baby swallows amniotic fluid regularly — which changes flavor based on what you eat. Research suggests this early exposure influences food preferences after birth
- Eyebrows and eyelids visible: Fine eyebrows and eyelids are now distinct, though the eyes remain fused shut. The irises still lack pigment — final eye color develops after birth
- Grip strength increasing: Your baby can grasp the umbilical cord and their own fingers. The sense of touch is becoming more refined each day
- Skin still translucent: Although fat deposits are beginning to accumulate, the skin remains wrinkled and somewhat see-through. Lanugo (fine body hair) covers the skin, helping vernix caseosa stick in place to protect the developing skin
- Sleep-wake cycles: Your baby is developing distinct periods of sleep and wakefulness — you may notice their active times don't always match yours
🤰 Your Body at 22 Weeks
You're solidly into the second trimester, and your body is working hard to support your growing baby. Here are the most common changes and symptoms you may experience this week.
- Definite kicks and movement: Gone are the "was that the baby or gas?" days. At 22 weeks, most women feel unmistakable kicks, rolls, and jabs — especially when sitting or lying down quietly
- Skin changes: Linea nigra (a dark line down your belly) may appear, along with darkening areolas and possible melasma patches on your face. Stretch marks may begin forming on your belly, breasts, hips, or thighs as skin stretches rapidly
- Braxton Hicks contractions: You may start feeling these "practice contractions" — a painless tightening across your belly lasting 30–60 seconds. They're irregular and often triggered by dehydration, a full bladder, or physical activity
- Swollen feet and ankles: Increased blood volume (up 50% by now) and the growing uterus pressing on veins cause fluid retention in the lower extremities, especially later in the day
- Pregnancy rhinitis: Roughly 20% of pregnant women experience chronic nasal congestion caused by increased blood flow and swelling of nasal membranes. It's not a cold — it's hormonal, and saline spray is safe relief
- Increased appetite: Your calorie needs increase by about 340 extra calories per day during the second trimester. Focus on nutrient-dense foods — iron, calcium, omega-3s, and protein
Kick Awareness (Not Counting Yet): Formal kick counting typically begins at 28 weeks. Right now, just notice your baby's general patterns — when they're active, when they're quiet. If you ever go an entire day without feeling any movement, call your provider. But don't stress about counting specific kicks per hour yet.
🩺 Anatomy Scan Results
If you had your mid-pregnancy anatomy scan (typically between weeks 18–22), you may be reviewing results now. This detailed ultrasound examines your baby's organs, limbs, brain, spine, heart chambers, kidneys, and placenta placement.
- Normal results: Most anatomy scans come back entirely normal. Your provider may share estimated weight, confirm gestational age, and note placenta position
- Soft markers: Sometimes the scan reveals "soft markers" — minor findings like an echogenic bowel or choroid plexus cyst. These are usually harmless on their own and resolve by the third trimester, but your provider may discuss additional screening
- Placenta previa: If the placenta is covering or near the cervix, don't panic. In most cases detected at 20 weeks, the placenta migrates upward as the uterus grows. Your provider will recheck around 32 weeks
- Follow-up scans: Some findings warrant a repeat ultrasound in 4–6 weeks to monitor growth or check that an issue has resolved. This is usually precautionary, not cause for alarm
💡 Comfort Tips for Week 22
As your belly grows and new symptoms appear, these practical strategies can help you stay comfortable through the second half of pregnancy.
- For swollen feet: Elevate your legs when sitting, avoid standing in one position for long periods, stay hydrated (which paradoxically reduces water retention), and wear compression socks if swelling is significant
- For stretch marks: Keep skin well-moisturized with cocoa butter, shea butter, or coconut oil. While no cream truly prevents stretch marks (genetics play the biggest role), hydrated skin stretches more comfortably and itches less
- For nasal congestion: Use a saline nasal spray, run a humidifier at night, and elevate your head while sleeping. Avoid decongestant medications unless specifically approved by your provider
- For Braxton Hicks: Change positions, drink a full glass of water, and rest. If contractions become regular (every 10 minutes or less), painful, or are accompanied by pelvic pressure, contact your provider
- For back pain: A pregnancy support belt distributes your belly's weight, relieving pressure on your lower back. Prenatal yoga and swimming are excellent low-impact exercises for back relief
📅 What to Do This Week
Week 22 is a good time to take care of a few practical matters as you approach the third trimester.
- Review anatomy scan results with your provider and ask any questions about findings or next steps
- Start sleeping on your side if you haven't already — the left side is ideal for blood flow to the placenta. A pregnancy pillow between your knees and under your belly makes a real difference
- Research childbirth classes — many fill up quickly, and starting around weeks 24–28 is ideal timing
- Talk and sing to your baby: Your voice is the clearest sound they hear. Reading aloud or playing music builds early bonding
- Monitor dental health: Pregnancy hormones increase gum inflammation (pregnancy gingivitis). Schedule a dental cleaning if you haven't had one this trimester
- Think about nursery planning: If you're setting up a nursery, order furniture early — delivery times for cribs and dressers can stretch 6–8 weeks
👀 Looking Ahead: Weeks 23–24
In the coming weeks, your baby will cross the viability threshold — the point at which survival outside the womb becomes possible with intensive medical care. Here's what's ahead.
- Baby's lungs begin producing surfactant, a substance critical for breathing air after birth
- The inner ear matures further, and your baby may startle at loud sounds
- You'll likely have a prenatal visit around week 24, including a glucose screening test for gestational diabetes
- Your uterus now extends about 2 inches above your navel, and your center of gravity shifts noticeably
- Weight gain typically accelerates — about 1 pound per week is average from here through delivery