The 22nd week firmly places the pregnancy in the middle of the second trimester. Many individuals find this period to be the most comfortable, often called the “golden period,” due to a return of energy and the fading of early discomforts. This stage is characterized by a noticeable physical transformation as the abdomen expands to accommodate the rapidly growing fetus. The focus now shifts to monitoring fetal growth and preparing for the next phase of pregnancy.
Fetal Development Milestones
At 22 weeks of gestation, the fetus is growing quickly, measuring approximately 10 to 11 inches long from head to heel and weighing around 14 to 16 ounces. This increase in size is accompanied by the fetus beginning to lay down fat tissue beneath the skin. Though the skin still appears thin and wrinkled, this fat deposition is an important step toward a smoother, newborn appearance.
The body is now covered in lanugo, a fine, downy hair that helps hold the creamy, protective vernix caseosa onto the skin. This waxy coating is produced by the fetal oil glands and shields the delicate skin from constant exposure to amniotic fluid. Sensory development is advancing, with the inner ear structures reaching full adult size. This means the fetus can now hear sounds from the outside world, including muffled voices and the mother’s heartbeat. The eyes are fully formed, complete with eyelids and eyebrows, though the iris still lacks the pigment that will determine eye color at birth.
The fetus is actively practicing skills needed for life outside the womb, such as swallowing amniotic fluid, which aids in the development of the digestive system. The lungs are undergoing maturation, and the fetus makes small, regular breathing movements that draw amniotic fluid in and out. These movements are not actual respiration but are practice motions for the muscles used in breathing. The developing taste buds are also becoming functional, and the flavors of the mother’s diet can transmit through the amniotic fluid, subtly influencing the fetus’s palate.
Maternal Physical Changes and Common Symptoms
The uterus has grown considerably and is now positioned about three-quarters of an inch to an inch above the navel, making the pregnancy visibly apparent for most individuals. This expansion of the abdomen can lead to the appearance of stretch marks, which may be red, pink, or reddish-brown depending on skin tone, commonly appearing on the belly, breasts, and thighs. The average weight gain for this point in pregnancy is in the range of 10 to 14 pounds, reflecting both the growth of the fetus and the increased blood volume and maternal tissue.
A common symptom at this stage is mild swelling, or edema, particularly in the feet and ankles. This fluid retention occurs because the growing uterus puts pressure on the major veins returning blood from the lower extremities, and the body’s overall blood volume has increased. Individuals may also experience leg cramps, especially at night, often related to the increased weight being carried or circulatory changes. Backaches and pelvic pressure are also frequent occurrences as the body’s center of gravity shifts and the ligaments around the pelvis begin to loosen.
Many individuals begin to feel stronger, more defined fetal movements, often referred to as quickening. These movements are becoming more forceful as the fetus’s muscles mature and gain strength, which can be a source of reassurance and connection. Some may also start to notice the sensation of Braxton Hicks contractions, which feel like a tightening or hardening of the abdomen. These are irregular, painless uterine contractions that serve to tone the uterine muscle and are considered normal at this stage.
Practical Planning and Upcoming Healthcare Checkpoints
Between 24 and 28 weeks, most healthcare providers recommend a glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes. This test involves drinking a sweet glucose solution and having blood drawn an hour later to measure the body’s response. Discuss this upcoming test with your provider now to understand the procedure and any necessary preparation.
For individuals with an Rh-negative blood type, a discussion about the Anti-D immunoglobulin injection is timely, as the first dose is administered around 28 weeks. This injection prevents the mother’s body from creating antibodies against the fetus’s Rh-positive blood. This period is also an opportune time to discuss the practice of kick counting with a provider, even though formal tracking usually begins closer to the third trimester.
This is a prime time for organizational tasks beyond medical check-ins. Many childbirth education classes, which cover labor, delivery, and newborn care, fill up quickly, making this an ideal week to research and register for a course. Practical preparation can also include designing a baby registry and starting to think through the logistics of maternity leave with an employer. Establishing good habits now, such as sleeping on the side, will become increasingly helpful as the abdomen continues to expand.
Recognizing Signs that Require Medical Attention
While the second trimester is generally comfortable, certain symptoms warrant an immediate call to a healthcare professional. Any vaginal bleeding or the leakage of clear, watery fluid requires urgent evaluation, as these can be signs of preterm labor or a premature rupture of membranes. Regular, painful contractions, or a significant increase in pelvic pressure or low back pain, should also be reported right away.
A sudden or excessive increase in swelling, particularly in the hands or face, alongside a persistent, severe headache or changes in vision, could indicate a serious condition such as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a blood pressure disorder that requires prompt medical management. While fetal movement is not yet monitored as strictly as it will be later, any significant decrease or cessation of movement should be reported without delay.