Week 22 of pregnancy: Looking More Like a Baby

Your baby is growing eyebrows and eyelashes, is covered in fine hair and has a stronger grip. This week also marks the start of what doctors call the periviable period: a baby born from now on may, in some cases and with intensive specialist care, survive, though the chances are low and outcomes vary widely. For you, painless practice tightenings called Braxton Hicks may begin, and the stretching skin over the bump can itch. Learn how normal tightenings differ from warning signs, and build some healthy snacks into your day.

Measured head to heel, babies are typically about 27–28 cm at 22 weeks. Estimated weights of about 430–530 g are common, and reference charts put the middle value near 480 g. Indian babies are often a little smaller than Western charts suggest, especially later in pregnancy. A corn cob is only a loose comparison.

Every pregnancy is different - you may have some, all or none of these.

Braxton Hicks tightenings

Irregular, usually painless hardening of the bump that settles with rest, a change of position or a glass of water. Tightenings that become regular or painful are different and need checking.

Itchy belly

Stretching, dry skin often itches. Use a plain, unscented moisturiser and wear loose cotton clothes. Report severe itching or itchy palms and soles.

Back ache

Your growing bump shifts your posture. Sit with support, avoid lifting and try gentle stretching. Back pain that comes and goes in waves should be checked.

Increased appetite

Needs rise in mid-pregnancy. Plan nourishing snacks rather than grazing on fried or sweet foods.

Feeling low about your body

Changing shape can affect mood and confidence. Share how you feel with someone you trust, and tell your doctor if low mood lasts.

• Second-trimester antenatal visit

  Routine

  India: 14 to 26 weeks

  If you have not yet had this visit, your blood pressure, weight, urine and haemoglobin will be checked, and your doctor will feel your abdomen. Mention any tightenings, itching or swelling, and ask for your haemoglobin result so you know whether your iron tablets are keeping it up.

• Anomaly scan follow-up

  Commonly offered

  Up to about 22 weeks in India

  If your scan could not see everything, or a finding needs another look, a repeat or specialist scan is often arranged in this window. Ask your doctor if anything is pending.

• Planning your glucose test

  Routine

  Due at 24 to 28 weeks

  In India everyone is offered a repeat glucose test at 24–28 weeks if the first one was normal. Ask when and where yours will be done so you can plan time off work or travel to the centre.

If you are unsure whether a tightening is normal, it is always acceptable to call your doctor or maternity unit. They would rather check than have you wait.

• 🌿Healthy snacks are this week's focus. Roasted chana, makhana, peanuts or a small handful of mixed nuts and seeds keep you going between meals.
• 🌿Dahi with fruit, a glass of milk, a vegetable uttapam or a bowl of steamed sprouts chaat with lemon add protein and calcium.
• 🌿Eat whole fruit rather than juice, and include vegetables such as cucumber, carrot or tomato. Cook sprouts rather than eating them raw.
• 🌿Keep sweets, chikki and laddoos occasional, especially with your glucose test coming up, and limit sugary drinks; ICMR-NIN advises keeping added sugar under 5% of energy and avoiding non-calorie sweeteners in pregnancy.

• •Regular moderate activity is still recommended if you have no complications. Walking, swimming and prenatal yoga suit most people.
• •Braxton Hicks tightenings during exercise are usually harmless, but slow down, rest and drink water. Stop and get checked if they become regular or painful, or if you notice bleeding or fluid.
• •Avoid lying on your belly, deep twists, hot rooms and long periods flat on your back; use cushions and side-lying positions instead.

• •Learn what your normal tightenings feel like, so you can tell if something changes.
• •Keep your hospital or maternity unit number saved on your phone, and know how you would get there at night. Make sure your partner or a family member knows too.
• •Wear loose cotton clothing and moisturise after bathing to soothe itchy skin. Very hot baths can dry the skin further.
• •If comments from family or friends about your size or shape upset you, it is fine to set boundaries or change the subject.

• ?How can I tell Braxton Hicks from early signs of preterm labour?
• ?When is my 24–28 week glucose test, and do I need to fast?
• ?Is anything from my anomaly scan still pending?
• ?Which moisturiser is safe for my itchy skin?

• Maternity unit number saved on your phone
• Healthy snacks stocked at home and work
• Glucose test date discussed
• Plain moisturiser and loose cotton clothes ready
• Transport plan for a night-time hospital visit