you're 22 weeks pregnant.
last revised · baby is about 27.8 cm (10.9") · 430 g (15.2 oz)
At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 27.8 cm and 430 g — Your baby's senses sharpen.
about the size of a…
Your baby's senses sharpen. Lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are fully formed and tiny tooth buds wait beneath the gums.
this week's highlights
- Senses sharpen
- Tooth buds in gums
- Sleep-wake patterns emerge
- Pancreas develops
how your baby looks
A miniature newborn in proportions, though much thinner. Eyebrows are fluffy and white, and the skin is still wrinkly under a thick coat of vernix.
body in focus
- head
- Lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are fully formed.
- body
- Pancreas develops and hormone production starts.
- hands
- Hands explore the face and umbilical cord.
- feet
- Kicks vary by time of day as sleep-wake cycles form.
what's happening in your body
You may feel out of breath more easily as the uterus presses upward. Heartburn often starts now too.
symptoms at 22 weeks
- Heartburn and reflux
- Progesterone relaxes the valve at the top of your stomach while the uterus presses upward. Smaller meals and staying upright after eating usually take the edge off.
- Mild breathlessness
- Your growing uterus reduces the space your lungs have to expand, so stairs may feel harder. Slow, steady breathing helps; sudden or severe breathlessness needs a call to your midwife or doctor.
- Stretch marks appearing
- Fine pink or purple lines may show on the belly, hips, or breasts as skin stretches. They are largely genetic and fade to silvery tones over time.
- Feeling warmer than usual
- Increased blood volume and metabolism raise your body temperature slightly. Light layers and plenty of fluids keep you comfortable.
- Swollen gums
- Hormones make gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding when you brush. Keep up gentle, regular brushing and book a dental check if you have not had one this pregnancy.
- Outie belly button
- Your navel may flatten or pop outward as the uterus rises. It is harmless and usually returns to normal after birth.
gentle tips
- Eat smaller meals more often to reduce heartburn.
- Avoid lying down right after eating.
- Practice prenatal yoga or breathing for shortness of breath.
- Keep up the water intake — dehydration triggers contractions.
- Stretch hips daily — hip openers can ease later discomfort.
your week 22 checklist
- Book a dental check-up — pregnancy hormones make gum problems more likely, and dental care is safe in pregnancy.
- Compare antenatal class options and reserve your place for the third trimester.
- Check whether your glucose screening appointment (usually weeks 24 to 28) is already booked.
- Start a shared name shortlist so the conversation happens gradually rather than in a rush.
what to expect next
Around weeks 24–26 you may have a glucose screening test for gestational diabetes — usually a sweet drink and a blood draw.
common questions at week 22
How big is the baby at 22 weeks?
At 22 weeks, the baby measures about 27.8 cm and weighs approximately 430 g (27.8 cm (10.9") · 430 g (15.2 oz)).
What is developing at 22 weeks?
A miniature newborn in proportions, though much thinner. Lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are fully formed. Key milestones this week include: Senses sharpen; Tooth buds in gums; Sleep-wake patterns emerge; Pancreas develops.
What symptoms are common at 22 weeks pregnant?
You may feel out of breath more easily as the uterus presses upward. Heartburn often starts now too.
What should I do at 22 weeks pregnant?
Around weeks 24–26 you may have a glucose screening test for gestational diabetes — usually a sweet drink and a blood draw. Eat smaller meals more often to reduce heartburn. Avoid lying down right after eating. Practice prenatal yoga or breathing for shortness of breath.
What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?
Braxton Hicks feel like a painless or mildly uncomfortable tightening across the bump that lasts around 30 seconds and then fully relaxes. They are irregular, do not get stronger or closer together, and often stop when you change position or drink water. If tightenings become regular, painful, or increasingly frequent before 37 weeks, call your midwife or doctor.
Which heartburn remedies are safe in pregnancy?
Simple antacids based on calcium or alginates are generally considered safe in pregnancy, alongside habits like eating smaller meals and not lying down straight after food. Always check with your midwife, doctor, or pharmacist before starting any remedy, as they can confirm what suits your situation. If heartburn is severe or not responding, ask your care team rather than increasing doses yourself.
Can my baby hear music at 22 weeks?
Yes — by this stage the ear structures are developed enough for your baby to hear muffled sounds, including your voice, heartbeat, and louder music. There is no need for special speakers on the bump; normal conversation and singing are lovely, safe stimulation. Your voice is the sound your baby will know best at birth.
helpful tools
- Belly Timeline
Document your bump week by week with photos.
- Kick Counter
Track fetal movement — kicks usually begin around week 18–22.
- Milestones
Week-by-week milestones tied to your due date.
Medically aligned with guidance from WHO, NHS and ACOG. How we write.