pregnancy week 22
22 weeks pregnant.
Your baby's senses sharpen. Lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are fully formed and tiny tooth buds wait beneath the gums.
Updated 29 July 2026 · Sources: NHS and ACOG
Your baby this week
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.
- Senses sharpen
- Tooth buds in gums
- Sleep-wake patterns emerge
- Pancreas develops
What may be changing in your body
You may feel out of breath more easily as the uterus presses upward. Heartburn often starts now too.
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.
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.
A useful partner move this week
Heartburn tends to arrive around now, so take charge of evening meals: cook earlier, keep portions smaller, and skip the spicy dishes for a while. Adding an extra pillow to her side of the bed for propped-up sleeping is a small gesture that pays off nightly.
What comes 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
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.
How many months is 22 weeks pregnant?
Pregnancy months do not divide evenly into weeks, so clinicians date pregnancy in weeks. At 22 weeks, you are in trimester two.