22 Weeks Pregnant

Baby’s Development

Your baby’s eyelids, eyebrows and fingernails are developed. Stores of fatty tissue are starting to be produced for keeping he/she warm. Your baby’s teeth have been formed and are waiting in the gums. Your baby can now taste and can tell the difference between sweet and bitter. Your baby swallows the amniotic fluid and can taste the flavours, which is meant to familiarise and prepare your baby for life outside the womb.

Your baby starts to move more coordinated, he/she can now turn and stretch. Your baby will also respond to outside pressure on your abdomen and may move as a result of this. Your baby’s ability to swallow as well as hiccup emerges.

The sex organs are distinctive and you may be able to tell the sex of your baby during an ultrasound. Your baby starts to develop the sense of touch and explores the inside of your uterus, gripping onto his umbilical cord.

What’s Happening For You

• You may start to notice stretch marks on your abdomen as it expands to accommodate your growing baby. Although they most commonly appear on your tummy, stretch marks may also show up on your buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts.
• But the following physical changes may take you by surprise. You might experience thicker and more lustrous hair, you’re not growing more hair, you are just losing less during pregnancy. You might notice an in crease in body hair on your chin, upper lip, jaw, and cheeks. Your fingernails may grow more quickly than usual, and you may notice changes in texture. Some women’s nails get harder, while others’ get softer or more brittle.
• Your skin also undergoes changes, some pregnant women find that their skin has a beautiful glow, while others find that the hormones of pregnancy aggravate skin conditions such as acne. The increased production of melanin can cause splotchy patches of  darkened skin on your face. These pigment changes may intensify if you spend time in the sun. You may find that your nipples and the pigmented area (the areolas) around them are getting bigger and darker. On your areolas are little bumps, known as Montgomery’s tubercles, which may also be more pronounced. These bumps are oil-producing glands that help fight off bacteria and lubricate the skin.
• Your feet may go up half a shoe size or more, due to the relaxing hormone which may make your feet widen a bit. Your might have swelling in your feet, which can make your shoes feel tight as well.

Things To Consider

• This is still a comfortable point in your pregnancy. You are visibly pregnant, but you will not yet be as uncomfortable as you might become later in your pregnancy. You can still walk, bend over and sit easily, so is a good time to do all your shopping done for the baby.
• As your tummy is growing, your abdominal muscles are stretching and being pushed apart. You may notice abdominal muscle separation when you are lying down – it will look like there is a bulge in the middle of your abdomen. As your abdomen stretches, your skin also expands, which may cause skin irritation and itching, which can be relieved by applying a lotion.
• You should still be drinking lots of fluids (preferably water), to help your body make up the extra blood volume required during pregnancy.
• Varicose veins can be a common complaint during pregnancy. Plenty of rest with your feet up, might help.
• Protect your face by using a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing a hat with a brim, and avoiding the sun during peak hours of the day.
• Your baby doesn’t not only receive the nutrients you get from the food you eat, it also receives your thoughts, feelings and perceptions of yourself and the world around you. Connect with your baby every day, spend some time singing or talking to your baby. Making healthy food choices gets your baby used to the flavours of the food and can help in establishing healthy eating later on in life.

Read more about what to expect next week.