22 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Senses, Stretch Marks & Swelling

22 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Senses, Stretch Marks & Swelling

At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a sweet potato and is starting to look like a tiny newborn, with lips, eyebrows, eyelashes and fingernails. For you, a growing bump can bring stretch marks, swollen feet and a few skin changes.

Baby's size
About the size of a sweet potato (around 28cm head to heel, 450g)
Big development
Exploring by touch, and looking more like a newborn
Common symptoms
Stretch marks, swelling, acne and spider veins
This week
Get ready for your glucose test at 24 to 28 weeks

What's happening this week

A layer of fat is starting to form under your baby's skin, filling them out and helping to keep them warm after birth.

Touch

Exploring

Nerve endings are developing, and your baby is exploring by touch. They grab and feel whatever they can reach, including their face, ears and the umbilical cord.

Features

Newborn in miniature

Your baby now has lips, eyebrows, eyelashes and fingernails, so they look more and more like a newborn.

Senses

Light and sound

Your baby's eyelids are still closed, but they can tell light from dark. They hear your heartbeat, breathing and tummy sounds, and their eyes will open at around 26 to 28 weeks.

The top of your uterus is now a couple of centimetres above your belly button.

Symptoms at 22 weeks pregnant

  • Stretch marks. Many people get red, purple or brown streaks on their tummy, breasts, hips or thighs as their skin stretches. Genetics and how fast your skin stretches play a big part. Moisturising won't prevent them, but it can ease itching, and most fade after birth.
  • Swelling. Extra fluid and pressure from your uterus can make your feet and ankles swell. Put your feet up, stay active and drink plenty of water. Here's when swelling needs checking.
  • Bigger feet. The hormone relaxin loosens ligaments throughout your body, including your feet. Comfortable, supportive shoes help, and some people find their feet stay slightly bigger after birth.
  • Acne. Hormones can cause breakouts. Use a gentle cleanser and oil-free moisturiser and sunscreen, and don't squeeze pimples. Check with your doctor before using any acne treatment, as some aren't safe in pregnancy. Here are more tips for pregnancy acne.
  • Spider veins. Tiny red or purple veins may appear on your face or legs. They usually fade after birth. Exercise and resting with your feet up can help.

Call your doctor, midwife or hospital straight away if you have sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet, a severe headache, blurred vision or pain under your ribs, or if one leg is swollen, red or painful.

Coming up: your glucose tolerance test

Between 24 and 28 weeks, you'll be offered a glucose tolerance test to check for gestational diabetes. It affects up to 1 in 6 pregnancies in Australia and is very manageable once it's picked up.

Before the test
You'll be asked to fast, usually from the night before. You can usually drink small sips of water. Bring something to eat for afterwards.
On the day
You'll have a blood test, then a sugary drink, then more blood tests one and two hours later. You'll need to stay seated at the pathology clinic for about two hours, so bring a book or something to do.
Your results
Your doctor or midwife will let you know your results. If you have gestational diabetes, you'll get support to manage it, usually with diet and activity changes.Most people with gestational diabetes go on to have a healthy baby

Looking after yourself

Your bump, your rules

As your bump grows, people, even strangers, may try to touch it. If you're comfortable with it, that's fine. If you're not, it's OK to say "I'd rather you didn't" or step away.

Sex in pregnancy

For most people, sex is safe throughout pregnancy. Your baby is protected by the amniotic sac and a mucus plug that seals your cervix. Talk to your doctor or midwife first if you've had bleeding, your waters have broken, you have a low-lying placenta or a problem with your cervix, or you have a history of preterm labour.

Calm a busy mind

If you find yourself worrying about your pregnancy or your baby, try mindfulness, deep breathing or a gentle walk. If worry is affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor or midwife. Here's when to reach out for support.

Your to-do list for week 22

Helpful for this stage

The pregnancy listWhat you'll need to feel comfortableSee the list Stretch mark balmsRich care for dry, itchy skinShop balms Pregnancy pillowsSupport for your back and bumpShop pillows

Week 22 FAQs

When do babies open their eyes in the womb?

Around 26 to 28 weeks. Until then, your baby's eyelids stay closed while the eyes finish developing, though they can already sense the difference between light and dark.

Is acne normal in pregnancy?

Yes, hormones can cause breakouts even if you've never had acne before. Use a gentle cleanser and oil-free products, and check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any acne treatment, as some, like isotretinoin and retinoids, aren't safe in pregnancy.

Do stretch marks go away after pregnancy?

They don't disappear completely, but most fade from red or purple to a paler, silvery colour in the months after birth. Moisturising won't prevent them, but it can ease dryness and itching.

Will my feet stay bigger after pregnancy?

Sometimes. Swelling usually goes down after birth, but the hormone relaxin can loosen the ligaments in your feet, and for some people their feet stay half a size or so larger.

What is the glucose tolerance test?

It's a blood test done between 24 and 28 weeks to check for gestational diabetes. You fast beforehand, have a sugary drink, and have your blood taken before and one and two hours after the drink.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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