At 22 weeks pregnant you are deep into your second trimester. Keep the momentum up getting things done, having fun, “dating” your partner, and preparing yourself and home for the baby. You will slow down drastically the third trimester.

 

 

 MOM

You can feel the baby everywhere and your uterus is about ¾ of an inch above your navel. Your balance may be a little altered, but your growing belly isn’t big enough to interfere with movement yet.

Some women notice pregnancy stretch marks. The reddish purple marks are alarming at first, but they will fade in color after the baby is born. Some women never get them while others get them no matter what they do. Let them become a positive reminder of the miracle of what you are doing…creating a new person for the world! Be proud!

Your gums may swell and bleed when you brush your teeth. The swelling is a result of more pregnancy  hormones. Have your teeth checked out regularly, good dental health is very important when you're pregnant.

Emotionally, you may have highs and lows and you may be more sensitive than usual. At this time of pregnancy your sleep patterns may change and you may find that you remember your dreams.

It happens sooner for shorter women than for taller women, but it gets harder to eat much at a time due to the pressure from the baby against the stomach. Several small meals may be easier than eating fewer large meals. This will also keep metabolism higher.

BABY

Your baby is about 12 ounces and 7 ½ inches long and would fit into your cupped hands at 22 weeks into your pregnancy. The organs continue to develop and mature along with internal systems like the digestive and reproductive systems.

Eyebrows are growing and eyelids are forming on the face. The fingers will have nails and will be growing to the point that many babies need their nails trimmed at birth to avoid scratching themselves (in the uterus, the nails are soft from being in the amniotic fluid). Nerve endings in the fingers are developing.

Hair is growing but has no pigment so it is white. Taste buds are developing and your baby may detect strong flavors (from what you eat) in the amniotic fluid.

LIFE

It’s time to start thinking about a pediatrician. Ask around and do some research. Know what is important to you regarding your baby’s health care and find a pediatrician that matches with you and your partner’s preferences.

Look into baby furniture. Keep in mind they grow out of it very fast. At the beginning something that fits in your room will help everyone get more sleep. It will help your baby make the adjustment to the outside world and still be close by after 9 months of you being his or her 24/7.

Keep time set aside when it is just about you and your partner to balance out everything else revolving around the baby and the pregnancy. This skill will keep your relationship strong after the baby comes when it is habit to spend some time together with just the two of you. If you think the baby is the center of the universe now, just wait until he or she is born!

Keep up with your pregnancy journal or write down some of your feelings and preparations to slip into the baby book. It will preserve precious memories.

23 Weeks Pregnant

21 Weeks Pregnant

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