Week 22 is here, and your baby is about the size of a melon—around 11 inches long and weighing close to 1 pound. They’re not just growing—they’re discovering.
What’s Happening in Your Body?
Baby’s sense of touch is developing, so they’re exploring their tiny world. They might grab the umbilical cord, touch their face, or suck their thumb. Their face now looks even more like a newborn’s, with defined features and tiny eyelashes and eyebrows.
They’re also starting to have sleep cycles, alternating between active periods and quiet ones. That’s why sometimes you feel lots of kicks, and other times it’s calm in there.
For you, your belly is expanding upward and outward. Your center of gravity has shifted even more, which can make your back and hips feel sore.
Common Symptoms This Week
More noticeable kicks and rolls—baby’s movements are getting stronger!
Back pain or pelvic discomfort
Stretch marks might start to appear as your belly grows
Swollen feet or hands—especially after standing a long time
Dry or itchy skin on your belly and sides
Leaking colostrum (early breast milk) from your breasts—totally normal!
And you might notice you’re a little more breathless—your growing uterus is pushing on your diaphragm, leaving less room for deep breaths.
What You Can Do This Week
Try light prenatal stretches or yoga to ease back and hip pain
Moisturize your skin to help with dryness and itching
Practice good posture—support your back when sitting
Elevate your feet whenever possible to reduce swelling
Start learning about baby care basics, like newborn sleep or diapering—it’s never too early!
If you want to remember the first time you really saw your belly move or felt a strong kick, jot it down in an app like Cubtale—it’s one of those little milestones you’ll want to remember later.
Real Talk
Week 22 can feel like a sweet mix of wonder and “whoa, this is real.” You can feel baby more, see your belly growing every day, and yet—you’re still months away from meeting them.
It’s okay if you’re feeling impatient. Or overwhelmed. Or even really good right now. The middle stretch of pregnancy is full of contradictions—try to enjoy the calm before the bigger, heavier third trimester arrives.
We’re not doctors—we’re just parents who’ve been through the late-night Google searches, the “is this normal?” moments, and the waiting game. Everything we share here comes from our own experiences and research, but it’s not medical advice.
If you ever have questions or concerns about your pregnancy, always check with your healthcare provider. And if you notice anything we missed or got wrong, we’d love to hear from you—drop us a message anytime.