Your baby this week
Your baby looks like a real baby now! There are eyebrows and eyelashes — maybe they'll look like yours or papa's. The skin is still a little see-through but it's getting thicker. Your baby's grip is strong, holding onto the umbilical cord all the time. The inner ear is developing a sense of balance, so your baby can tell if it's upside down or right-side up. The lips are becoming more defined too. Your baby is starting to look like the one you'll hold in your arms.
Your body this week
Your gums may bleed more easily and you might notice slight vision changes (hormones can affect your cornea). Swelling in feet and hands may increase. The top of your uterus is above your belly button now. You may feel more emotionally balanced compared to the first trimester. Skin tags may appear. Your body continues to adapt in remarkable ways.
Common symptoms this week
Every pregnancy is different — you may notice some of these, all of them, or none at all. None of this is a checklist to worry over.
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen feet and hands
- New skin tags
- Steadier, calmer moods
This week’s checklist
- Switch to a softer toothbrush for bleeding gums
- Keep glasses handy if you wear contacts — vision may blur slightly
- Continue Kegel exercises — aim for 3 sets of 10 per day
- Discuss glucose screening test schedule (usually week 24-28)
- Stay connected with your support network
What’s normal this week
Most of what you’re feeling is your body doing exactly what it should — the everyday symptoms don’t need a call. The signs below are the rare exceptions: noticing one doesn’t mean something’s wrong, just that it’s worth a quick check.
When to call your doctor
- Sudden or severe vision changes (blurring, seeing spots)
- Persistent, severe headaches
- Decreased fetal movement
This guide offers general information for a typical pregnancy and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always follow your doctor or midwife’s guidance for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How big is my baby at 22 weeks pregnant?
At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a papaya.
What are common symptoms at 22 weeks pregnant?
Common symptoms around 22 weeks pregnant include bleeding gums; swollen feet and hands; new skin tags; steadier, calmer moods. Every pregnancy is different — you may notice some of these, all of them, or none at all.
What is developing at 22 weeks pregnant?
Your baby looks like a real baby now! There are eyebrows and eyelashes — maybe they'll look like yours or papa's.
When should I call my doctor at 22 weeks pregnant?
Call your doctor at 22 weeks if you notice sudden or severe vision changes (blurring, seeing spots); persistent, severe headaches; decreased fetal movement.
Last updated June 2026
References
Ovyacare’s guidance is written in-house and aligned with leading medical authorities: