22 weeks pregnant
Second trimester about 5 months
At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a papaya.
Baby this week
About 27cm. The baby's grip is strong enough to grip the umbilical cord. Eyelids are present and the baby is sensitive to light, sound, and touch.
Did you know? At week 22, the baby's sense of touch is developing rapidly — they can feel the uterine walls and respond to external touch by pressing back.
What she may be feeling
- Strong fetal movement
- Belly button changes
- Back pain
- Heartburn
- Hemorrhoids possible
- Stretch marks
- Swelling
- Varicose veins
Tips for her this week
- Your belly button may be popping out — totally normal as the uterus expands.
- Hemorrhoids can develop during pregnancy due to increased blood flow and pressure — mention to your doctor.
- Stay active with gentle exercise — walking and swimming are excellent options.
- Continue iron intake — anemia is common in pregnancy and causes fatigue.
For partners
- Your baby can now hear clearly — read aloud, play music, have conversations near her belly.
- Plan and book the baby shower if family or friends are organizing one.
- Research and register for an infant CPR class — many hospitals offer them.
- Make sure the car seat is researched and purchased — installation can take practice.
Partner to-do list
- Register for an infant CPR class
- Research and purchase car seat
- Plan baby shower with family
- Set up the nursery furniture if not done
This week together
- Finalize baby shower planning
- Register for infant CPR class
- Tour the NICU if your hospital offers it (helps reduce anxiety)
- Discuss postpartum support plan — who helps in the first weeks?
When to call your doctor or midwife
Contact your care provider right away, or call emergency services, if she has:
- Heavy bleeding
- Regular contractions before week 37
- Fever
- Severe headache or vision changes
- Sudden significant swelling
Trusted guidance: NHS: Pregnancy · NHS: Pregnancy complications · ACOG: Pregnancy · Pregnancy Info: Your pregnancy
Common questions
How big is the baby at 22 weeks?
At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a papaya. About 27cm.
How many months is 22 weeks pregnant?
22 weeks pregnant is about 5 months, in the second trimester.
What can partners do at 22 weeks?
Your baby can now hear clearly — read aloud, play music, have conversations near her belly. Plan and book the baby shower if family or friends are organizing one.