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At 22 weeks your baby is about the size of a papaya

Second trimester · Weeks 14 to 27

22 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is about the size of a papaya.

Length

11"

Weight

1 lb

To go

18 wks

Week 4You are here · week 22Week 40

Your baby

What is developing at 22 weeks

Your baby now weighs around a pound and is starting to look more like a newborn, with distinct lips, eyelids, and tiny eyebrows. The sense of touch is developing, so baby may explore their face and grasp the umbilical cord. The inner ear is maturing, which helps your little one begin to sense balance and position.

Your body

What you may be feeling

Your belly is clearly showing now, and you may feel your center of gravity shifting. Common experiences include backaches, mild swelling, stretch marks, and stronger, more noticeable fetal movements. Some women also notice their hair feels thicker and their nails grow faster thanks to pregnancy hormones.

This week

Tips for week 22

Focus on good posture and consider a pregnancy pillow to support comfortable sleep on your side. Wear well-fitting, supportive clothing and shoes to ease the strain of your changing shape. This can be a lovely time to start thinking ahead about a birth plan and any childbirth classes you might want to take.

Following along week by week?

Try our baby size tool, due date calculator, and food safety checker, and book your prenatal care with Garden OB/GYN across Brooklyn, NYC, and Long Island.

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About this guide

This page is general educational information, compiled from publicly available guidance from trusted medical sources, including the NHS and MedlinePlus. It is not medical advice from Garden OB/GYN or its providers, and it is not a substitute for care from your own clinician. Every pregnancy is different, so always talk with your OB/GYN about your specific situation. See our full medical disclaimer.