In pregnancy week 22, your little one is nearly a pound in weight and is around 10.9" long. Eyelids, eyelashes and eyebrows have completely formed, and so has the nails to the extend they need trimming. Even the fingerprints have fully formed. Lips are fully formed too. Even the cartilage in the nose is developing and your little one has a better defined nose too. The heartbeat is stronger and can be heard through a stethoscope. The brain is growing at a very rapid rate. Every system such as the reproductive and digestive systems in the body is developing and growing. If your baby is a boy, the testes will descend from the pelvis region down into the scrotum.
The skin this pregnancy week 22 is becoming thicker. Lanugo, the baby fine hair now covers the whole body. This hair will be less if the baby is delivered after the due date.
In this week, you will feel hungrier than usual, and you only need to take around 300 calories more for your baby. You do not need to eat for two. If you are hungry, snack on fresh fruits and vegetables as they have a lot of fiber and will be good for your bowel movements.
Let's look at what is happening to your development in pregnancy week 22. Your fundus has moved to about 3/4 of an inch above your navel. Your tummy is still not so big, but you may find it awkward to do some exercise and dance movements. You also have started producing stretch marks. The best remedy is not to scratch, which is easier said than done. But it is important if you want to not have stretch marks later. Every time your tummy feels itchy, just smoothen the skin with your palm and don't give in to scratching. Smooth some olive oil or some herbal stretch mark cream, which are good for the skin. A few months after delivery, your undisturbed stretch marks will not leave any marks at all. Some women also find stretch marks in other parts of their body, such as their thigh, breasts and waist, and some women never get any stretch marks.
Around pregnancy week 22, you will find that your belly button is protruding. There is nothing to worry as most belly buttons return to normal some time after delivery. You may also have got the pregnancy glow. This is due to the increased blood circulation. And some women will have acne that they had in their teenage years. But this too will fade shortly after delivery.
From pregnancy week 22, lower back pain is quite common. This is due to your expanding belly that causes you to have poor posture. Sometimes hormones too can give you lower back pain. Be sure to sit straight and not slouch when sitting. Use a cushion at your lumbar region while sitting to support your posture. Sleep on your side to overcome lower back pain, or use a pillow or bolster, or invest in a pregnancy pillow to sleep well without pain. While awake, you can use a pregnancy belt, which will help support your growing tummy and not put stress on your back. Whenever you get up in the morning you could do some stretching exercises because they help stretch your muscles. If your back is really painful you could make an appointment with a chiropractor who has experience working with pregnant women.
