Week 22 · Second trimester
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Week 22 fetal development and pregnancy guide — length about 27.8cm, weight 约430g (about the size of a a squash)

Your baby is now about 27.8cm and 约430g, about the size of a a squash.

Medical references: WHO INTERGROWTH-21st · China Prenatal & Pregnancy Care Guide · ACOG

View each day of week 22 →

Week 22 fetal development milestones: length / weight / ultrasound data

Key developmental changes during week 22:

  • Touch develops rapidly, and the baby begins to touch its own face, body and umbilical cord.
  • The lips and tongue are extremely sensitive to touch — preparing for the rooting and sucking reflexes after birth.
  • The pancreas keeps developing and insulin secretion gradually stabilises (the fetus’s blood-sugar regulation strengthens).
  • The hair follicles are fully formed, and fine hair (lanugo) covers the whole body.
  • The eyes are fully developed, but the iris still lacks pigment and the eyelids remain closed.
  • Hearing develops further; it begins to sense internal sounds of the mother’s body such as the heartbeat, bowel sounds and blood flow.
  • The brain enters a phase of rapid proliferation, with a surge in neurons and neural connections — a key basis for intellectual development.
  • The fingernails have grown out, and grip strengthens.
  • The eyebrows and eyelashes are now visible to the naked eye, and the hair detail refines further.
  • About 27.8cm long, about the size of a small pumpkin, weighing about 430g.
Illustration of your baby about the size of a squash at week 22 (about 27.8cm/约430g)
Week 22 size: about the size of a a squash
BPD (biparietal diameter)52.3mmWidth across the head; reflects brain development
AC (abdominal circumference)172.4mmAbdomen circumference; reflects nutrient absorption
FL (femur length)36.5mmThigh bone length; tracks gestational age
Ultrasound parameters at week 22: BPD 52.3 mm, AC 172.4 mm, FL 36.5 mm (median reference)
Week 22 three core ultrasound parameters (median; varies by individual)

* Values are medians from WHO/China standards; individual variation is normal. References: WHO INTERGROWTH-21st, China Prenatal & Pregnancy Care Guide, ACOG guidelines.

Week 22 daily development

Your baby quietly grows every day of week 22. Tap any day to see fetal development, maternal changes, and daily guidance for that day.

148Day 1Today the baby is touching its own face — using its fingers to explore its nose, lips and cheeks, and the touch nerve endings are sending "what did I touch" signals to its brain. Its lips and tongue rank first in whole-body touch sensitivity, preparing it to find the nipple immediately after birth. Copy the baby — when lying on your side, gently draw slow circles on your belly with both hands and feel, through your fingertips, the tiny response it makes to your touch.149Day 2Start managing hand-and-foot oedema seriously from today: when at a desk job or on a long car ride, stand and walk for 3 minutes every hour; while sitting, put a small stool under your feet so your legs don’t dangle. Keep your daily water intake at 1.5-2L — many people fear drinking water because of oedema, but pregnancy needs enough water to metabolise sodium and waste; drinking too little actually worsens oedema. Use less salt at dinner (total daily salt no more than 5g), and control sauce/dippers in a small dish.150Day 3Is the stretched abdominal skin itching? Today apply moisturising oil (coconut oil or a dedicated stretch-mark cream) 1-2 times: before applying, warm the oil in your palms, then apply from the lower belly upward (don’t make horizontal circles that pull the skin), and also apply to the breasts and inner thighs. Applying right after a shower while the skin is still slightly damp locks in moisture best. Even though stretch marks relate more to genetics and weight-gain speed, keeping the skin moisturised notably relieves itching and discomfort.151Day 4The final push for the anomaly scan: if you haven’t been checked, complete it this week — after 24 weeks the fetus grows and calcifies more, and some structures may be obscured by the body or placenta. If any result is abnormal, don’t look it up on Baidu — copy the doctor’s marked "suggestion to re-check" areas from the report, return to the obstetric clinic for a systematic interpretation; most "suspected" items turn out fine on review.152Day 5Today check your navel: the fundus is about 2cm above it, and as the uterus grows your navel may poke out in late pregnancy — completely normal and will return after delivery. Don’t tape it down or press something over it; that is the enlarging uterus pushing the skin from inside the abdomen — a "satellite positioning signal" of the baby inside.153Day 6In your pregnancy diary today, write down answers to these two questions: ① "What kind of person do I hope my baby becomes?" ② "What do I look forward to doing when I first hold him/her?" No need to write much — two or three lines each is enough. This small self-dialogue helps you organise your emotions and strengthen your sense of control over the pregnancy experience — when bodily changes go beyond your control, psychological stability is the anchor you can hold on to.154Day 7Walk 20-30 minutes after lunch daily — choose paths near work or the neighbourhood, avoiding the hot hours from 10am to 3pm in summer, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and physical sunscreen. The pace should be "still able to sing while walking"; when the walk ends, don’t sit down immediately but walk slowly for 2 minutes to transition. Mid-pregnancy walking both soothes oedema and steadies blood sugar, laying groundwork for the upcoming GDM screen.

Week 22 belly changes

Illustration of belly changes at week 22: uterine position and abdominal prominence

At week 22 (second trimester) the uterus rises from the pelvis into the abdomen and most mums start to "show" — a gentle bump. First-time mums usually show a little later than mums who've been pregnant before; the fundal height sits between the navel and pubic bone.

Week 22 maternal body changes and common symptoms

  • The uterine fundus is about 2cm above the navel.
  • Fetal movement is steady and regular; you can feel various movements such as kicks and turning.
  • The hands and feet may swell slightly, especially after long standing/sitting or when it is hot.
  • The stretched abdominal skin may itch, and stretch marks may begin to appear (about 50-90% of pregnant women get them, related to genetics and the speed of weight gain).
  • Weight grows steadily, about 0.4-0.5kg a week in the second trimester (ACOG, standard BMI).
  • Heartburn and bloating may appear (pregnancy hormone slows digestion and the uterus presses up into the stomach).
  • The breasts enlarge; the areolae darken and the Montgomery glands become obvious.
  • The hair may become thicker and shinier (high pregnancy oestrogen extends the hair-growth phase).

Week 22 nutrition advice and recommended recipes

This week you can focus on vitamin B12 (needed for red-cell production and nervous-system maintenance): eat more fish, eggs, dairy, lean meat and animal liver (≤50g a week); strict vegetarians need extra B12 under a doctor’s guidance. Daily nutrition targets still follow authority guidance: about 340kcal extra (ACOG), calcium 1000mg, iron 27mg, DHA 200-300mg, folate 400-800μg (recommended through the whole pregnancy), iodine 230μg, fiber 25-30g, about 70g of quality protein. During itchy-skin phases, drink more water and eat light food. Avoid alcohol, raw or unpasteurised milk products, high-mercury fish, and keep caffeine to ≤200mg a day.

DHA200-300mgBrain & vision development
Recommended recipeClear-stewed crucian-carp soup

Crucian carp is rich in quality protein, DHA and B vitamins; clear-stewed with little oil, the broth is fresh and light, good for second-trimester nutrition. Make sure to remove all the bones and don’t make the soup too salty; those with gout or high uric acid should drink less fish soup and just eat the fish.

Week 22 prenatal education guide

The core of "fetal education" is still to help the mother-to-be relax and go with the flow; there is no strong evidence that any specific stimulation makes the baby smarter. This week the baby can sense your heartbeat and body sounds; a regular routine (fixed times for getting up, eating and resting) keeps you more stable and calm, and the baby also grows in a relatively regular environment — but this is mostly "looking after Mum" rather than "training" the baby. What you can do: keep a regular routine and moderate exercise; talk gently for 5-10 minutes at a fixed time daily and lightly stroke the belly; choose soothing music/white noise to relax. Don’t chase any specific "effect"; a cheerful mood is the best fetal education.

Week 22 partner's role

①Help your partner ease oedema: help raise her legs for 15-20 minutes daily, soak her feet in warm water (<38℃), and gently massage the feet (avoiding the inner acupoint of the ankle). ②Help keep a regular routine: eat, walk and rest on time together. ③Talk or sing close to the belly at a fixed time daily to build a father’s voice the baby recognises. ④Help with abdominal skin care: apply moisturising oil, remind her to drink water, and watch the stretch-mark changes together.

Week 22 checkup reminders

The last window for the anomaly scan (systematic ultrasound) is near — be sure to complete it before week 24; if you haven’t, book it as soon as possible. It is the most comprehensive structural malformation screen of pregnancy. At the same time look ahead: the GDM glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) is usually done at weeks 24-28; keep sugar-control habits from this week (fewer sugary drinks, coarse grains mixed into staples, walking after meals) to prepare for the screen. If earlier mid-term screen/NIPT abnormalities need further confirmation, follow your doctor’s genetic-counselling process.

Week 22 key concerns

Complete the anomaly scan before week 24Supplement vitamin B12Ease lower-leg oedemaMoisturise the abdominal skin30 minutes of moderate exercise daily (ACOG recommends 150 minutes a week across pregnancy)

Signs that need immediate care at week 22

If any of the following occurs, contact your obstetrician or seek medical help promptly: ① persistent spotting or brown discharge; ② sudden leakage of fluid from the vagina (possible preterm rupture of membranes); ③ persistent or severe abdominal pain, with fever, or regular contraction-like tightening (watch for preterm labour); ④ a fever over 38℃ that does not come down; ⑤ severe headache, blurred vision or severe upper-abdominal pain (watch for preeclampsia — the risk rises after week 20; check blood pressure and urine protein); ⑥ itching all over, especially palms and soles worsening at night with no rash (watch for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, ICP — check liver function and bile acids); ⑦ swelling, warmth or pain in one leg (watch for a clot); ⑧ clearly reduced fetal movement.

Week 22 frequently asked questions

Is itching all over normal at week 22?
Itching as the abdominal skin stretches with the enlarging uterus is common, and moisturising can ease it. But watch out: if you itch all over, especially the palms and soles, worsening at night and with no rash, seek care immediately to check liver function and bile acids to rule out intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) — it can affect the fetus and must be handled early.
How should I care for the abdominal skin at week 22?
Apply moisturising oil or stretch-mark cream (olive oil, cocoa butter, a dedicated care cream) 1-2 times a day to keep it moist; keep shower water not too hot and showers short; wear breathable cotton underwear; and avoid hard scratching. Steady weight gain also helps reduce stretch marks.
Can stretch marks be prevented?
About 50-90% of pregnant women get stretch marks, mainly related to genetics and the speed of weight gain; they cannot be fully avoided. Steady weight gain, consistent moisturising massage and moderate exercise can reduce their extent; most gradually fade to silvery-white fine lines after delivery.
Is swelling of the hands and feet normal at week 22?
In the second trimester blood volume rises and the enlarged uterus presses the inferior vena cava, so mild oedema after long standing/sitting or in hot weather is common. Raise your legs, lie on your left side, walk to promote return flow, and moderately limit salt. If the swelling suddenly worsens, spreads to the face and hands, or comes with headache/vision changes, check blood pressure to rule out preeclampsia.
Is it still OK to have the anomaly scan if I haven’t done it?
The best window for the anomaly scan is weeks 20-24; week 22 is still within the window, so book it and complete it as soon as possible — don’t let it drag past week 24. Popular hospitals have tight slots; once booked, go on time; if the baby’s position is poor, you may need to move and re-check or reschedule.
How to read the week-22 ultrasound report?
The three measurements at 22 weeks: BPD (biparietal diameter) about 52.3mm, AC (abdominal circumference) about 172.4mm, and FL (femur length) about 36.5mm, reflecting head, abdomen and leg development respectively. If the three are in step, growth is good; a single slight deviation isn’t necessarily abnormal — go by your obstetrician’s overall assessment.
How much weight gain is normal at week 22?
For a standard BMI, about 0.4-0.5kg a week in the second trimester, with a cumulative gain of roughly 5-7kg by week 22 being common. Watch the overall trend — use a weight-gain calculator to manage by BMI — and discuss with the doctor if it’s too fast or too slow.
Do I need to supplement vitamin B12 at week 22?
B12 is important for red-cell production and the nervous system; it is usually covered by fish, eggs, milk, lean meat and animal liver (≤50g a week) and generally doesn’t need extra supplementation. Strict vegans lack dietary B12 and need a supplement under a doctor’s guidance to avoid anaemia and nerve damage.
Is there a recommended exercise duration in pregnancy?
ACOG advises women without complications about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise accumulated weekly (walking, prenatal yoga, swimming), split over 5 days at about 30 minutes a day. Avoid intense exercise and pressure on the abdomen; stop and seek care for pain or bleeding.
Should I get the flu vaccine in pregnancy?
It’s recommended. The CDC and ACOG recommend that pregnant women receive the inactivated flu vaccine: pregnant women are at higher risk of severe flu, the vaccine protects mother and baby, and it is safe at every stage. During flu season (September to April) you can get vaccinated; tell them you’re pregnant.
Can I have sex at week 22?
If there’s no placenta praevia, bleeding, cervical insufficiency or threatened preterm labour, gentle sex is fine using positions that don’t press on the belly and with gentle movements. Pause if you feel unwell or the doctor advises against it; see a doctor for post-sex bleeding or pain.
What should I note about my sleeping position at week 22?
Practise sleeping on your left side to increase uterine-placental blood flow, using a pregnancy pillow to support the waist, abdomen and legs; you don’t need to stay that way all night — comfort and good sleep matter; avoid prolonged lying on your back and face-down on the belly.
What about heartburn and bloating at week 22?
Pregnancy hormone slows digestion and the uterus presses into the stomach, so heartburn and bloating are common. Eat small frequent meals, chew slowly, stay sitting 30 minutes after a meal before lying down, don’t eat within 2-3 hours before bed, and avoid spicy, greasy, overly sweet food and fizzy drinks. In severe cases, use a pregnancy-safe antacid under a doctor’s guidance.
What should I avoid eating at week 22?
Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish and eggs, high-mercury large fish, unpasteurised dairy, alcohol, caffeine over 200mg a day, and excess animal liver (vitamin A excess). Fully cooked, well-heated food is safer.
Can I fly during pregnancy at week 22?
Flying is more comfortable in the second trimester; most airlines don’t require a certificate before 32 weeks and need one after 32 weeks (most prohibit flying after 36 weeks). Choose an aisle seat, stay hydrated, and wear compression stockings to prevent clots; ask your doctor first if you have bleeding, pain or placenta problems.
What does fetal movement feel like at week 22?
This week movement is steady and regular; you can feel various movements like kicks, turning and bulging, mostly obvious after meals and in the quiet at night. Start getting familiar with the baby’s active times to prepare for formal counting after week 28; if the movement suddenly drops clearly, seek care any time.
Is increased discharge normal at week 22?
Higher oestrogen increases white discharge; milky-white or clear and odourless is normal. Watch out for turning yellow-green, foul-smelling, with itching (infection), or a sudden large amount of watery leakage (rupture of membranes) — seek care the moment these appear. Wear cotton underwear and don’t douche.
What about constipation at week 22?
Eat more coarse grains, fruit and vegetables for dietary fiber, drink 1.5-2L of water daily, walk after meals, and toilet on a regular schedule without squatting long. In serious cases consult a doctor for a pregnancy-safe laxative rather than buying a stimulant laxative yourself.
⚡The gestational-development data on this tool is compiled from the WHO INTERGROWTH-21st fetal growth standards, ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), and the Chinese Medical Association's Guidelines for Pre-conception and Prenatal Care, and is reviewed for consistency by obstetrics consultants against those authoritative standards. Daily developmental tips, maternal changes, and nutrition advice follow an evidence-based approach. Note that fetal length is measured differently by week: crown–rump length (CRL) at or before week 20, and crown–heel length (CHL) from week 21 — values either side of week 21 are not directly comparable, which is a normal measurement change.

Data sources & notes

This tool provides algorithm-based estimates from the authoritative standards above for pregnancy time planning and general reference. It does not replace a doctor's diagnosis or individualized medical advice; follow your obstetrician for all prenatal care decisions.

Week 22 daily focus

Key daily tips for this week; tap any item to view the full development and guidance for that day.

Day 1Today the baby is touching its own face — using its fingers to explore its nose, lips and cheeks, and the touch nerve endings are sending "what did I touch" signals to its brain. Its lips and tongue rank first in whole-body touch sensitivity, preparing it to find the nipple immediately after birth. Copy the baby — when lying on your side, gently draw slow circles on your belly with both hands and feel, through your fingertips, the tiny response it makes to your touch.Day 2Start managing hand-and-foot oedema seriously from today: when at a desk job or on a long car ride, stand and walk for 3 minutes every hour; while sitting, put a small stool under your feet so your legs don’t dangle. Keep your daily water intake at 1.5-2L — many people fear drinking water because of oedema, but pregnancy needs enough water to metabolise sodium and waste; drinking too little actually worsens oedema. Use less salt at dinner (total daily salt no more than 5g), and control sauce/dippers in a small dish.Day 3Is the stretched abdominal skin itching? Today apply moisturising oil (coconut oil or a dedicated stretch-mark cream) 1-2 times: before applying, warm the oil in your palms, then apply from the lower belly upward (don’t make horizontal circles that pull the skin), and also apply to the breasts and inner thighs. Applying right after a shower while the skin is still slightly damp locks in moisture best. Even though stretch marks relate more to genetics and weight-gain speed, keeping the skin moisturised notably relieves itching and discomfort.Day 4The final push for the anomaly scan: if you haven’t been checked, complete it this week — after 24 weeks the fetus grows and calcifies more, and some structures may be obscured by the body or placenta. If any result is abnormal, don’t look it up on Baidu — copy the doctor’s marked "suggestion to re-check" areas from the report, return to the obstetric clinic for a systematic interpretation; most "suspected" items turn out fine on review.Day 5Today check your navel: the fundus is about 2cm above it, and as the uterus grows your navel may poke out in late pregnancy — completely normal and will return after delivery. Don’t tape it down or press something over it; that is the enlarging uterus pushing the skin from inside the abdomen — a "satellite positioning signal" of the baby inside.Day 6In your pregnancy diary today, write down answers to these two questions: ① "What kind of person do I hope my baby becomes?" ② "What do I look forward to doing when I first hold him/her?" No need to write much — two or three lines each is enough. This small self-dialogue helps you organise your emotions and strengthen your sense of control over the pregnancy experience — when bodily changes go beyond your control, psychological stability is the anchor you can hold on to.Day 7Walk 20-30 minutes after lunch daily — choose paths near work or the neighbourhood, avoiding the hot hours from 10am to 3pm in summer, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and physical sunscreen. The pace should be "still able to sing while walking"; when the walk ends, don’t sit down immediately but walk slowly for 2 minutes to transition. Mid-pregnancy walking both soothes oedema and steadies blood sugar, laying groundwork for the upcoming GDM screen.

Content sources & notes

This guide references WHO INTERGROWTH-21st standards, the China Prenatal & Pregnancy Care Guide, ACOG clinical guidelines and BabyCenter (medically reviewed).

This page is educational pregnancy information for general reference and does not replace the diagnosis or advice of a licensed healthcare provider.

View the full fetal BPD/AC/FL reference table (weeks 14–42) →

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