Get an overview of the physical and emotional changes that occur in pregnancy week 22. Read on for further guidance on how to cope with nausea and abdominal pain.
Your body
What to expect in Week 22
Your body in week 22 - You are likely to be quite preoccupied with your body – those aches and pains! Your breasts may start to leak a little pre- milk – this is normal. You may also see some skin changes – darkening around your nipples and dark patches on your skin. Piles and haemorrhoids are not uncommon and can be painful. To know what changes take place week by week click here.
Baby size
What to expect
Your baby is the size of a Bell pepper/Capsicum (roughly 27 cms long and 410 gms in weight).
Your baby
What to expect
Baby listens intently, trying to make out the various sounds. He or she now understands the distinction between light and dark. Examine their reaction by shining a torch on your stomach! Baby is constantly grabbing his or her tiny ears. The lungs are growing in preparation for birth.
Taking care of yourself
Tips
- Having frequent healthy snacks like fruit and cut-up and cleaned vegetables – helps to cope with your increased appetite.
- Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day – helps prevent dizziness.
- Exercise regularly and encourage bowel movements to prevent constipation.
- Make sure you are having your prenatal vitamins.
- Get to know your baby – try to identify the baby’s different movements – kick, punch or hiccup? That will help cheer you up.
NHS England has more advice on how to care for yourself and your baby while pregnant.
Ask your doctor
- Do I need a whooping cough vaccination?
- Should I add a magnesium supplement to my diet?
- I am getting a lot of aches and pains. Is that normal?
- I notice some spotting and am having pain. What should I do?
- Is everything okay with my pregnancy? Do I need to be concerned about anything?
Actions
To do list
- Make sure you have some relaxation time. Watch your favourite TV shows – not just think and talk about your pregnancy.
- Do not sit or stand for long periods of time or keep your legs crossed.
- Record your weight and blood pressure on the Kushal app.
- Learn some soothing yoga-based relaxation techniques.
Kushal workshops are conducted once a week to help pregnant women learn how to stay physically and mentally healthy.
Questions you may have
Is it normal to feel dizzy? Do I have low blood sugar?
“I was told it is quite common and happens because of the changes going on in my body. Becoming dehydrated is also a common cause of dizziness. If it carries on for long check with your doctor to rule out anaemia. Low blood sugar is not common and is easily manageable.”
Dizziness or feeling faint is a normal symptom during pregnancy. It is more common in the first trimester, but you may experience it throughout your pregnancy.
The main cause of dizziness in pregnancy is the rising hormones that cause your blood vessels to relax and widen. This helps increase the blood flow to your baby, but it slows the return of the blood in the veins to you. This causes your blood pressure to be lower than usual, which can reduce the blood flow to your brain, temporarily causing dizziness. (Source: americanpregnancy.org)
I feel painless squeezing sensations in my belly that come on randomly. What are these?
“It could be your uterus is practising for delivery! These are Braxton-Hicks contractions and they are not to be feared.”
Braxton Hicks contractions can begin as early as the second trimester. However, they are most commonly experienced in the third trimester. When this happens, the muscles of the uterus tighten for approximately 30 to 60 seconds, and sometimes as long as two minutes.
Braxton Hicks are also called “practice contractions” because they are a preparation for the real event and allow the opportunity to practice the breathing exercises taught in childbirth classes. (Source: americanpregnancy.org)
Dizziness by Trimester
Healthline
Braxton Hicks Contractions
American Pregnancy Association
Disclaimer
Kushal's website provides health, fitness, and nutrition recommendations for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any health concerns, you should always check with your healthcare provider.