22 week of first pregnancy

The period of the next 2 screening approaches the 21st week of pregnancy. Ultrasound at 22 weeks of gestation makes it possible to assess both the condition of the fetus (anatomical and functional) and the state of the system that ensures its life and normal development (placenta, umbilical cord, uterus). And also conduct a quantitative assessment of amniotic fluid. At this stage, it is possible to more accurately determine the sex of the fetus than at 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Anatomical and functional changes of the fetus

An ultrasound at week 22 allows you to determine the height and weight of the fetus. The growth of a child in the womb is about 28 centimeters, weight from 430 g to 500 g. The brain structures at this stage are almost completely formed, their growth stops, the composition of the cells is complete. The total weight of the brain is 100 g. Thanks to the developed brain, the baby is able to not only make sucking movements and put a finger in the mouth. At 22 weeks, thanks to an almost perfect brain, the fetal reflexes become more complex, movements become more active and difficult to perform. The child in the womb makes bends, complex movements of the limbs, and forward movements.

By the 22nd week of pregnancy, the baby has developed body systems; only their final formation continues. The fetus actively reacts to external stimuli and can push in the tummy. An ultrasound determines the gender, you can see the baby’s movements and sucking reflexes

The fetal sweat glands develop. The skeleton is actively developing, the formation of the spinal table is finishing; it consists, like any representative of homo sapiens, of vertebrae and intervertebral discs and includes a complete set of vertebrae.

The fetal myocardium contracts from 140 beats/min to 160 beats/min, and there is significant growth. In some cases, the fetal heartbeat can be heard if you put your ear to the pregnant woman's stomach.

By the second screening, lanugo - practically unpigmented fluff - becomes noticeable on the baby's body. It is needed to retain lubricant on the fetal body, providing a protective cover. Before the baby is born, the fluff will disappear from his body, and the lubricant will ensure easier sliding of the fetus through the mother's birth canal.

Laboratory diagnostics in the second trimester of pregnancy

During this period, the expectant mother is examined by an obstetrician-gynecologist once a month. A urine test is taken 2 times a month. It is advisable to time the last test to coincide with your visit to the doctor, so that the tests are ready for your arrival, and the doctor can prescribe treatment, if necessary, or additional examination (for example, ultrasound of the kidneys). At a monthly examination, a woman undergoes the following procedures:

• abdominal volume measurement;
• weight measurement;
• measurement of heart rate (pulse) and blood pressure (pressure).

In addition, the doctor must listen to the fetal heartbeat. These procedures are very important, as they allow you to assess the condition of the mother and baby.

Ultrasound diagnostics

At 22 weeks, the pregnancy calendar does not provide for an ultrasound diagnostic procedure. A routine ultrasound is performed at 17-20 weeks as part of the II screening examination. Reasons for performing an ultrasound at this time:

• the expectant mother did not have time to undergo screening within the specified time frame;
• questionable data from screening II, which requires monitoring the condition of the fetus or its life support systems.

During this period, the doctor pays special attention to the proportionality of the baby’s skeletal bones. At this time, the CTR (coccygeal-parietal size) on ultrasound loses its leading significance. The state of amniotic fluid (quantitative data, transparency) is also assessed and compared with the norm. Thus, using ultrasound, it is determined:

• norm;
• high and low water levels.

Next, the functional state of the umbilical cord and placenta, as well as their structure, is assessed. Ultrasound assesses the presence/absence of damage to the placenta, foreign inclusions and the degree of its maturity. The number of umbilical cord vessels and indicators of the quality of blood flow through them are determined.

At 20-22 weeks, not only the fetus is examined, but also the mother’s reproductive system - especially the uterus and placenta. At this time, the doctor can diagnose “polyhydramnios” or “oligohydramnios” and check the functioning of the uterus-placenta-fetus ligament.

At the 22nd week of pregnancy, the doctor carefully examines the fetal brain, its structure, including the cerebellum, comparing them with the norm. The ventricles of the brain are examined to exclude hydrocephalus. With normal brain development, their size is no more than 10 mm. Structurally, the nervous system and brain of the fetus are practically formed, so during this period an ultrasound specialist can evaluate the structure of the brain, compare the data obtained with standard parameters and give an answer regarding the normal development of the baby’s brain structures.

Next, the spinal column and the spinal cord in its canal are subject to evaluation. The structure and integrity of these formations is determined. If necessary, a 3D ultrasound scan can be performed at 22 weeks.

Ultrasound results and interpretation

• fetal abdominal circumference – from 148 mm to 190 mm;
• biparietal size – from 48 mm to 60 mm;
• fetal head circumference – from 178 mm to 212 mm;
• fronto-occipital size – from 64 mm to 76 mm;
• thigh bone size - from 35 mm to 43 mm;
• humerus bone size - from 31 mm to 39 mm;
• forearm bone size – from 26 mm to 34 mm;
• tibia bone size - from 31 mm to 39 mm;
• IR (resistance index) of placental vessels has an average value of 0.51 (permissible fluctuations from 0.36 to 0.69);
• SDO (systole-diastolic ratio) in the umbilical cord ranges from 3.87 to 3.95;
• IR in umbilical cord arteries ranges from 0.61 to 0.83 (mean value 0.73).

Pain in the second trimester of pregnancy

Pain in the lumbosacral region can bother a woman throughout pregnancy. This is due to an increase in the load on the spine due to an increase in body weight, a shift in the center of gravity due to a growing abdomen and the pressure of the pregnant uterus on surrounding tissues and organs.

To reduce pain, you need to rationalize your regimen. Do special gymnastics, walk more in the fresh air, do not sit in a sitting position for more than an hour at a time. For sitting, try to choose orthopedic chairs and wear comfortable shoes without heels. Physical activity must be strictly dosed and properly selected.

Pain in the lumbosacral region can be caused not only by natural changes in a woman’s body associated with pregnancy. There may be other causes of back pain at 22 weeks of pregnancy:

• kidney diseases (pyelonephritis, glamerulonephritis, etc.);
• beginning radiculitis;
• urolithiasis and so on.

In this regard, if the pain syndrome intensifies at 22 weeks, you should consult a doctor. You should also visit a doctor if you have pain in the lower abdomen. Abdominal pain, of course, can be associated with an error in diet. However, if the pain is cutting, pulling or cramping, and they are accompanied by bloody discharge or leakage of amniotic fluid, you should immediately contact a gynecologist, as these manifestations may indicate a threat of pregnancy failure.

During this period, developing hemorrhoids can cause pain. Its appearance is due to the fact that the pregnant uterus puts pressure on the vessels in the pelvic area, which impairs the outflow of blood. In addition, there may be disturbances in the functioning of the intestines, which lead to constipation and complicate the process of defecation.

Many pregnant women suffer from constipation and can sometimes develop hemorrhoids: give preference to light foods rich in fiber

Vaginal discharge in the second trimester of pregnancy

This period is not significant in terms of changes in allocations. There may be discharge. But they should be in moderate quantities, have a slightly sour smell and be light in color. In no case should a large amount of mucus and cheesy formations appear in the discharge; they should not be green or yellow in color or have an unpleasant fishy odor. All these are signs of an infectious process, ranging from elementary candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis to very unpleasant sexually transmitted infections.

If there is blood in the discharge at 22 weeks of pregnancy, you should immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance. Since such discharge indicates an unfavorable situation:

• premature birth;
• placental abruption;
• placenta previa or its marginal location.

If the discharge is clear and abundant, you should also immediately consult a doctor, as there may be leakage of amniotic fluid. Leakage is not always abundant, but if visually the amount of discharge has increased significantly, this is a cause for concern.

The hair on the head grows with high intensity, the expressiveness of the eyebrows increases, but since the child’s melanin is at a low level, the hair color is not clearly expressed. The child’s brain has developed to such an extent that he himself makes this or that movement and checks whether he can move his fingers. He begins to touch his body, the placenta and explore the inner world through touch. Due to the high intensity of movements, you will feel your baby even better than before.

The woman's condition remains good, but changes in the body are inevitable. The amount of blood increases, the amount of plasma increases, which serves as a conductor of useful substances. This is often the reason why anemia occurs – low levels of iron in the blood. This brings a lot of inconvenience, so it is advisable to consult a doctor. As a rule, this problem occurs only at this stage. The 22nd week of pregnancy is also characterized by the fact that mommy’s legs, back and lower back hurt.

A woman may feel a strong desire to have sex, this is completely normal, because the body has recovered from toxicosis and requires more activity. You won't be able to harm your child if you make love with your partner, but you shouldn't neglect it either. First of all, you need peace.

Belly at 22 weeks pregnant

The twenty-second week of pregnancy is still the second trimester. This period is considered the most carefree, so to speak, time of bearing your baby. This week is the second week of the sixth month. The child continues to develop gradually. At the same time, you will notice an increase in the abdomen. But these changes will not yet be a burden to you.

Thus, your belly will apparently grow at 22 weeks of pregnancy (see photo and video). At this stage, you cannot do without maternity clothes. Today it can be purchased in almost any store for expectant mothers. Despite the rapid growth of your child, the tummy will not reach such a size as to prevent the pregnant woman from bending over, sitting down, or performing simple physical work. A constant increase in the abdomen leads to stretching of the skin. Often you may experience an itching sensation. To avoid this on your skin, you should take care to moisturize it regularly. Your doctor will tell you what methods you can use to achieve this.

Photos of bellies at 22 weeks

Analyzes

During the 22nd week, it would be rational to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist who will examine you, measure your blood pressure, your height, and weight. He will also take the usual measurement of your abdominal volume. He will analyze the level of the uterus and listen to your baby’s heartbeat.

As for the tests, at week 22 you will be required to donate urine and blood to determine the level of sugar in your body, the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and protein in the urine. There is a possibility that you will need to have an ultrasound examination. All this will help you make sure that your and your baby's health is normal.

Ultrasound at 22 weeks

The second planned ultrasound is done at 22 weeks of pregnancy. During this ultrasound, your doctor will check whether the child has any acceptable defects and examine the degree of development of internal organs.

At this week of pregnancy, the coccygeal-parietal size no longer plays such a role in terms of establishing the norm for fetal development. In contrast, the doctor looks at the overall proportions of the body.

At the same time, the specialist analyzes the amount and transparency of the amniotic fluid, then establishes the level of polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios, and examines the condition of the umbilical cord and placenta.

Ultrasound photo at 22 weeks

22 weeks of pregnancy: what happens to the baby

At the 22nd week of pregnancy it weighs 430-500 g, and height reaches about 28 centimeters. There is one plus: if for some reason the pregnancy is terminated prematurely, the child, when born, can be born and viable.

At this stage, the baby’s brain is almost formed: its growth stops, the composition of brain cells becomes full and weighs 100 g. In connection with this formation, reflexes improve and everything becomes more complicated: a baby at the 22nd week of pregnancy no longer just sucks his finger, but it is within his power now bend over, move forward.

The baby's sweat glands actively develop, and the size of the heart increases significantly. Calcium continues to be adjusted in bone tissue. At the same time, the spine is fully formed - it includes all the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.

Vellus hairs become noticeable on the child’s body; they are also called lanugo. They retain the vernix, which covers the baby's entire body, thus protecting it from abrasions and aquatic environments. Before birth, vellus hair will disappear from the baby’s body, and birth lubricant will perform the function of passing through the birth canal at the time of birth.

Movements

Meanwhile, when there is still a lot of time left before giving birth, the baby moves with particular activity in your tummy. And this is the most joyful thing for mothers!

It is these wonderful sensations - the consciousness that a new life is being born inside you. At these moments, every woman is truly happy. Some psychologists claim that a woman can sometimes be seen when she is 22 weeks pregnant. Now you clearly feel how the baby moves in your tummy, resting its arms and legs against it.

Moreover, the baby’s movements are not only a manifestation of physical activity, but also a certain sign: for example, to create a quiet environment or go out into the fresh air. At this stage of development, the baby becomes very sensitive to external factors: sound, light, noise, etc. He can express his dissatisfaction with sudden movements. Frequent movements of the baby may indicate that he does not have enough oxygen and with the help of movements he makes the heart beat faster, thus moving blood around the body.

However, you should not constantly think that the baby is missing something. You just have to monitor your child’s mobility in the morning and evening. The rhythm of sleep and activity does not always coincide with the mother’s schedule - sometimes he is too active during rest or will be with the mother early in the morning.

Although it is important to know that if the baby’s movement is not noticeable for a day or more, you should immediately see a doctor. This absolutely cannot be delayed.

22 week of pregnancy: sensations and pains

Pain in the lumbar and back areas accompanies a woman at 22 weeks of pregnancy. These pain symptoms are considered the most common. They arise due to the fact that the stomach increases and the center of gravity shifts. To prevent pain from bothering you so much, you need to limit yourself in exercise and strengthen your spine with the help of a special set of exercises for pregnant women. You need to give up heels and choose the right chair for sitting with an orthopedic back. Do not sit in a sitting position for more than an hour. Pregnant women are recommended to spend more time outdoors and do not forget about the mandatory daily exercises. You should also consult your doctor about a set of exercises.

Although, if you experience lower back pain, you shouldn’t blame everything on pregnancy; it could be a health problem. These may be symptoms of pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, so this requires urgent examination by a doctor. Do not delay and contact a specialist as soon as possible.

One of the possible diseases is also hemorrhoids. It often begins in pregnant women and is painful. Hemorrhoids often occur when the uterus enlarges at 22 weeks of pregnancy and puts pressure on the blood vessels. This leads to deterioration of blood flow in the pelvic area. Hemorrhoids can be cured by changing your diet (food should be rich in fiber, which improves intestinal motility), and to relieve pain, you can use suppositories, which a professional will help you choose.

Pain that occurs in the 22nd week of pregnancy does not bode well: if at this stage your stomach feels tight or hurts, you should definitely consult a doctor. Pain can be the cause of improper digestion, but it can also indicate a threat of pregnancy failure. This may be accompanied by an increase in discharge, the appearance of blood in it, and the leakage of amniotic fluid.

Discharge at 22 weeks of pregnancy

Discharge does not change at 22 weeks of pregnancy. They should be moderate, light, with a slightly sour smell. These are the criteria for normal discharge this week. If your discharge has become green or yellow, or your discharge has cheesy clots, you should check for infectious diseases and consult a doctor.

If you experience spotting at 22 weeks of pregnancy, you should immediately call an ambulance. The presence of such discharge indicates the possible onset of premature labor. Also, bleeding may indicate placental abruption. If this area is located close to the cervical canal (in case of detachment in other areas, there is no blood, but is accompanied by pain). In addition, bleeding may be a sign of placenta previa and its marginal location.

You should definitely contact your doctor immediately if the discharge is significant, watery, or translucent. In this case, the likely cause is leakage of amniotic fluid. Although these discharges are not always significant, water may leak little by little.

Sex at 22 weeks pregnant

Oddly enough, sexual relations at 22 weeks of pregnancy are not only not prohibited, but are also recommended - sex will only benefit a woman. Only on condition if there are no restrictions on the part of the doctor. Physical intimacy at week 22 cannot harm your unborn child in any way: the baby is protected by the membranes and amniotic fluid.

Another positive aspect is that it is during this period that a woman experiences special sensitivity and her desire for sexual intimacy has no boundaries. All this is due to the fact that by the 22nd week, due to increased bleeding in the woman’s body, the blood supply to the genital organs of the expectant mother is improved. It is not strange that it is at these moments that many women experience orgasm for the first time. Weight requires careful attention in the 22nd week and requires special monitoring.

Weight at 22 weeks of pregnancy

Mommy’s health is excellent at this time, her appetite is increased. And it is not only consistently elevated, but also greatly intensified, so there is a high probability of gaining excess weight before the onset of labor. In general, by the time of childbirth the weight gained should be about 11-16 kg, and at the 22nd week the weight fluctuates within the range of plus 8 kg to the woman’s initial weight before pregnancy. Thus, after this, the weight should increase by 300-500 g weekly. It is advisable not to violate periodicals.

Since weight control requires scrupulous attention, it is therefore simply necessary to adhere to a rational diet and include healthy, natural foods in your diet. For the full development of your baby’s body, it will be necessary to include a large amount of protein in the diet. Protein is found in fish, lean meat, and dairy products. As for calcium, dairy and fermented milk products will provide you with it. Fresh vegetables, fruits, yoghurts (natural), kefir, dried fruits improve intestinal motility and help avoid problems with bowel movements, as well as the development of hemorrhoids.

To avoid gaining excess weight, you should limit your consumption of sugar, sweets, and flour products. That is, in those foods that are rich in “fast” carbohydrates. This can cause diabetes in pregnant women. Salt consumption should also be limited. The danger of salt is that it retains water in the body and leads to the development of edema. How the 22nd week of pregnancy proceeds can also be found in the “Forum” section.

Very often, the second trimester of pregnancy is accompanied by a decrease in the amount of iron in the mother’s body and the occurrence of anemia as a result. In order to prevent iron deficiency anemia, you should add buckwheat porridge, beef liver, dried fruits, and pomegranates to your diet.

For safety reasons, you should consult your doctor about taking an additional vitamin-mineral complex to support immunity in pregnant women. The doctor will prescribe your drug, inform you about the doses and period of use. To do this, you will once again have to undergo some tests.

Danger

• The main danger of this period is repeated toxicosis. It no longer occurs due to hormonal changes, but due to an exacerbation of chronic, often endocrine or cardiovascular diseases. Such toxicosis is not only unpleasant for well-being, but also dangerous. He needs to be treated, preferably in a hospital. It would be better to prevent it by telling the doctor in detail at the previous stages about all your health problems.
• Pregnancy anemia (iron deficiency) may occur due to an increase in the amount of blood in the mother.

1. Talk to your doctors about preventing anemia in pregnancy
2. Monitor any unpleasant sensations or changes in well-being, especially in the kidney area. If necessary, inform your doctors immediately.
3. The rest of the recommendations are standard. Rest, prevent varicose veins, eat right.

Also viewed with this article

Author of the publication: Eduard Belousov

The 22nd obstetric week of pregnancy is the period corresponding to 20 weeks from the date of conception. Despite the fact that mid-pregnancy is considered the calmest period, during this period changes occur in the development of the baby. Mom may also develop new symptoms unexpectedly.

What changes occur within a woman during this period? What should I be wary of and what symptoms should I consult a doctor about?

22 weeks of pregnancy - fetal development, photos, how does the baby develop and feel?

The height of the future man is now 200-270 mm, weight ranges from 350 to 400 g., which corresponds to the weight of a young zucchini.

This week he is especially active. It is no longer possible not to notice his movements. Many babies at this stage occupy the correct position in the uterus.

What has formed, what is happening, what does it look like?

The child begins to more actively learn about himself through touch, and thereby expands his tactile sensations.

The baby's brain already weighs 100 g, from now on it will develop a little slower.

Connections between the brain and spinal cord begin to form. By the end of this week, the child has already formed the required number of nerve cells that will remain with him for the rest of his life. All vertebrae, ligaments and joints complete their formation.

Movements become more and more coordinated, and reactions become more conscious. He reacts to a loud sudden sound with a sharp and quick push. Lightly stroking the abdomen with smooth movements.

Hearing is improving every day. The baby not only hears his mother’s voice, but also feels its vibration. You can sing him lullabies or play pleasant melodies. The baby will remember these sounds, and after birth they will have a calming effect on him.

According to some experts, babies see their first dreams in the womb. This statement was made after it was possible to record the brain function of an unborn child.

What can be seen on an ultrasound?

In the period from 20 to 22 weeks, a second planned ultrasound is performed. Mom can see a cute baby on the monitor screen. Most likely, at this moment he will sleep or play with his fingers.

What is the task of doctors:

• Measure the size of the fetus.
• Assess the condition of the placenta, uterus, and cervix.
• Examine the spine and the integrity of the spinal cord.
• Assess the structure of the cerebellum and measure the size of the ventricles of the brain.
• Analyze the structure of all internal organs.

Video: 22 weeks of pregnancy

Fetal heart rate at 22 weeks

Heartbeat is considered normal 130-160 beats in a minute. This difference is explained by the fact that the baby changes periods of activity with wakefulness. The mother's behavior also affects the heart rate. If a pregnant woman is at rest, the baby's cardiac activity decreases.

Significant deviations up or down occur for various reasons:

• Low hemoglobin in the mother or child.
• Metabolic disorders in the fetus.
• The expectant mother has an elevated temperature.
• Taking drugs that block the nervous system.

What happens in a woman's body?

Due to the pressure of the uterus on the internal organs, breathing difficulties arise. This manifests itself as a constant lack of air. You need to get used to this, since this problem cannot be eliminated. To alleviate the condition, you need to spend more time in the fresh air and regularly ventilate the room.

Most of the second trimester is behind us, but many women continue to experience leg cramps and heartburn. It also happens that toxicosis returns to a woman. At 5 months it is not as harmless as at the beginning of pregnancy. The fact is that its appearance has nothing to do with hormonal changes. Secondary toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy is considered a disease and can cause hospitalization.

In order to detect late toxicosis in time, a woman needs to monitor the level of protein in her urine and blood pressure.

This period is characterized by rapid weight gain. Weight gain directly depends on a woman’s physique, height and nutrition. On average, per week the expectant mother becomes larger by 300-500 g.

A woman may be concerned about the appearance of false contractions. These are short-term contractions of the uterus that last from 1 to 5 minutes. At the same time, the lower abdomen tenses and hardens.

Changes in a woman’s body at 22 obstetric weeks of pregnancy

Chest and abdomen of a woman at 22 weeks of pregnancy

The breasts, as before, swell and enlarge. Small droplets of colostrum are released from the nipples. If you express this fluid, its amount will increase. All the expectant mother needs to do is keep her mammary glands clean.

An expanding belly is already causing some inconvenience. It becomes uncomfortable for mommy to get out of bed, bend over and do usual things.

The skin on the abdomen is subject to tension, so you need to take care of moisturizing it. A contrast shower will help the mother avoid stretch marks and strengthen the baby. You just need to make sure that its temperature is not too extreme.

Movements during pregnancy

The baby tries to explore his environment. Therefore, every day his movements in the uterus become more and more diverse. This week he makes about two hundred movements every day. But mommy notices only the strongest ones.

The intensity of his movements depends on the environment in which the mother is. Too bright light and noise make him move more often. In addition, the emotional state of the mother plays a significant role.

Sometimes pregnant women notice small rhythmic tapping sounds. This is the result of the baby's hiccups.

If movements stop for more than a day, you must inform your doctor about this.

What can and cannot be done for a woman during pregnancy?

As in previous weeks, the pregnant woman needs to give up bad habits such as alcohol and smoking.

In general, pregnancy imposes certain obligations on a woman. Therefore, mom needs to get used to self-discipline. This is especially true for nutrition.

Now it is very important to adhere to a reasonable approach to food, since the subsequent course of pregnancy and the health of the baby depends on this.

You also need to be careful not to cross your legs or stay in one position for a long time. If a woman has previously slept on her back, now she will have to learn to sleep on her side. This position is considered the safest. For comfort, you can place a small pillow under your tummy.

It is important to prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy, as this can adversely affect labor and delivery. To do this, you need, firstly, to eat in small portions, and secondly, to move more often so that blood circulation does not stagnate.

At this stage, the pregnant woman can take topical medications that are not absorbed into the systemic circulation. Antispasmodics and some antibiotics are also allowed.

22 weeks of pregnancy - how to understand that everything is fine?

To be sure that pregnancy is proceeding normally, a woman needs to monitor any changes occurring in her body.

If mom feels well and regularly visits her doctor, there is no reason to worry.

Popular questions about pregnancy - answered by a specialist

Obstetric and embryonic term - how are they different?

Obstetric term used by gynecologists to simplify the calculation of the approximate date of birth. Its beginning is the first day of the last menstruation.

Embryonic term– this is the baby’s real age from the moment the egg is fertilized.

In Korea, when a child is born, the date from the moment of conception is entered into the documents.

Is discharge at 22 weeks of pregnancy normal or a threat of miscarriage?

Light white or transparent discharge is considered normal. Their smell should be slightly sour. Curdled or purulent discharge is dangerous, and blood from the vagina is a reason to visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Excessively watery discharge should alert a woman, as it may indicate leakage of amniotic fluid.

If at 22 weeks of pregnancy you cannot hear the fetal heartbeat?

The heart pulsation should be clearly audible at this time. Otherwise, doctors declare a frozen pregnancy.

What if your lower abdomen feels tight during pregnancy?

If you feel such pain, there is no need to worry, as this is a normal phenomenon during a normal pregnancy. But if, along with abdominal pain, unusual discharge appears and the pain spreads to the lower back, sacrum, and bladder, you need to consult a doctor.

The ovaries hurt or hurt at 22 weeks - reasons?

The main cause of these pains is the growing uterus. Along with weight, the belly increases, this creates a huge load on the muscles and ligaments. That is why the pregnant woman experiences such unpleasant sensations.

Is it normal if toxicosis suddenly disappears at 22 weeks of pregnancy, the nausea stops, I don’t feel pregnant; is there blood?

Toxicosis in most cases at this stage no longer bothers pregnant women. This is absolutely normal. However, the appearance of blood should alert you. Perhaps a few drops appeared after sexual intercourse. But if the bleeding is profuse, the pregnant woman needs to visit a doctor as soon as possible.

22 weeks of pregnancy with IVF - what do doctors do?

During IVF pregnancy, examinations are carried out every two weeks. During the appointment, doctors examine and determine the length of the cervix. If necessary, an ultrasound examination is performed.

If there is a suspicion of fetal pathology, amniocentesis is prescribed.

Is it possible to detect a frozen pregnancy at 22 weeks or does it rarely freeze at this time?

Closer to the third trimester, the likelihood of fetal death decreases significantly.

You can suspect that the child has stopped developing if all signs of pregnancy suddenly disappear in a woman.

Are ARVI, influenza and other diseases dangerous at 22 weeks of pregnancy?

As a rule, at this stage most diseases cannot affect the development of the child. It is well protected by the placenta and amniotic fluid. In addition, the baby has already developed primary immunity.

As for diseases that are severe, they can harm the unborn child. Therefore, a pregnant woman needs to be careful.

At 22 weeks of pregnancy, toxicosis disappeared and I feel good?

This condition is typical for most pregnant women. To enjoy motherhood right up to childbirth, the mother needs to follow all the recommendations and maintain a positive attitude.

In order to successfully carry and give birth to a healthy baby, a woman has to sacrifice a lot. At the same time, she is full of joyful anticipation. During this period, the support and understanding of loved ones is more important than ever.

Already 22 weeks pregnant. The baby's body is improving. This period of bearing a baby is very important for the expectant mother - she already feels her baby well, while still remaining quite mobile and graceful. The small size of the tummy allows you to actively engage in everyday activities, while devoting enough time to communicate with the child; Mommy can monitor his activity and already understands when the baby is uncomfortable or bored.

By this time, your baby is the size of a zucchini - about 25-27 cm in length and 350-400 g in weight.

How many months have passed? Five and a half obstetric months of your pregnancy have already passed, and you feel your baby better and better, feel a thin thread of connection between you.

Your baby has almost completed the most important stage of his life - the formation of almost all organs; in the future it will mostly grow and mature.

What happens at 22 weeks of pregnancy?

The size of the baby continues to grow, the formation of all major organs and even systems is completed, now his organs will grow and mature. Changes also occur in the body of the expectant mother - it is at the 22nd week that there is a significant increase in the volume of circulating blood, which means that the blood supply not only to the placenta and baby, but also to all the mother’s organs, improves.

At 22 weeks of pregnancy, mothers usually no longer suffer from toxicosis, while the tummy is still neat and does not interfere with everyday life. Thanks to good health and closeness with the baby, the mother’s life plays with new colors - this is the best time to relax, communicate with loved ones, and walk in nature.

Fetus at 22 weeks of gestation and its development

The 22nd week of pregnancy has arrived - the development of the fetus enters a new phase, the formation of the main organs and systems is completed. Of course, the baby is still far from full maturity; his organs and systems still need to grow for a long time, but the main structures are already fully assembled. At this stage of intrauterine development, the child is not yet able to do without his mother, so childbirth at 22 weeks of pregnancy usually ends tragically. Therefore, the expectant mother must be careful, take care of herself and follow all recommendations in order to bear a healthy baby.

At this stage, the fetal brain can reach a weight of 100 g, and convolutions begin to form on its surface. All brain cells have already been formed, and further growth of the brain continues due to the formation of neuron processes. This is how various connections are formed between different parts of the brain and spinal cord.

The spine also completes its formation - more and more calcium is deposited in the bone structures, vertebrae and intervertebral discs are formed.

The baby's heart increases significantly in size, it contracts at a frequency of 140-160 beats per minute. Sometimes you can hear the beating of a little heart by putting your ear to your mother’s tummy.

The baby's hair and nails begin to grow, eyebrows and eyelashes appear. The hair is still thin and transparent, but already quite noticeable. The nails extend slightly from the fingers.

As the child’s nervous system actively matures, his motor activity becomes more focused. At earlier stages, the baby moved his arms and legs chaotically, but now he is trying to grab the umbilical cord, the other arm or legs with his fingers. In addition, if you place your palm on your tummy, the baby can move closer to the palm, and when exposed to bright light, on the contrary, hide from it.

Photo of the baby. Ultrasound at 22 weeks

Below we present to your attention an ultrasound photo of the baby at this stage of pregnancy.

One more thing

Baby movements at 22 weeks of pregnancy

Usually, during the first pregnancy, the mother begins to feel distinct movements of her baby by the 20th week of pregnancy. And by the 22nd week, the mother can already clearly distinguish the baby’s movements from the work of internal organs.

The child is becoming more active every day, and now he is training his coordination. If the mother takes a position that is uncomfortable for the child or he does not have enough oxygen, he begins to move more actively, and may even cause pain to the mother. Try changing the position - the baby should calm down.

If the baby suddenly becomes too active, does not calm down when changing position, or vice versa - you have not felt his movements for more than a day, you need to urgently contact the clinic, this may indicate a disruption in the course of pregnancy and the fetus suffering from severe hypoxia.

Proper nutrition

The expectant mother's belly is not yet very large; the uterus may not yet squeeze the stomach and intestines as much as it will in one to two weeks. However, a woman should accustom herself to eating lighter and smaller meals, then she will not suffer from heartburn as much. Heartburn occurs because the pregnant uterus presses on the stomach, causing stomach acid to leak into the esophagus.

The most important thing in nutrition is to include all the necessary substances in the diet and drink enough liquid. After all, the mother must not only eat well herself, she must provide her baby with all the plastic materials, he grows quickly, and for normal development he should not lack macro- and micronutrients.

Mommy must consume a sufficient amount of fiber (fruit and vegetable dishes, cereals), protein (fish, lean meat products, legumes), and the diet must include fermented milk products. It is better to give up simple carbohydrates - sugar and sweets, and replace white bread with whole grain bread. Weight at 22 weeks of pregnancy should increase by no more than 6 kg from the original. If you notice that the weight gain is too much, you should reconsider your nutrition plan, otherwise, by the time of childbirth, pathological weight gain will make you feel quite unwell, and problems during childbirth are possible.

Mom's feelings

The 22nd week of pregnancy is the most wonderful time for a future mother. She can go about her usual activities, but it is not always obvious from her mommy that she is pregnant. A significant increase in blood flow makes the mother easier to get up, and a whole breakthrough can happen in sexual life - due to the improved blood supply to the genital organs, sexual life becomes very vibrant, many women experience orgasm for the first time.

Many men are afraid of sexual relations with their pregnant wife; they are afraid of harming the baby. It is important to understand that the child is well protected, and if basic care is taken, it is almost impossible to cause harm.

During this period, a woman’s blood volume increases significantly, while the rate of red blood cell formation may not keep pace with the increase in fluid volume. Because of this, at this time a woman may often experience physiological anemia; to prevent it, you need to consume more foods containing iron. In addition, the fetus consumes a lot of calcium, due to which its level in the mother’s blood may decrease (this is often manifested by cramps in the calf muscles), so calcium intake should also be increased.

An increase in the volume of fluid in the body can be manifested by edema - many mothers begin to notice swelling in themselves at this stage, the size of the legs may increase, and rings on the fingers should not be worn at all - due to the edema, they greatly compress the tissues, sometimes it is difficult to remove them.

Discharge at the 22nd week of pregnancy is not abundant, mucous, without an unpleasant odor. You should be wary if brown or bloody discharge appears; curdled and greenish discharge may indicate an infection.

Pain at 22 weeks of pregnancy

The tummy is growing, which means the load on the spinal column is also growing. If you are increasingly worried about back pain or lumbar pain, it’s time to think about wearing a special support bandage; it will remove excess weight from the vertebrae and help get rid of pain.

Abdominal pain at 22 weeks of pregnancy is dangerous - if it is accompanied by persistent uterine tension, brown discharge or blood clots, this may be a sign of a threat of miscarriage; you should immediately contact the clinic.

At this time, training contractions may appear - the muscles of the uterus tense, then relax. Usually such contractions are painless and go away after a change in body position if the mother walks. Contractions at the 22nd week of pregnancy, which become painful and prolonged, accompanied by bloody discharge, also serve as a sign of the onset of labor.

Necessary tests and studies at 22 weeks

Visits to the antenatal clinic in this trimester are carried out monthly; before visiting the doctor, you should take a test.

At the clinic appointment, the doctor will take measurements of the abdomen, measure blood pressure, weigh the expectant mother, and listen to the baby’s heartbeat with a special stethoscope. These measurements are very important for assessing the development of the baby and the condition of the mother’s body.

Typically, a repeat ultrasound screening is performed at 21-23 weeks of pregnancy. An ultrasound at the 22nd week of pregnancy allows you to assess the general condition and development of the baby, the condition of the baby's place (placenta), and amniotic fluid. It is often possible to determine the sex of your baby at the indicated date, however, due to its small size, errors are possible.

Of course, pregnancy with twins proceeds somewhat differently. At this stage, the belly of a mother with twins is usually clearly visible, she begins to get more tired, and back pain appears. Babies move actively, which can also cause inconvenience for the mother.

The mother of twins should carefully monitor her diet, eat a varied diet, but not overeat. You need to rest more, walk in the fresh air, and spend more time communicating with the kids. Your children can already distinguish sounds and distinguish mom’s voice from others (although they can also hear dad’s lower voice well), so try to sing and read more to your little ones.

Sex at 22 weeks pregnant

Sex at 22 weeks of pregnancy is not only not prohibited, but is very useful and pleasant for the mother. As mentioned above, the genitals of a pregnant woman are actively supplied with blood and oxygen, which is why the sensations during this period of pregnancy become very vivid. Thanks to this, the couple’s relationship can open up new facets, become closer and more tender. If doctors do not see any contraindications for your sexual life, do not limit your partner and yourself in pleasure.

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Questions - answers

I am 22 weeks pregnant, frequent urination has already become habitual, but periodically I experience pain when urinating. Is this normal during pregnancy?

No, pain during urination is a sign of infection. You need to take a urine test and see a doctor to prescribe treatment, because without timely treatment, cystitis can develop into pyelonephritis (kidney inflammation), which is very dangerous for both the expectant mother and her baby.

I read that from the 20th week of pregnancy you can hear the baby’s heart beating simply by putting your ear to your stomach. I am 22 weeks pregnant, and neither my husband nor my mother-in-law can hear the fetal heartbeat. Is everything okay with the baby?

Indeed, starting from the 20th week of pregnancy, there is a chance to hear the fetal heartbeat by placing your head to your stomach. However, to clearly distinguish the heart, many factors are important - what position the child is in, how much amniotic fluid is in the uterus, and much more. In later stages, it is much easier to hear the heartbeat. Don't be upset if you can't hear a heartbeat at 22 weeks - this doesn't mean anything bad.

I’ve already had five and a half months, I seem to be gaining weight normally, I don’t drink much water, but my legs and arms have started to swell. What does swelling at 22 weeks of pregnancy mean?

By the 22nd week of pregnancy, your body is trying hard to store water, because the volume of blood for the mother and her baby must be double. During this period, many mothers experience swelling, and this often frightens them. If your swelling is not too noticeable and is not accompanied by poor urine test results and increased blood pressure, then it is absolutely normal for this stage of pregnancy.