Learning what’s in store for you and your baby…
At 22 weeks pregnant, your uterus is now positioned about an inch above your navel. However, your uterus is not the only thing that is growing and developing at this stage of your pregnancy. Here are the things that you get to experience at 22 weeks pregnant.
Mom at 22 weeks pregnant
At 22 weeks pregnant, you will probably notice that your foot is growing at an increasing rate. While some of this growth can be attributed to water retention or pregnancy swelling, there are some cases wherein this is associated with the increased production of relaxin, a pregnancy hormone which loosens the joints and ligaments around the pelvic area. This hormone has the same effect with the ligaments on your feet. When the ligaments in your feet are loosened, the bones attached to them will spread slightly. This results in a half or perhaps a whole shoe-size increase. Once your feet grow during pregnancy due to pregnancy hormones, this does not shrink back to its previous size. A good way to eliminate discomfort caused by your growing feet is to wear comfortable footwear and skip those high-heeled ones.
Increase in appetite, heartburn and indigestion
It is quiet normal to experience heartburn during pregnancy. Moreover, it is also normal to experience an increase in your appetite at the same time. If you are experiencing these pregnancy symptoms at 22 weeks then you should definitely consider stocking up your kitchen with healthy snacks instead of junk foods. This way, you are assured that you will not be tempted to eat junk foods and ensure that you are eating healthily for you and your baby.
Constipation
Since your growing uterus is actually putting increasing pressure on your bowels, you will likely experience constipation, as it becomes harder for your bowels to move waste out of your system. A good way to relieve this pregnancy symptom would be to eat high fiber foods, fruits and vegetables every day. It also helps if you keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water every day. Moreover, you should also consider exercising regularly, as this can also encourage bowel movement.
Increased vaginal discharges
An increased vaginal discharge is a common pregnancy symptom of the second and third trimesters. The discharges will help protect the vaginal canal from infection. It is important that you keep it clean and dry all the time. It would also help if you use a panty liner to prevent bad odors and accumulation of bacteria down there.
Faintness or dizziness
Faintness or dizziness is still quite common at 22nd week of your pregnancy. Your expanding and growing uterus is putting pressure on your blood vessels which lessens blood flow to your brain, causing faintness to occur. Health care experts recommend that you drink at least eight glasses of water every day to keep your blood pumping through your circulatory system. You should make sure you adhere to this, especially when you are working out or when the weather becomes too hot. In addition, you should not change positions suddenly. For instance, you should dangle your feet first before assuming a sitting position when lying down. Sudden movements can actually cause you to become dizzy and this may cause you to faint.
Stretch marks and your protruding navel
At 22 weeks pregnant, stretch marks will become noticeable on your belly, hips, thighs and breasts. A good way to relieve the itchiness and dryness that accompanies the appearance of stretch marks is to rub moisturizer all over your body. While this may not be a miracle cure, this can help relieve itchiness and dryness.
As your uterus grows bigger, your abdomen will grow bigger as well. As a result your belly button will be pushed outward. There is nothing to worry about protruding navel as this will revert back to its normal appearance after delivery.
Dealing with people who want to have a feel at your growing baby bump
At 22 weeks pregnant, you will most likely feel the first kicks of your baby. In fact, this is the average time when the first movements of your baby are felt. This is a great time to enjoy and bond with your baby while he or she is still inside you.
Aside from feeling your baby move, you might be enduring people who want to have a feel at your growing belly. If you are not comfortable with this, you should not be afraid to ask people to stop. You can ask them nicely but be firm with your words.
Your baby’s growth and development when you are 22 weeks pregnant
Your baby at 22 weeks will have grown eyelashes and eyebrows already. At this stage of your pregnancy, your baby will be about eight inches long and one pound heavy. More hair is sprouting on top of your baby’s head. Lanugo will cover your baby’s body and his or her hair will have no color yet.
At this stage, your baby is also mastering several skills like gripping, hearing and his or her vision. In fact, your child is making more sense of the world as his or her sense of touch develops. Your child’s sense of sight is also getting more developed by the day. In fact, your baby can now perceive light and dark much better compared to the previous weeks. Your baby can also hear your heartbeat, your voice and the sound of your blood circulating in your body. With all these developments, now is a good time to speak and bond with your child. You can even play music for your child.
Your baby’s organs will continue to grow and develop as well. In fact, his or her pancreas will already produce essential hormones and his or her lungs will develop more rapidly. This growth and development will continue in the next weeks to come.
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