TL;DR
- Your baby is about 27.8 cm — the size of a papaya.
- Eyebrows and eyelids are now visible on your baby's face.
- You may experience back pain and increased discomfort as your belly grows.
- Gentle prenatal yoga can ease aches and help you stay flexible.
Your Baby This Week
At 27.8 cm, your baby is the size of a papaya and starting to look much more like the newborn you'll meet in a few months. Eyebrows and eyelids are now clearly visible, giving your baby's face distinct, recognizable features. The eyebrows are made of fine, soft hair — they don't have any pigment yet, so they're white regardless of what color they'll eventually be.
Your baby's lips are becoming more defined, and the eyes are fully formed (though the iris still lacks pigment). The eyelids can now open and close, though they remain mostly shut for now.
Inside, your baby's pancreas is developing steadily. This organ will eventually produce important hormones, including insulin, which regulates blood sugar. The lungs are continuing to mature, and while they aren't ready for breathing air yet, the structures are forming that will make that possible.
Your baby can now grip — with a surprisingly strong hold for someone so small. If you could put a tiny object in your baby's hand, they'd grab on. This grip reflex will be one of the first things you notice after birth, when your newborn wraps tiny fingers around yours.
Your Body This Week
Back pain might be a regular feature of your days now. As your belly grows and your center of gravity shifts forward, your lower back takes on extra strain. The hormone relaxin, which loosens joints and ligaments in preparation for birth, can also contribute to back discomfort.
Your skin might be changing in unexpected ways. Some people develop skin tags — small, harmless growths — particularly under the arms or breasts. Others notice that existing moles have darkened or that the linea nigra (that dark line down the center of the belly) is more pronounced.
Leg cramps might be waking you up at night. These sudden, painful cramps in the calf are common during the second and third trimesters. Stretching your calves before bed, staying hydrated, and making sure you're getting enough magnesium can help reduce their frequency.
You might also notice swelling in your hands that makes rings feel tight. If you wear rings, consider removing them now and keeping them on a necklace. Swelling tends to increase as pregnancy progresses, and you don't want a ring to get stuck.
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Common Questions at Week 22
Is it normal to feel short of breath?
Yes. Your growing uterus pushes your diaphragm upward, reducing lung capacity. At the same time, progesterone makes you breathe more deeply. The combination can make you feel winded during everyday activities. This is normal, but tell your provider if breathlessness is severe or sudden.
Why do I keep getting charlie horses at night?
Nighttime leg cramps affect up to half of pregnant people. The exact cause is debated, but dehydration, mineral imbalances (particularly magnesium and calcium), and the extra weight your legs carry during the day all play a role. Flexing your foot upward (toes toward your shin) during a cramp can help relieve it.
How much should the baby be moving?
At 22 weeks, movement is still inconsistent. Some days you'll feel lots of activity; other days, very little. Your baby is still small enough to shift into positions where their kicks are directed inward where you can't feel them. Formal kick counting starts later, usually around week 28.
This Week's Tip
Gentle prenatal yoga can ease the aches and pains of the second trimester. Yoga helps with back pain, improves flexibility, strengthens the muscles you'll use during labor, and can reduce stress and anxiety. Look for classes specifically designed for pregnancy — prenatal yoga instructors know which poses to modify or avoid. If you can't make it to a class, there are many reputable prenatal yoga videos online. Even 15-20 minutes a few times a week can make a noticeable difference in how your body feels.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy.
- Mayo Clinic. Fetal Development: The 2nd Trimester.
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