At 22 weeks pregnant you are firmly in the second trimester, often described as the most comfortable and enjoyable stretch of pregnancy. Many parents find that early nausea has eased, energy has returned, and a rounded bump now makes the pregnancy feel wonderfully real. This week your baby is growing quickly, becoming more active and more responsive to the world just outside the womb.
Whether this is your first pregnancy or you have been here before, week 22 is a lovely moment to pause and take stock. Below we walk through how your baby is developing, what changes you might notice in your own body, and which scans, tests and appointments are typically relevant around now.
Your baby at week 22
By week 22, your baby is looking increasingly like the newborn you will eventually meet. At this stage a baby typically measures around 27–28 centimetres from head to heel and weighs approximately 430–500 grams, though these figures are general guides rather than exact targets, and healthy babies vary considerably.
This week brings some remarkable developments. Your baby's eyebrows and eyelids are now well formed, and fine hair known as lanugo covers much of the skin, which still appears wrinkled because fat stores are only just beginning to build. The senses are maturing too: the inner ear is developed enough that your baby may respond to sounds, including your voice and your heartbeat.
Movements are becoming stronger and more coordinated. If you have started to feel those first flutters, sometimes called quickening, they may now be developing into more distinct kicks and rolls. Every baby settles into their own pattern, so try not to compare the timing or strength of movements with anyone else's experience.
Your body at week 22
As your bump grows, you may notice a range of changes, most of which are a normal part of second-trimester pregnancy. Common experiences around week 22 include:
- A more visible bump and the beginnings of the classic pregnancy "glow", often linked to increased blood flow.
- Braxton Hicks contractions — occasional, usually painless tightenings of the womb that are typically nothing to worry about.
- Aches and twinges in the lower abdomen or sides as your ligaments stretch to support your growing uterus.
- Skin changes such as a darker line down the abdomen (linea nigra) or stretch marks appearing on the bump, breasts or thighs.
- Swollen or tender gums, occasional heartburn, and mild swelling in the feet and ankles.
These symptoms are common and generally harmless, but every pregnancy is different. If anything feels unusual for you, it is always worth mentioning to your midwife rather than trying to work it out alone.
What to keep in mind this week
Week 22 is a good time to focus on the everyday habits that support a healthy pregnancy. NHS guidance encourages a balanced, varied diet, staying hydrated, and continuing gentle activity such as walking or swimming where you feel able. Keeping up with recommended pregnancy supplements and staying alert to your baby's pattern of movements are both worthwhile.
It is also sensible to be aware of the symptoms that warrant prompt attention, including a noticeable change in your baby's movements, severe or persistent headaches, sudden swelling, visual disturbances, or any bleeding. You should never feel you are making a fuss by getting these checked.
To help you keep track of what is coming up, our pregnancy journey planner maps out the milestones ahead so you can plan appointments and scans with confidence.
Scans, tests and appointments
By week 22, your routine NHS mid-pregnancy scan — sometimes called the 20-week or anomaly scan, usually offered between 18 and 21 weeks — has often already taken place. If you have not yet had it, or if you would value a more detailed look at your baby's anatomy, a private anomaly scan (to 25 weeks) can be arranged during this window to examine how your baby is developing.
Around this stage, some parents also choose a 3D/4D scan. With more fat and defined features developing, the weeks ahead can be a rewarding time to see your baby's face and watch those growing movements in real time.
Looking at the wider NHS timeline, a few milestones sit near this part of pregnancy. The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is typically offered from around 16 weeks up to 32 weeks, and screening for gestational diabetes with a glucose tolerance test is usually arranged between 24 and 28 weeks for those who need it. The RSV vaccine is generally offered from 28 weeks onwards. Your midwife will confirm which of these apply to your individual circumstances and when.
Looking ahead to week 23
Week 22 is a reassuring, active phase of the second trimester — a time to enjoy your growing bump and those increasingly distinct movements. As you move towards week 23, your baby will keep gaining strength and putting on weight in preparation for the third trimester. If you would like to look back over how far you have come, revisit week 21.
Whatever this week brings, remember that your maternity team is there to support you. At London Pregnancy Clinic, our specialist fetal-medicine team is always happy to offer reassurance and detailed scanning when you want a closer look at your baby's wellbeing.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak to your midwife, GP or obstetrician about your own pregnancy.
