Week 22 of pregnancy
Week 22 sits in the middle stretch of pregnancy, the second trimester.
What's developing
The lungs are developing, and the baby practices breathing and swallows small amounts of amniotic fluid. [1]
What you might notice
Stretch marks may appear on your tummy, thighs or breasts. They're harmless and usually fade after the birth. [1]
Everyone's pregnancy is different. If something worries you, call your midwife or doctor.
A tip for this week
Smoking cuts the baby's oxygen. If you smoke, ask your doctor or midwife about help to quit. [1]
Questions you could bring to your next appointment
- When is my mid-pregnancy scan?
- Will I be offered a glucose test?
- Is there anything I should change about exercise or work?
Questions
When will I feel the baby move?
The NHS says between 16 and 24 weeks. In a first pregnancy you might not feel movements until after 20 weeks.
What if I haven't felt the baby move by 24 weeks?
Tell your midwife or doctor. They'll check your baby's heartbeat and movements.
Is my baby exactly this size?
Probably not exactly. The length is the average the NHS gives for this week, and the weight is the middle value (50th percentile) of the WHO fetal growth charts. Your scan results are the ones that count.
Sources
- NHS: 22 weeks pregnant guide Checked October 30, 2026
- NHS: Your baby's movements Checked October 30, 2026
- WHO: The World Health Organization fetal growth charts (Kiserud et al., PLoS Medicine 2017), table 11: estimated fetal weight Checked October 30, 2026
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