Little senses, big discoveries. 💛

Your baby is exploring the world in the only way they can right now, through touch, sound and movement. Week 22 is a lovely week to imagine what they might be sensing.

📌 Week 22 at a glance

• Trimester: Second
• Baby's size: about the size of a sweet potato (around 27.8 cm head to heel)
• Still to come: roughly 18 weeks (a typical pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks)

🌱 Your little one this week

At 22 weeks, your baby weighs around 430 g and measures about 27.8 cm from head to heel, roughly the size of a sweet potato. The lungs are developing, and your little one is doing some breathing practice in the womb. Your baby is also swallowing small amounts of amniotic fluid, which usually stays in the bowels and comes out after the birth as a dark, sticky stool called meconium.

The sense of touch is developing, and your baby may explore their own face, hands and the umbilical cord. The eyes are formed, although the colour of the iris is still developing. Tiny tooth buds are forming under the gums, and hearing keeps maturing, so your voice and everyday sounds may be familiar. Taste buds are developing too, and they could be influenced by what you eat, so plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is a lovely idea.

🌷 And how about you, Mum?

As your bump grows, you may notice backache, a changing sense of balance, or darker skin patches or a faint line down the tummy. You may also see stretch marks, which are common and harmless, and usually fade after the baby is born. Piles (swellings around the bottom) can also show up. They're common too, and your doctor, midwife or pharmacist can suggest ways to ease them.

Some mums start to feel occasional, painless tightenings of the tummy, often called Braxton Hicks. They're usually irregular and settle with rest or a change of position. Your doctor or midwife can tell you how to tell them apart from other sensations.

Aches and pains are common in pregnancy, but if you have severe pain, or any bleeding from your vagina, please call your midwife or doctor straight away. And if you or someone at home smokes, your doctor or midwife can support you to quit, as your baby's lungs are developing now.

🍽️ Food for thought: selenium

Selenium is a mineral that contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the thyroid. You need only a small amount, and a varied diet usually provides it.

Foods that contain selenium include:

• Fish and other seafood
• Eggs
• Brown rice and other wholegrains
• Mushrooms and tofu
• Chicken and other meat

If you're considering supplements, your doctor, midwife or dietitian can guide you on what suits you.

✨ Little things that may feel nice

• Many mums find that a small cushion behind the lower back helps when sitting
• Moving a bit slower when standing or turning can feel steadier
• A warm shower can be soothing for a tired back
• Talking or reading aloud to your bump can be a sweet daily moment

🩺 Coming up

Routine antenatal visits carry on, and many clinics will check your blood pressure, your urine, and how your baby is growing. If you have questions about tightenings, movements or anything else, bring them along. Your doctor or midwife is the best person to guide you.

👨‍👩‍👧 Partner's corner

Your baby may start to recognise familiar voices. Reading, singing or simply chatting near the bump is a lovely way to join in. A gentle back rub can also go a long way.

❓ Quick questions

Can my baby hear me now?
Hearing is developing, and many babies can pick up sounds around this stage. Your voice may be one of the most familiar.

What are Braxton Hicks?
They're practice tightenings of the womb that many mums notice from the second trimester onwards. They tend to be irregular and painless. If you're unsure about any pain or tightening, your doctor or midwife is happy to help.

💛 A little moment for the two of you

Your baby is touching, listening and exploring, and you're the first voice they know.

Hello, little explorer. 🦕

Sources & further reading

NHS — 22 weeks pregnant
NHS Week 22 pregnancy guide

Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) — Antenatal care
KKM maternal health and antenatal care

FirstDino shares general pregnancy information for education and comfort. It is not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Please speak with your doctor or midwife about your own health and care.