Where will your baby sleep?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that your baby shares a room with you, but not the same bed, for at least the first 6 months. Ideally, up to one year. Your baby should sleep in a bassinet, crib, or play yard placed near your bed. Room sharing can lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to 50%.
This also helps you stay close to your baby, making it easier to feed, comfort, and watch over them during the night.
Your body at 22 weeks
By now, your uterus has grown to sit about 1 inch (2 cm) above your belly button. Your belly might look significantly rounder, and you may notice a slight bulge in your navel.
The length of your belly from the pelvic bone to the top of the uterus typically measures between 20–24 cm at this stage.
Hemorrhoids are also common in pregnancy and may appear as swollen veins inside or around the anus, often causing pain, itching, or discomfort during bowel movements. These should improve after birth. Constipation can make it worse.
To prevent and ease hemorrhoids:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Try not to strain during bowel movements
- Eat fiber-rich foods as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits
- Try not to strain during bowel movements
- Use witch sitz baths, hazel pads or ice packs for relief
- Do pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) regularly
Your feet may be getting larger. While swelling is one reason, the hormone relaxin, which loosens ligaments during pregnancy, can also cause the bones in your feet to spread. This can lead to a permanent increase in shoe size for some women.
Spider veins -the tiny blood vessels near the skin surface, which are caused by increased blood flow and pressure from your growing uterus- may also appear, especially on the legs and face. They may appear as fine red or purple lines or branches, and they don’t bulge out.
To prevent and manage them:
- Exercise regularly
- Elevate your legs when possible
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
- Wear compression socks
As your belly grows, your center of gravity moves forward. This may cause pelvic pain and strain in the lower back, hips, and buttocks. You may feel burning, soreness, or tingling sensations.
To reduce discomfort:
- Use a pregnancy support belt
- Take acetaminophen (only after consulting your doctor)
- Try physical therapy
Pregnant women are also more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome due to swelling in the hands and wrists. It’s especially common if your work involves repetitive wrist movements, like typing.
You can control it through:
- Stretching your wrists
- Taking regular breaks
- Adjusting your workspace for better ergonomics
Week 22 Tips
- If you’re experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding or severe pain, call your doctor immediately.
- Eat magnesium-rich foods like almonds, cashews, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Magnesium regulates blood sugar and supports enzyme function.
- Now is a great time to sign up for a childbirth education class if you haven’t already done so. These classes prepare you for labor and delivery, teach relaxation techniques, and give you the chance to connect with other expecting couples. Aim to complete your class by week 37.
- You must know that many acne treatments are unsafe during pregnancy. For example, isotretinoin, a type of retinoid, can cause serious birth defects.
- Avoid using harsh toilet paper. Instead, use water-based or sensitive-skin baby wipes.
- For general soreness or discomfort, take a warm (not hot) bath.
- If you smoke, you must stop now. Cigarettes decrease oxygen to your baby and raise the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage. At this stage, your baby’s lungs are developing, and smoking can harm them.