22 Weeks Pregnant – Baby’s Brain Is Growing Fast

👶 Baby Development at 22 Weeks

22 Weeks Pregnant – This week, your baby is focusing on brain growth and facial features.

• 📏 Size of a papaya (~28 cm long)
• ⚖️ Weighs nearly 430–450 grams
• 🧠 Brain growth speeds up — building more nerve endings
• 👃 Nostrils open up and baby starts practicing breathing motions
• 💪 Muscles continue to develop — making kicks and punches stronger
• 👁️ Eyelids and eyebrows are more defined
• 🖐️ Fingernails are fully developed

🎧 Baby can now hear low-pitched sounds like your heartbeat, digestion, or even lullabies.

🤰 Symptoms at 22 Weeks Pregnant

Your belly is growing steadily, and new changes may appear in your skin, digestion, and emotions.

Week 22 Symptoms:

• Stretch marks becoming more visible
• Dry or itchy belly from skin stretching
• Heartburn or indigestion after meals
• Mild swelling in hands, feet, or face
• Leg cramps, especially at night
• Outie belly button (temporary)
• Forgetfulness or pregnancy brain

🧴 Use natural oils like almond or coconut oil to ease skin tightness and itchiness.

Detailed Guide : 22 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms: Managing Belly Growth, Discomfort & Baby’s Moves

🥗 What to Eat at 22 Weeks Pregnant

Focus on brain-boosting foods and digestion-friendly meals.

✅ Recommended Foods:

• Walnuts, flaxseeds, and ghee – support baby’s brain growth
• Curd and buttermilk – help digestion
• Leafy greens, rajma, kala chana – iron to prevent fatigue
• Banana, guava, apples – fiber to prevent constipation
• Homemade soups – light and hydrating
• Fennel water (saunf) – reduces bloating

🥣 Lunch idea: Palak dal, brown rice, beetroot salad, curd.

❌ Avoid:

• Deep fried food
• Highly spicy or gassy items (like chole, rajma in excess)
• Artificial flavored drinks

🧘‍♀️ Safe Exercises for Week 22

Staying active will help reduce fatigue and prevent swelling.

Try These:

• 🚶 30-minute walk with light stretches
• 🧘‍♀️ Prenatal yoga (focus on hips, lower back)
• 🦵 Gentle squats or wall sits
• 🧘 Deep breathing for 10 mins
• 🖐️ Wrist and finger stretches if swelling begins

💡 Emotional Wellness Tip: Take time each day for gratitude journaling or baby talking – it builds emotional connection and reduces anxiety.

🧾 Week 22 Checklist

• Track fetal movements after meals
• Book your next checkup for Week 24
• Monitor hydration – drink at least 3 litres/day
• Eat smaller meals to avoid acidity
• Buy maternity pillows or clothes if needed
• Practice left-side sleeping for better blood flow

💬 Tip of the Week

“Your baby’s brain is forming billions of neurons. Feed it with love, nutrition, and soothing music.”
— Dr. Anjali Sharma, Gynaecologist

❓FAQ – 22 Weeks Pregnant

Q: My belly feels tight sometimes – is it normal?
A: Yes, your uterus is expanding. Mild tightening can be Braxton Hicks contractions, which are normal unless painful or regular.

Q: Can I fly now?
A: Most airlines allow travel up to 28–32 weeks for low-risk pregnancies. Get a go-ahead from your doctor.

Q: Why do I forget things lately?
A: It’s called “pregnancy brain” — caused by hormonal changes and lack of sleep. It’s temporary.

🔗 Internal Links

• 🔙 Back to Week 21 – Baby Can Taste and Swallow Now!
• 👉 Next: Week 23 – Baby’s Skin Becomes Less Transparent
• 📘 Top 10 Foods to Boost Baby’s Brain in the Womb