Your Baby's Development: Week 22

Week 22
You are 22 weeks pregnant and baby weighs close to 1 pound (430 grams) and is about 11 inchese (28cm) in length. At this stage of pregnancy, your baby will have formed eyebrows and eyelids. Her brain will also begin to rapidly develop.

Baby Can Suck His Thumb Now!
Baby's senses are now developing daily! For example, taste buds are starting to form on baby's tongue. Also, brain and nerve endings are so developed, the fetus can now feel touch. Baby starts to experiment with this new sensation by stroking his or her face or sucking on a thumb. Your curious baby may even start feeling other body parts just to see how they move! These are the beginings of exploring the world.

Baby's reproductive system is continuing to develop. In boys, the testes have started to descend down from the abdomen. And, in girls, the uterus and ovaries are in place and the vagina is developed.

Feeling Braxton Hicks Contractions?
This week, you may start to notice that your uterus is already practicing for delivery! You may experience a squeezing sensation around the top of your uterus. These irregular, painless contractions are called Braxton Hicks contractions . Don't worry about them, though. Your baby might feel the contraction as it squeezes the uterus, but Braxton Hicks are not dangerous or harmful to you or the baby.

If the contractions do become painful or if you have over four contractions in an hour, it is advisable to contact your health care provider as soon as possible: painful, regular contractions could be a sign of preterm labor.

You are most likely feeling energetic these days. However, the weight of your uterus could start to have an effect on your lower back now. To avoid back pain, you should wear shoes with low heels. Also, avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you are feeling your back 'going,' read up on how to avoid nasty back pain when you are pregnant.

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