Your baby this week
The lungs are developing, and your baby practices breathing movements. Swallowed amniotic fluid is starting to form meconium, the first stool, and taste buds keep maturing.
Week 22 is the last week of the usual anatomy scan window. Your baby's senses are sharpening: touch-sensitive hands grasp the umbilical cord, and sounds draw reactions. The eyes have formed, though the iris color isn't final. For you, heartburn may pick up because your uterus pushes your stomach upward and hormones relax the valve at the top of the stomach. Smaller, more frequent meals, not lying down right after eating and raising the head of your bed a little can help. Ask a pharmacist or your provider before taking antacids. If you're planning childbirth classes, many fill up early, so it's a good time to sign up.
By the numbers
Week 22 covers days 154 to 160 counted from the first day of your last period, which is 55% of a 40-week pregnancy. About 126 days remain until a 40-week due date. Since last week, an average baby gains about 2.8 oz (78 g). By date of conception, your baby is about 20 weeks old.
Pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period, so conception happens around week 2. Your due date is 280 days (40 weeks) from that day, and an early ultrasound may adjust it.
Your body
Heartburn may pick up as your uterus crowds your stomach. Smaller meals and staying upright after eating can help.
Tests and to-dos this week
This is the last week of the usual anatomy scan window. Ask your provider to walk you through anything on the report you're unsure about.
Quad screen (optional) · weeks 15–22 · test
Anatomy ultrasound · weeks 18–22 · test
Coming up: Glucose screening for gestational diabetes (from week 24). Full prenatal visit schedule
Tips for the second trimester
- Most healthy pregnant people are advised to get about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as walking or swimming.
- Your recommended weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI, and gain usually speeds up in the second trimester.
- Once you feel your baby regularly, learn their usual pattern; a change in pattern matters more than any count.
- The flu shot is recommended at any point in pregnancy during flu season.
Call your provider or labor and delivery right away if you have:
- vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
- regular contractions or pelvic pressure before 37 weeks
- a severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling of the face or hands
- a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher, or painful urination
- after 24 weeks, your baby moving less or differently
In an emergency, call 911.
Last week and next week
Last week (21): Your baby now outweighs the placenta.
Next week (23): Your baby's arms and legs are now in proportion with the body.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the baby at 22 weeks?
About the size of a papaya: about 11 in (28 cm) · 1 lb (476 g), measured head to heel. These are rounded averages, and every baby grows at their own pace.
How many months is 22 weeks pregnant?
22 weeks is in month 5 and the second trimester. About 18 weeks (126 days) remain until a 40-week due date. Months are approximate; providers count weeks and days.
What helps heartburn in pregnancy?
Smaller meals, eating slowly, limiting greasy or spicy foods, staying upright for two to three hours after eating and raising the head of your bed. Check with a pharmacist or your provider before using antacids.
What's the next test or appointment after week 22?
Next up: Glucose screening for gestational diabetes, from week 24. Your provider may schedule things differently depending on your health and local practice.
Sources
- WHO Fetal Growth Charts (Kiserud et al., PLoS Med 2017)
- INTERGROWTH-21st crown-rump length standard (Papageorghiou et al., 2014)
- Hadlock et al.: In utero fetal weight standard (Radiology 1991)
- NHS: Week-by-week guide to pregnancy
- NHS: Pregnancy symptoms you need to get help for
- ACOG: How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
- ACOG: Routine Tests During Pregnancy
- ACOG: Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests
- CDC: Vaccine Recommendations Before, During, and After Pregnancy
- Office on Women's Health: Prenatal care and tests
- Hungarian Decree 26/2014 (IV. 8.) EMMI on prenatal care
- NNGYK (Hungary): 2026 vaccination methodology letter
- ACOG – Group B Strep and Pregnancy (Committee Opinion 797)
- ACOG – The Rh Factor
Last reviewed: November 14, 2026 · Kitpebble editorial team
This page is for general information. It isn't medical advice or a diagnosis and doesn't replace your OB-GYN or midwife. Sizes are rounded averages. Our editorial policy