Pregnancy Week 22: What to Expect — Baby Size, Symptoms & Tips

Week 22 brings a baby who looks increasingly like a newborn — just smaller and without much fat yet. The proportions are coming together, the face is taking shape, and something remarkable is happening in those tiny eyes: the iris is forming, but it has no pigment yet. Your baby's eye color is still undecided. You're also likely feeling movement more reliably now, those unmistakable flutters and kicks that make the whole thing feel very real.

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Key Takeaways

• Your baby is papaya-sized at about 27.8 cm and 430 grams, looking increasingly like a newborn
• The iris is forming but has no pigment yet — eye color won't be set until 6–9 months after birth
• Brain development is accelerating rapidly, producing neurons at an extraordinary rate
• Braxton Hicks contractions may begin this week — irregular, painless, and completely normal
• Dental hygiene matters more than ever: pregnancy gingivitis is linked to preterm birth risk (ACOG)

Your Baby This Week

Size: Papaya — about 27.8 cm (head to toe)

Weight: About 430 grams

At 22 weeks, your baby looks like a miniature version of a full-term newborn. Key developments this week:

• The iris is forming, but lacks pigment. All irises appear gray or blue at this stage regardless of what color they'll eventually be. Melanin production — the pigment that gives eyes their final color — doesn't happen until after birth and light exposure. True eye color often isn't set until 6-9 months after birth.
• The lips are distinct and visible on ultrasound. The mouth area is well defined, with lips, gums, and the beginnings of tooth buds present beneath the gum line (though teeth won't emerge for months after birth).
• Eyebrows are fully formed. Fine, light-colored brows are in place above those still-sealed eyes.
• The pancreas is developing. This organ, crucial for producing insulin and digestive enzymes, is becoming more functional this week.
• Brain development accelerates. The brain is producing neurons at an extraordinary rate. The neural connections being formed now are the foundation of everything your child will ever think, feel, and do.
• Grip strength is developing. Your baby can close their fist and grip their own umbilical cord.

Vernix caseosa — the waxy white protective coating on the skin — is continuing to develop. It protects the delicate skin from the constant amniotic fluid bath and helps with temperature regulation at birth.

Your Body This Week

The second trimester energy boost is real for many people by week 22. But your body is still working hard, and new symptoms can emerge.

• Braxton Hicks contractions. You may start noticing these practice contractions — a tightening of the abdomen that lasts 30-60 seconds and then releases. They're irregular, painless, and normal. They do not indicate labor. Staying hydrated reduces their frequency.
• Increased vaginal discharge. Leucorrhea — a thin, white, odorless discharge — is normal in pregnancy and often increases in the second trimester. It's the body's way of protecting against infection.
• Heartburn. As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the stomach and pushes stomach acid upward. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and staying upright after eating can help.
• Stretch marks. These reddish or purplish lines may appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, and thighs as the skin stretches. They typically fade to silver over time. Keeping skin moisturized may help with comfort, though genetics largely determines whether you get them.
• Back pain. The lumbar curve is increasing to accommodate your growing belly. Prenatal yoga and strengthening exercises for the core and glutes help maintain posture.
• Weight gain. Total weight gain by week 22 is typically 5-7 kg for people at a healthy pre-pregnancy weight (Mayo Clinic). Your provider will monitor this at each visit.

You may also notice your belly button is becoming shallower or starting to pop out as the uterus expands.

Tips for Week 22

1. Stay on top of dental care. Pregnancy hormones cause gum tissue to become inflamed and bleed more easily — a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Untreated gum disease has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight (ACOG). Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep your dental appointments.

2. Consider a pregnancy support band. If round ligament pain or back discomfort is affecting your daily activity, a maternity support belt can help distribute weight and relieve pressure on the lower back.

3. Set up your registry. Week 22 is a good time to start building your baby registry, if you haven't already. You'll have time to research without pressure, and it gives people a guide for any upcoming celebrations.

4. Drink enough water. Dehydration can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions and contributes to fatigue and constipation. Aim for about 2.3 liters (10 cups) of fluids per day as recommended by various health authorities.

5. Think about sleep positions. As your belly grows, sleeping on your back becomes less comfortable and less ideal. The left side is generally recommended because it improves blood flow to the uterus and kidneys. A pregnancy pillow between your knees and under your belly can make side-sleeping much more comfortable.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your provider promptly if you notice:

• Contractions that are regular and rhythmic, even if mild — more than 4-6 per hour before 37 weeks should always be evaluated
• Unusual discharge: if it's green, yellow, foul-smelling, or accompanied by itching, it could indicate infection
• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) — infections during pregnancy require prompt treatment
• Severe or one-sided abdominal pain that doesn't ease with rest
• Swelling in one leg significantly more than the other — this can be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs at higher rates during pregnancy
• Visual disturbances, severe headache, or sudden facial swelling — these warrant immediate evaluation for preeclampsia, even though it's more commonly diagnosed later in pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is my baby at 22 weeks pregnant?

At 22 weeks, your baby is about the size of a papaya — approximately 27.8 cm (11 inches) from head to toe and weighing around 430 grams (15 oz). The proportions are increasingly newborn-like, though no fat has filled in yet, so the skin still appears loose and translucent.

What color will my baby's eyes be at 22 weeks?

At 22 weeks, all babies have eyes that appear gray or blue on ultrasound, regardless of their eventual eye color. The iris is forming but contains no melanin (pigment) yet. Melanin production begins after birth when the eyes are exposed to light. Final eye color is often not set until 6–9 months after birth.

Are Braxton Hicks contractions normal at 22 weeks?

Yes. Braxton Hicks contractions — a tightening and releasing of the abdomen — can begin as early as 20 weeks. They are irregular, typically painless, and not a sign of labor. Staying well hydrated reduces their frequency. If contractions become regular, increase in intensity, or occur more than 4–6 times per hour, contact your provider.

Is it safe to go to the dentist during pregnancy?

Yes, and it is recommended. ACOG encourages routine dental care throughout pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones cause gum tissue to become more prone to inflammation — a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Untreated gum disease has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. Inform your dentist that you are pregnant so they can adjust any X-rays or medications accordingly.

How much weight should I have gained by 22 weeks?

For people at a healthy pre-pregnancy weight, the typical total weight gain by 22 weeks is approximately 5–7 kg (11–15 lbs), according to Mayo Clinic guidelines. Weight gain varies significantly between individuals and depends on pre-pregnancy BMI. Your provider will assess your weight gain pattern at each prenatal visit.

Related Tools & Articles

• Due Date Calculator — Calculate your estimated due date
• Pregnancy Week-by-Week Overview — full timeline at a glance
• Milestone Tracker — track each stage of your baby's development
• Hospital Bag Checklist — start planning ahead

Sources

• ACOG — Oral Health Care During Pregnancy and Through the Lifespan
• Mayo Clinic — Pregnancy Week by Week: 22 Weeks
• WHO — WHO Recommendations on Antenatal Care

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