Changes During Pregnancy - Week 22

Mother

Many women experience attention deficit and forgetfulness during pregnancy. This is especially common during the third trimester. So, don't blame yourself if you are not your super efficient self at work or home. It's those hormones again!

You may find a gradual swelling in your hands, feet and ankles as the fluid retention in your body increases more than the previous weeks. Avoid standing for long periods of time and keep your feet raised while resting to lessen the swelling. If you find the swelling occurring suddenly, contact your doctor immediately to rule out serious issues like pre-eclampsia. You may suffer from low back pain due to hormonal and weight fluctuations, a growing uterus, and a changing center of gravity causing your posture to shift. Maternity support belts may help to ease the pain.

You may find stretch marks at this stage also. Some of you may experience stretch marks for the first time at this stage. They can appear in different colours on any part of the body such as stomach, breasts, thighs and waist. Stretch marks are usually hereditary.

If you haven't already done so, your doctor may recommend you to take your fetal anomaly scan during this period.

Baby

Your baby's eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed. If the baby is a male, his testes move into his scrotum. If the baby is a female, around 7 million eggs are present inside her ovaries by now.

Each organ performs the tasks associated with it. His internal organ systems such as his digestive and reproductive system continue developing rapidly. He also has fine finger nails that should be cut immediately after delivery.