Maria Sokolova

Reading time: 23 minutes

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This record was checked by a gynecologist-endocrinologist, mammologist, ultrasound specialist.

22 weeks of pregnancy correspond from conception. The expectant mother is still quite active, her mood is cheerful and her condition is also not satisfactory. Libido increases, which is an absolutely normal reaction of the body for this trimester.

At 22 weeks, a woman is already a little more than halfway to the long-awaited moment of the birth of a child. The connection between the child and mother is already quite strong, the baby moves a lot and gradually prepares for a separate existence.

Feelings of a woman at 22 weeks

The feelings of the expectant mother still do not overshadow her condition and do not prevent her from enjoying life. The tummy is already a decent size, but you can still see your legs and tie the laces on your shoes yourself.

A number of new features are still present:

• The movements of the baby become more active and frequent. Sometimes you can even guess what parts of the body he kicks. During the day, at least ten movements of the child should be felt;
• It becomes difficult to find a comfortable position to rest;
• The woman becomes extremely sensitive to events, words, as well as smells and tastes.

What do they say on the forums?

Nata:

And this is my first pregnancy. She did an ultrasound. Waiting for a boy))

Miroslava:

Were on the ultrasound! They showed us our arms, legs, heart))) The little ones swim there, and they don’t blow in their mustaches! I just broke down. Toxicosis is behind, the tummy is round, save the doctor - there are no more threats.))

Valentine:

And we have a daughter!)) The size of the head, however, on all ultrasounds was a little less than the term, but the doctor said that this was normal.

Olga:

I had a scheduled ultrasound today. Term 22 weeks. The peanut lies head down, and very low. The uterus is in good shape ((. The doctor didn’t put it on storage, she only prescribed a kilogram of pills. I worry a lot, who would tell me what to do ...

Ludmila:

I did an ultrasound at 22 weeks, and the tone was also on the anterior wall of the uterus. Sent to the hospital. The main thing is not to worry, more rest. And if it really is - an ambulance of course.

What happens in a woman's body at the 22nd week

• At this time, a woman may be disturbed abundance of secretions. The reason to be examined by a doctor is an unpleasant odor and a greenish (brown) tint of discharge. Their transparency in the absence of itching is a normal phenomenon, solved by daily pads;
• There is the possibility of soreness and bleeding gums. You should select a special toothpaste and take multivitamin preparations (of course, consulting your doctor before use);
• Nasal congestion may also appear at this time. This is fine. Bleeding of the nose requires a doctor's check for high blood pressure. Facilitate the state of congestion drops based on sea salt;
• Possible bouts of weakness and dizziness. The reason for the increased sensitivity that develops by this time is physiological anemia. The volume of blood grows, and the cells do not have time to form in the required amount;
• There is a significant increase in appetite;
• Weight gain - more than 300-500 grams during the week. Exceeding these indicators may indicate fluid retention in the body;
• Sex is especially pleasant on the 22nd week. It is during this period that women often experience their first orgasm in their lives;
• The 22nd week also becomes the period when the expectant mother first learns what swelling, heartburn, varicose veins, back pain etc.

The most dangerous symptoms for a period of 22 weeks

1. Feeling of pulling pain in the abdomen, stone and contraction of the uterus;
2. Discharges of an incomprehensible nature: brown, orange, greenish, profuse watery, which increase when walking, and, of course, bloody;
3. Unnatural behavior of the fetus: excessive activity and lack of movement for more than a day;
4. Elevated to 38 degrees (and above) temperature. (Treatment of ARVI requires a doctor's consultation);
5. Pain in the lower back, when urinating, and when combined with fever;
6. Diarrhea (diarrhea), a feeling of pressure on the perineum and bladder (these symptoms may be the beginning of labor).

What dangers lie in wait for the 22nd obstetric week?

One of the reasons for abortion at 22 weeks is sometimes CCI (isthmic-cervical insufficiency). In ICI, the cervix is ​​incompetent and prone to opening under the weight of the fetus. Which, in turn, leads to infection, then to the rupture of the fetal bladder and, as a result, premature birth.

Manifestations of a threat for a period of 22 weeks:

• Pain in the abdomen of a pulling-cutting nature;
• Strengthening and unusual discharge;
• Often, childbirth at this time begins with a sudden and premature outflow of amniotic fluid (every third case). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience embarrassing symptoms.

Fetal development at 22 weeks

Baby weight already reaches 420-500 grams, which gives him the opportunity, in case of premature birth, to survive. Length from the crown of the baby to his sacrum- about 27-27.5 cm.

• At a period of 22 weeks, the active growth of the baby's brain slows down. The stage of intensive development begins at the sweat glands and tactile sensations. The fetus studies itself and everything that surrounds it, by touch. His favorite pastime is sucking his fingers and grabbing with his hands everything that he can reach;
• The child still has enough space in the mother's stomach, which he uses, actively changing his position and kicking his mother in all available places. In the morning, he can lie with his ass down, and by night it is already the other way around, which a pregnant woman feels like shaking and pushing;
• Most of the time the baby sleeps - up to 22 hours during the day. Moreover, in most cases, the periods of wakefulness of the baby fall at night;
• The child's eyes are already open and react to light.- if you direct light to the anterior abdominal wall, then it will turn to its source;
• It's in full swing setting up neural connections. Brain neurons are formed;
• The child reacts to the food taken by the mother y. When mom uses hot spices, the baby frowns (taste buds in the oral cavity are also already functioning), and when using sweets, she swallows amniotic fluid;
• Responds to loud sounds and remembers voices;
• If you put your hand on your stomach, you can respond with a push.

Body and belly of a woman

At a period of 22 weeks, the stomach is still not too constraining for the expectant mother. The bottom of the uterus is determined just above the navel by two to four cm. Discomfort is possible due to stretched ligaments of the uterus. It is expressed in pain on the sides of the abdomen.

The body of a pregnant woman gradually adapts to carrying a baby. The size of the abdomen at this time depends on the tone of the muscles of the abdominal anterior wall and, of course, on the position of the fetus.

Photo of the abdomen at 22 weeks

Ultrasound, photo and video of fetal development

22 weeks is an important screening time.

The main attention during ultrasound is given to such points as:

1. Exclusion (identification) of malformations
2. Compliance with the size of the fetus to the expected period
3. Examination of the state of the placenta and amniotic fluid

Is ultrasound harmful to the unborn child?

The harm from this procedure has no scientific explanation and evidence. But it is impossible to say that ultrasound does not affect the genetic material of a person, since the ultrasound method entered practice not so long ago.

Biometric parameters of the child, which reflects the decoding of ultrasound:

1. Child's height
2. Coccyx-parietal size
3. Biparietal head size
4. Thigh length
5. And other rules

Ultrasound - 22 weeks

Video: 3D/4D ultrasound

Video: Baby development at 22 weeks

Video: Boy or girl?

Video: What happens at the 22nd week of pregnancy?

This is what the fetus looks like at 22 weeks

1. It makes sense keep a diary. With it, you can capture your emotions and feelings throughout your pregnancy, and then, when the baby grows up, give the diary to him;
2. It is important to communicate with the baby. After all, he already knows the voice of his mother. It is worth talking to him, reading fairy tales and singing songs. The main thing is to remember that the child sensitively feels the mood of the mother and experiences all her emotions with her;
3. We must not forget about physiology: the load on the lower back and spine is growing, and you should learn how to sit, lie down, stand and walk correctly. Do not cross your legs, but preferably lie on hard surfaces;
4. Shoes should be chosen comfortable and without heels - comfort when walking is very important now. Need to refuse leather substitutes and rubber, also orthopedic insoles will not interfere;
5. With each new week, the weight and tummy will grow, while the well-being and general condition will worsen a little. Do not get hung up on your condition and clumsiness. Expecting a baby is not a disease, but happiness for a woman. Walk, relax, have sex and enjoy life;
6. In the second trimester, a drop in hemoglobin levels is possible. You should be attentive to yourself, in case of sudden weakness, you need to sit down and rest, or ask for help;
7. Sleep preferably on your side, and use pillows;
8. Stuffy rooms should be avoided and spend as much time as possible in the fresh air to reduce the likelihood of fainting;
9. On blood pressure, the jumps of which are possible at this time, the diet helps;
10. Now more

At the 22nd week of pregnancy, the fetus grows, develops, its body continues to mature and prepare for independent life after birth. Most expectant mothers at this time, as well as throughout the second trimester, feel good. Symptoms continue to increase, which will become most pronounced in the third trimester - they are associated with the growth of the fetus, an increase in the uterus, hormonal changes in the body.

Signs and symptoms of 22 weeks pregnant

At the twenty-second week of pregnancy, the expectant mother may be disturbed by some symptoms. Their main cause is an actively growing fetus and an enlarged uterus. Your baby takes up more and more space inside your body, his weight increases. This leads to displacement and compression of internal organs, blood vessels and nerves, increasing the load on the lower back. The body of the fetus constantly needs energy and nutrients, so the woman's body is forced to work in a more intense mode, to activate all resources.

At week 22, a woman may be bothered by the following symptoms:

· Stretch marks. The skin does not have time to stretch after the growing uterus. Stretch marks are the result of small tears in the connective tissue that is present in the skin. They do not look very beautiful, make many expectant mothers worry about their appearance. As a rule, stretch marks do not disappear anywhere and remain on the body of a woman for life. But after childbirth, they turn very pale and become much less noticeable.

· Protruding belly button. This is another symptom associated with an enlarged uterus. She pushes the navel forward, as a result, the woman gets the opportunity to wash it from what has accumulated in it, possibly from birth. Perhaps you think that a protruding navel does not look very beautiful? There is no cause for concern: unlike stretch marks, after childbirth, this symptom disappears completely. Your belly button will look like before pregnancy again.

· Profuse vaginal discharge. Sometimes women take them for a manifestation of an infection, but they are just needed in order to protect the fetus from pathogens. The main thing is that the discharge is transparent and does not have an unpleasant odor. Their occurrence is due to the fact that a woman's blood volume increases and its flow to the genitals increases.

· Edema. Most often they occur on the legs in the afternoon, sometimes on the arms. If the swelling is small and does not grow, this is normal. If they suddenly begin to increase very quickly, this may indicate a formidable complication of pregnancy - preeclampsia. You need to see a doctor urgently.

· cholestasis of pregnancy- a condition in which the function of the liver is impaired. It is believed that its occurrence is associated with an increased level of pregnancy hormones - estrogen and progesterone. They are higher in twin pregnancies than in single pregnancies.

What are the risks of twins being born sick?

The risks are small, but still higher than with a singleton pregnancy. Twins are about twice as likely to have chromosomal abnormalities. Of the congenital malformations, the most common are those that affect the heart. But most often they are mild or moderate.

Twins are more likely to have intrauterine growth retardation. They are often smaller and weigh less after birth than babies born in singleton pregnancies. But in most cases this does not affect their health in any way, there is no reason to worry. However, there are risks of some problems with intrauterine growth retardation, in some cases there are indications for a caesarean section.

Various developmental anomalies, including genetic disorders, help to identify different types of prenatal screening: ultrasound, biochemical, non-invasive prenatal tests.

Complications occur more often in identical twins, who receive blood through the same placenta, than in fraternal twins, each of which has its own placenta and fetal bladder.

For example, 15% of women who are pregnant with identical twins develop feto-fetal transfusion syndrome. At the same time, one child recipient) receives more blood compared to the other ( donor), as if "robbing" him. The donor develops and grows worse, is in a state of anemia, and the recipient receives too much blood, because of this, his heart experiences increased stress. Feto-fetal transfusion syndrome is diagnosed by ultrasound.

Twin pregnancies have an increased risk of stillbirth, about 12 per 1000 births compared to 5 per 1000 births for singleton pregnancies.

How to prevent complications of a twin pregnancy?

· Regularly visit the doctor of the antenatal clinic, do not miss visits.

In case of any incomprehensible symptoms, it is better to seek medical help immediately. Take good care of your health.

· Eat a healthy diet.

· Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated.

· Exercise regularly. For expectant mothers, yoga, swimming, Pilates are useful.

· You should not smoke during pregnancy. With a twin pregnancy, a bad habit is especially dangerous.

What is the likelihood of preterm birth?

The probability of premature birth is quite high - this is the main, most common complication of a twin pregnancy. But at the same time, the normal term of childbirth is somewhat shifted. If for a singleton pregnancy the norm is 40 weeks, then for a twin pregnancy it is 37 weeks. For triplets, the normal period starts at 35 weeks.

More than half of twins are born before 37 weeks, about 10% before 32. The risks of serious health problems are highest in premature babies born before 30 weeks.

With twin pregnancies, there is a higher chance that babies will need special care after birth, they will have to be placed in an intensive care unit for a while. Often, after the mother is discharged home, newborns still need to be in the hospital for some time.

Twenty-second week of pregnancy - how long is it?

Among obstetricians and gynecologists, it is customary to use the so-called obstetric gestational age. It is counted from the first day of the last menstruation. Real fertilization occurs about two weeks later. The period starting from this day is called embryonic gestational age. It is more accurate, but if you use it, there is no clear guideline: no woman will be able to tell on which particular day her egg met her partner's sperm.

The ratios look like this:

· The twenty-second week of the obstetric gestation period corresponds to the twentieth week of the embryonic period.

· The twenty-second week of the embryonic period corresponds to the twenty-fourth week of the obstetric period.

At the end of 22 weeks, the woman is pregnant for 5 months.
Pregnancy calculator by week: calculate the gestational age and date of delivery by the day of the last menstruation

What happens to the fetus at 22 weeks pregnant?

At the twenty-second week of pregnancy, the fetus is about the size of a coconut. It weighs about 430 grams, the length from the top of the head to the toes is 27-28 cm. It already looks like a newborn, only in miniature. His small features, lips, eyelids, eyebrows are becoming more and more distinct. Tiny tooth buds form in the thickness of the jaws - in the future, the teeth of the child will develop from them.

The small eyes are fully formed, they have long reacted to light, but their iris does not yet have pigment, so it has no color - although the color is genetically predetermined at birth. Many babies are born with light, blue eyes, and then as the pigment builds up, they can turn darker, greener, or browner.

The skin of the fetus is no longer transparent, as pigment is deposited in it melanin, a layer of subcutaneous fat grows under it. But the adipose tissue is not yet fully formed, it continues to grow, so the baby looks thin, his skin is covered with wrinkles - they will straighten out by birth. The skin of the fetus is covered with fine hairs - lanugo- they help to keep warm until the fat layer is developed. By birth, these hairs should fall out completely, but they may remain if the baby is born prematurely.

Hair grows on the head of the unborn child, they gradually acquire color. The development of the hairline occurs individually. Some babies are born with thick hair, others are completely bald.

At week 22, new connections are formed between the nerve cells in the fetal body, thanks to which the sense of touch improves. The baby begins to explore new sensations: he touches his face, the umbilical cord. Reflexes are trained: the fetus grabs the umbilical cord with its hands, sucks its fingers. There are already tiny nails on the fingers.

The internal organs continue to develop. At the twenty-second week of pregnancy, the unborn child is actively maturing and improving the functions of the pancreas. The development of the lungs accelerates: they are preparing to take the first breath after the baby is born.

The genital organs are well developed: the uterus and vagina are formed in the girls, the eggs are in the ovaries - some of them will become your grandchildren in the future. In boys, the testicles are located in the abdominal cavity, they gradually descend into the scrotum.

An interesting fact: mother's hormones-estrogens act on the external genital organs of the fetus, due to which they look enlarged, swollen immediately after birth, but subsequently return to normal for some time.

The main hematopoietic organ in the fetus is the red bone marrow.

Fetal movements in the mother's tummy

At the 22nd week of pregnancy, almost all women feel quite well how the baby is pushing in the tummy. Now these are no longer weak sensations, reminiscent of rumbling intestines. However, some expectant mothers do not yet particularly feel the activity of the fetus. Don't panic. If, according to the results of ultrasound and other studies, the doctor said that everything is in order with the child, you will soon begin to feel how he is pushing.

The fetus develops its own sleep and wake schedule, while it may not coincide with your regime at all. Some mothers report "lull" during the day and intense "kicks" in the stomach at night.

Ultrasound at 22 weeks pregnant

If a woman passed the first and second prenatal ultrasound on time, then at the 22nd week of pregnancy it is usually not prescribed, except with an increased risk of certain complications and the need for additional control. The pictures will show all parts of the body and internal organs of the unborn child, his bones, spine, brain. If an ultrasound is done while the baby is awake, then you can see how he moves his arms, legs, plays with the umbilical cord.

With the help of dopplerography, it is possible to assess the blood flow in large vessels, the work of the fetal heart. At the same time, in accordance with the pulse waves, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus will emit characteristic sounds.

Visible during ultrasound and genitals - unless the baby begins to close them from the sensor. If during the second planned ultrasound it was not possible to determine the sex of the child, do not worry. What difference does it make, a boy or a girl - after all, this is your baby, in any case it is a great joy. The main thing is that he is healthy.

Ultrasound images at 22 weeks of gestation look like this:

What happens to the uterus and abdomen at 22 weeks pregnant?

The uterus continues to grow. In a singleton pregnancy, its dimensions and, indirectly, the dimensions of the fetus, are determined by an indicator called standing height of the uterine fundus. This is the distance from the upper edge of the pubic bones to the very top of the uterus. At the 22nd week of pregnancy, it should normally be 20-24 cm. The bottom of the uterus rises above the navel.

During pregnancy with two fetuses, there are no normal indicators of the height of the fundus of the uterus, which could be guided by. If the expectant mother carries twins in her stomach, this indicator is variable.

Hormones at 22 weeks pregnant

Hormonal effects at 22 weeks pregnant vary from woman to woman. In most cases, in the second trimester, they cause an increase in libido and make sexual intercourse even more enjoyable:

The breast becomes more sensitive to tactile stimulation. The main thing is not to overdo it, so as not to cause pain.

Increases blood flow in the genital area - due to this, they become more sensitive.

Increased blood flow to the vagina increases the amount of vaginal lubrication.

But in some women, despite the increased levels of sex hormones, the opposite effect occurs - they try to avoid intimacy. The reasons are different: discomfort and soreness during sexual intercourse, some symptoms and complications of pregnancy, fear of harming the child, increased fatigue. It is important that mutual understanding be reached with a partner in this matter: it is worth talking with him, explaining your condition.

How much weight should the expectant mother gain?

Normal weight gain in the second trimester with a singleton pregnancy is about 450 grams per week, give or take. In order to provide the child with the necessary substances and energy, the expectant mother must consume 300 calories daily in addition to those that she ate before pregnancy.

But there is no need for pharmacy accuracy. Don't count every gram and every calorie. The main thing is that the basic criteria for normal weight gain are observed:

· If you add a little more or a little less than 450 grams per week, there is nothing to worry about. But if it seems to you that you are gaining weight too much or, on the contrary, very slowly, it is better to consult your doctor once again. More than 1300 grams per week during the second trimester of pregnancy is definitely not the norm anymore.

Weight gain should be approximately uniform. It may be different in different weeks, but in general, the spread should be small. If you suddenly start to gain weight very much, this may be the first sign of a dangerous pregnancy complication - preeclampsia.

Your diet should contain a variety of foods, the necessary set of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and trace elements.

It is better to eat more often and in small portions - 5-6 times a day.

Some conditions during pregnancy, such as heartburn, constipation, nausea, can interfere with normal eating. Consult a doctor, he will give the necessary recommendations and prescribe drugs that are safe during pregnancy.
Pregnancy calculator: calculate the rate of weight gain by week

How to eat right?

Your baby is growing, his organs are maturing, many complex, critical processes are going on in them. In order for them to proceed normally, not only energy is needed, but also building materials, the main of which is protein. Here are 8 foods that your body can get extra protein during pregnancy:

1. Domestic bird. The most valuable in this regard is turkey meat. A serving of approximately 85–100 grams contains 28 g of protein if it is red meat and 30 g if it is white meat. Chicken is in second place with 24-28 grams of protein per serving (about the size of a cup).

2. Eggs. One medium-sized chicken egg contains approximately 6 grams of protein. Of these, 3.6 are accounted for by protein, 2.7 - by yolk.

3. Lean meat. One hundred grams of lean beef, pork or lamb meat contains 31-33 grams of protein. And in one hundred grams of ham - only 21 grams of protein.

4. Fish and seafood. They contain not only valuable protein, but also a lot of useful trace elements. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, women are advised to consume 350 g of fish and seafood. In 85 grams of trout, tilapia, cod, flounder, sardine, herring, salmon, crab meat and shrimp meat contains from 19 to 25 g of protein.

5. Milk and dairy products. One medium cup of cow's milk contains about 8 grams of protein, and one cup of soy milk, depending on the type, contains 3 to 11 grams. From one cup of yogurt, your body will receive from 8 to 13 g of protein. About 60 g of cheese contains 17–20 g of protein.

6. Legumes. Peas, lentils, beans, and other beans provide 19 grams of protein per cup. Soy is also rich in proteins: 150 g of fermented soy contains 31 g of protein, 225 g of tofu - 40 g.

7. Nuts and seeds. One cup of walnuts, peanuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios contains 26-35 grams of protein. One cup of pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds - 27-39 g. And with one tablespoon of peanut butter, the body of the expectant mother receives about 5 g of protein. But do not forget that seeds and nuts contain a lot of calories, so it is not recommended to get carried away with them too much.

8. Cereals. Whole grains are especially useful for health and as a source of valuable substances. One cup of wheat germ contains 27 grams of protein. One cup of whole oats, wheat or wild rice provides 24-26 grams of protein.

Do not forget about the rules of "food safety" during pregnancy. The meat, fish, eggs that you eat must be well thermally processed, otherwise you can get an infection that can adversely affect the course of pregnancy and the health of the fetus.

Physical activity

Let's talk about the types of exercise that are best for expectant mothers at 22 weeks and generally throughout pregnancy.

Hiking. The simplest thing you can think of is that you don’t need to buy a subscription to a gym, special equipment, you don’t need an instructor. It is enough to buy comfortable shoes in which your feet will feel comfortable. Walking in the park or just on the street (preferably where there are no cars) is a load for the muscles, fresh air, strengthening the cardiovascular system.

How often should you walk? Optimal - 30 minutes 3-5 times a week. If until now you have led a very sedentary lifestyle, it is better to start with 10 minutes a day and gradually increase the time.

Yoga. There are people who practice different asanas for self-improvement, but it helps expectant mothers to train stretching, reduce pain in the back and lower back, improve the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, restore inner harmony and reduce feelings. You can not perform asanas during which you need to twist your stomach, be in an inverted position or lie on your stomach, all other poses are not contraindicated. It is good if you have a partner who can support you if you lose your balance.

It is better to study with special video tutorials for expectant mothers or join a group for pregnant women. If you have not practiced yoga before, do not immediately try to perform difficult asanas. Do not try to bend as much as possible and “fold” into the desired position. Exercise should not cause you discomfort and even less pain.

How often should I do yoga at 22 weeks pregnant? Like walking in the fresh air, it is useful to practice yoga 3-5 days a week for 30 minutes. If you have been practicing for a long time, then you can perform asana complexes daily.

Swimming in the pool and water aerobics. Classes in water help strengthen muscles, improve the functioning of the lungs, heart, blood vessels. In the water, a pregnant woman does not risk falling and hitting her stomach. The muscles of the back and lower back are relaxed, which helps to reduce pain.

How often can you visit the pool? 3-5 times a week for 30 minutes. If you are not a good swimmer, classes should be with an instructor.

Run. Running in the second trimester is possible for expectant mothers who did it before pregnancy and during the first trimester. But you need to remember that now your body has changed. Its center of gravity has shifted, so you can lose balance and fall. Work out in comfortable shoes and only on special flat treadmills. If you haven't run before, then 22 weeks pregnant is not the best time to start. Consider other types of physical activity.

Is it possible to have sex?

Sex at 22 weeks is not contraindicated. On the contrary, it is useful, brings a lot of positive emotions to a woman, and her partner does not feel "abandoned". It is impossible for a woman to lie on her back during sexual intercourse, all other positions are not contraindicated, you can even experiment.

However, if the expectant mother has some health problems, or the pregnancy is complicated, intimacy may be contraindicated. You need to consult a doctor.

Have your nails become softer or brittle? If so, they need to be protected. Wear gloves when washing dishes, doing housework, gardening.

Gaining too much weight? In no case do not try to fight this with a diet. The baby growing in your tummy needs energy and nutrients. Diets during pregnancy are often not only pointless, but also dangerous. Firstly, you can gain weight not due to excess fat deposits, but due to fluid retention, swelling. Secondly, you will still lose the lion's share of the weight gain immediately after childbirth - when the baby and placenta leave your uterus. If you are concerned about very strong weight gain, do not do amateur activities, consult your doctor.

· Physical exercise is not only the movement of arms, legs and head. Regular exercise is important, but there are other muscles in your body that play the most important role during pregnancy and childbirth. Do Kegel pelvic floor exercises: they will help prevent complications during pregnancy and make childbirth easier.

· At the twenty-second week of pregnancy, many expectant mothers and fathers begin to think about the name for the child. The process of searching and choosing can be made very interesting and exciting. Here are some tips: remember the names of your favorite characters in books and films, look on the Internet for the meaning of different names, study your genealogy. You and your partner can sit down and write down on slips of paper which names you like, and then exchange the slips and compare the results.

· Treat yourself. When will it happen now! The entire second trimester is a great time when most expectant mothers feel great and full of energy. You can go on a short trip or arrange another interesting event for yourself.

· If you often suffer from lower back pain, it may be time to replace your mattress. Choose one that will support your spine in the correct position.

· You may have noticed that when you get up from a lying or sitting position, you begin to feel dizzy. This is due to the fact that, under the influence of gravity, the blood quickly flows away from the head. Do not get up abruptly, do it slowly so that your cardiovascular system has time to adjust to the change in body position.

Do you wear rings? It is better to take them off and put them in a closet or hang them around your neck on a chain before it's too late. If the swelling increases, the ring will become "small" and "stuck" on the finger.

What is body mass index, and what does it mean for a future mother?

Body mass index (BMI for short) is a measure obtained by dividing body weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. It is used to determine how much a woman's weight before pregnancy is normal. BMI is interpreted as follows:

less than 18.5 - underweight;

18.5–24.9 - normal weight;

25–29.9 - overweight;

More than 30 - obesity.

Depending on the body mass index, the expectant mother gains weight in different ways. The higher the BMI, the lower the increase, and vice versa. With a very high BMI, pregnancy comes with some risks. The management of such women requires special attention from the antenatal clinic doctor.

If the BMI before pregnancy was 30 or more, the expectant mother has an increased risk of arterial hypertension, gestational diabetes, and the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in the vessels. The likelihood of developing these conditions increases in parallel with BMI.

If BMI is over 30

The expectant mother is referred for a consultation with a nutritionist. A specialist will help you create the right diet. For these women, physical activity is especially important. It is necessary to control blood pressure more often than usual, periodically conduct tests for glucose tolerance.

If BMI is over 40

All of the above measures are prescribed, in addition, the woman is referred for a consultation with an anesthesiologist, in case a caesarean section is required. Assign additional studies to assess the condition of the fetus.

If BMI is less than 18.5

First of all, doctors try to determine the cause. It may be associated with eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, depression, and other medical conditions that increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. A woman is referred for a consultation with a nutritionist, if necessary, with a psychotherapist. Additional ultrasound examinations are prescribed.

What research needs to be done?

At the twenty-second week of pregnancy, the doctor may invite you for a checkup. He will ask you about complaints, examine the stomach, measure its circumference, the height of the uterine fundus. The doctor will also measure your blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature, examine your legs for swelling and varicose veins.

In what cases should you see a doctor?

If you have any incomprehensible symptoms at 22 weeks pregnant, you need to visit a doctor and, if necessary, be examined:

· Edema on the legs and in other places began to increase strongly.

· You suddenly started gaining weight very quickly, much faster than before.

Pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn, constipation, back pain, varicose veins are very strong and do not decrease despite the fact that you follow all the recommendations.

Signs of iron deficiency anemia: pallor, constant fatigue, dizziness, headaches.

· Increased blood pressure. To control it yourself, it is advisable to have a tonometer in the house and learn how to use it.

Yoga for pregnant women - Video guide

22 obstetric week of pregnancy - This is the middle of pregnancy, a kind of turning point in the development of the baby. The woman's belly is already clearly visible, and the uterus reaches the umbilical cavity, which is why the navel may protrude slightly.

The child actively moves, he has periods of sleep and wakefulness, and there is no cause for concern if he behaves quietly all day. At this time, the volume of blood in the body of a woman increases sharply, the hormonal background changes and libido increases.

Fetal size and development at 22 weeks gestation

What does a child look like

The fetus at the twenty-second week of pregnancy acquires the general proportionality characteristic of a person: his body grows, and his head no longer seems so big, legs and arms lengthen, eyebrows appear on his face!

The skin becomes less transparent, a gentle fluff covers the entire body. The head of the fetus begins to grow hair, eyebrow arches clearly stand out above the still closed eyes. Fruit length at 22 weeks pregnant is approximately 27 centimeters, weight an average of 400 grams.

Organ formation

The internal organs of the child fully formed, but the lungs are not yet sufficiently developed and the baby will not be able to survive outside the uterus. The baby now resembles an astronaut in space: he floats in zero gravity, he is supplied with oxygen and nutrition, and waste is ejected through the umbilical cord. The mother and placenta serve as a life support package. It is from this moment that the growth of the placenta, which was so intense earlier, slows down, and the growth of the fetus intensifies.

brain of a child develops in this period so rapidly that in just four weeks it increases five times. The structural structure of the brain contains an almost complete set of neurons, and in the future the brain will only grow due to an increase in neural connections. The baby makes chaotic movements with arms and legs, knows how to grab and suck a finger. Movement coordination improves.

Fetal spine completed the formation, there is an intensive strengthening of bone tissue. Bones contain bone marrow capable of producing red blood cells. Even if a woman does not take mineral supplements, the bones of the fetus will be strengthened by taking the necessary trace elements from the mother's body.

Baby's behavior and skills

The child at this time already knows how to coordinate your movements, tilt your head or raise your hand if you want to suck your thumb. He actively moves his arms, his legs almost always remain bent, but sometimes the baby kicks them noticeably.

Swimming in the amniotic fluid, he sometimes swallows it, and some doctors claim that already in this period children recognize the sour and bitter taste.

Sounds reach the child muffled, but he is quite able to hear music or voices.

The emotional state of the mother is transmitted to the child much better than the surrounding sounds, so the positive attitude of a woman is very important. Listening to classical music is not a prerequisite for the peace of mind and proper development of the baby, so a woman should do what she likes.

Twins at 22 weeks pregnant

Twins at this time do not differ in their development from a single fetus, but out of two children, one will always be not much smaller. Usually the difference in height does not exceed three centimeters, and the weight can vary from 400 to 450 grams. The belly of a woman is larger than in a singleton pregnancy.

What happens to mom at 22 weeks

Belly growth and weight gain

woman belly, which has reached the 22nd week of pregnancy, is noticeable, but usually does not cause inconvenience, and in primiparas it is only beginning to be indicated. The height of the uterus reaches 25 centimeters, this largely depends on the position of the fetus. Small pains that occur on the sides do not pose any threat: it is the ligaments of the uterus that are stretched, and after a couple of weeks the pain will disappear without a trace. You can see a photo of the tummies at the 22nd week of pregnancy above.

Possible highlights

At week 22, they can become more intense, this is due to the changed hormonal background. Transparent mucous membranes or whitish, odorless, non-irritating to the skin - such secretions are considered a variant of the norm. The appearance of yellowish, greenish, brown or brown discharge is a reason contact a gynecologist immediately.

Also, it may already begin to stand out from the chest, which is the norm and you should not worry about it at all.

Psychological condition

A woman at 22 weeks pregnant feels active, full of strength and energy. It seems that she can move mountains, she is happy and feels the child as part of herself. Under the influence of hormones, the expectant mother feels burst of sexual energy, increased libido.

The stomach still does not cause any particular inconvenience, so many joys of life are available to a woman, one of which is buying a dowry for a baby. Doctors recommend during this period to walk more, go to visit and in general enjoy motherhood.

Analyzes, examinations and ultrasound at the 22nd week of pregnancy

Planned visit to the gynecologist at week 22 does not carry anything new in terms of diagnostic studies. The doctor takes the usual measurements of the height of the uterus, the size of the pelvis and measures the weight of the expectant mother. The woman in the absence of any complaints gives general analysis of urine and blood.

At the 22nd week of pregnancy, it is prescribed to almost everyone, as it allows you to determine the parameters of fetal development or fetometry, reveals various pathologies of the course of pregnancy, deviations from the norm. or oligohydramnios, uterine hypertonicity and malformations of the placenta or fetus - these problems are visible on ultrasound.

We invite you to watch the video of the ultrasound of the fetus at the 22nd week of pregnancy, and also consider the photo of the baby above.

Possible deviations from the norm

During this period, the following problems may arise, in which it is necessary go to the hospital immediately:

• strong contractions or tension of the uterus;
• abdominal pain not related to digestive problems;
• copious discharge of a watery nature that appeared suddenly;
• any or pus;
• high temperature against the background of pain in the lower back or pain when urinating;
• lack of fetal movement for more than a day ( which is a symptom) or an unusually high mobility of the child;
• feeling of strong pressure on the rectum and bladder.

If any of these symptoms appear, you do not need to panic, but just go to the emergency room as soon as possible nearest hospital. It is possible that there is no cause for concern, but the doctor must definitely conduct an examination.

Mom's diet, skin care and exercise at 22 weeks

If a woman does not have any health problems, then her diet may contain any natural products that she wants to eat. With anemia, boiled beef, beef liver, red fruits, buckwheat are useful. Milk and dairy products must be in the daily menu.

It is advisable to avoid salty foods, fried and fatty, that is, everything that makes it difficult for the kidneys. The female body works for two during pregnancy, so it needs help. You can eat sweets, but in moderation, but strong coffee, tea and alcohol contraindicated.

Skin care the expectant mother is a pleasant experience, as the lotions and oils recommended for pregnant women have a delicate, relaxing aroma. The main task of care products intended for expectant mothers is moisturizing. They do not prevent the appearance of stretch marks, which occur due to hormonal changes. Many women do not develop stretch marks at all.

To maintain muscle tone, it is recommended to carry out until the seventh month of pregnancy and only in the absence of any pathologies. Yoga can be practiced until the very birth, as this teaching practices teaching proper breathing, relaxation and peace. Fitness yoga is not suitable for expectant mothers, so you should contact a specialized birth preparation center.

Aqua aerobics shown only to absolutely healthy women. Water has a beneficial effect on overall well-being, a woman can easily move without feeling the weight of her body. A lot of energy is spent during aqua aerobics, and if a pregnant woman likes water exercises and she does not experience severe fatigue after them, then classes will only benefit.

Sexual relations at 22 weeks

Due to the fact that many pregnant women at 22 weeks increased libido, then at this time they can be especially harmonious.

There are no special restrictions in this period, since the child is reliably protected, there is no threat of miscarriage, so we can recommend enjoy sex. By the way, due to the filling of the genital organs with blood, achieving orgasm is easy.

There is no need to worry about the fact that the child is not comfortable. He receives the same hormones of joy as his mother, thanks to a rush of blood to the pelvic area, he receives more oxygen and nutrients, and pushes serve as the first swing for him.

Pregnancy is a normal, natural process, during which it is only desirable to help your body:

• your food should resemble baby food - products should be natural;
• do not overeat, drink plenty of water and monitor weight;
• eliminate stress to the maximum and walk more in the fresh air;
• wear maternity clothes and avoid tight clothing;
• do not forget to moisturize the skin and do a light massage;
• do not forget about the husband and sexual relations with him;
• do not forget about visits to the doctor and do tests on time.

Video about 22 weeks pregnant

For those mothers who are interested in how the baby looks at this period of 22 weeks, how the ultrasound procedure goes and what can be seen on the screen, as well as learn the basic asanas for successful childbirth, it is recommended to watch this video guide.

It is hard to believe, but until the mid-1950s, expectant mothers were prescribed to undergo X-ray examinations of the fetus. So far, the number of sick newborns in mothers who have passed it has not become too large. X-rays of pregnant women were then banned, and now a completely safe ultrasound is performed.

This is a planned study, showing whether everything is in order with the baby. With the help of ultrasonic waves, you can properly examine the internal development of the baby, whether he has any pathology. During this period, it is possible to solve some problems of the developing fetus, then it will be more difficult to do this, sometimes even impossible.

Mother's condition and fetal development

Half of the pregnancy is left behind, the pregnant woman is most likely already accustomed to her condition.

By this time, the woman had long ceased to suffer from toxicosis, the child is not yet very heavy. The baby makes itself felt with gentle movements, to which the mother now and then listens.

Reference! At this time, a steady increase in the weight of a woman begins. If this does not happen, one can judge the onset of late toxicosis (preeclampsia) - a dangerous condition for both the mother and the child.

Also, the tummy is becoming more and more noticeable.

Because of the increase in weight, the mother may have pain in the lower back, so it is better to wear a tummy support bandage.

Kidney problems can also be observed, swelling is a rather dangerous condition, fraught with preeclampsia in the future.

The kid is already a fully formed little man, now all his organs will only develop.

The following also happens:

1. The baby trains the digestive system - gradually swallows the amniotic fluid. This fluid is digested and subsequently forms meconium.
2. He hears well and can see flashes of light “from outside”, respond to this with a push.
3. Already well formed eyes, he begins to open them.
4. He has his own “daily routine” - he falls asleep and wakes up, sleep time is approximately 22 hours a day.
5. A grasping reflex develops, the child studies the umbilical cord with his hands for a long time.

What can be seen in the photo of the fetus?

After an ultrasound at week 22, a specialist can take a photo from the monitor.

Looking at the photo, parents are unlikely to be able to see the baby's facial features, since this is still impossible to do. But the nose will be clearly visible. You can see the arms and legs, even count the fingers on the arms and legs.

Photo of a boy

Photo girls

What does ultrasound diagnostics show, what does the doctor look at?

A specialist, doing an ultrasound scan, necessarily examines many parameters.

Organ sizes

More accurately look at the size of the internal organs and the degree of their development. This helps to more accurately determine the gestational age and the estimated date of birth. It happens that the size of the child does not correspond to the gestational age, on the basis of this, the doctor can conclude that the development of the baby is delayed. In this variant of the norm, a developmental delay of 1 week is considered.

Important! If the developmental delay is 2 or more weeks, the woman is given a referral to another specialist to make or clarify the diagnosis.

Malformations

The brain, heart, liver and other organs of the child are examined. Today it is possible to determine the malformations of the heart, the pathology of the development of the brain and spinal cord. They also look at the activity of the fetus, the heart rate, how it moves.

Placenta

It is mandatory to examine the placenta, its maturity, the number of vessels in the umbilical cord. Be sure to determine its presentation, what it is attached to, how it develops. Often, thanks to ultrasound, pathological attachment of the placenta is determined and a woman is recommended to give birth by caesarean section.

At this stage, the presentation of the fetus itself is not yet determined - the child is still small and can easily change its position.

It is also important that the maturity of the placenta corresponds to the gestational age. Too rapid maturation of this organ is fraught with the fact that the child will have a lack of oxygen, that is, oxygen starvation. In addition, in this case, there is a risk of such complications as premature detachment of the placenta - this is fraught with fetal death.

Also, the discrepancy between the placenta and the norms indicates the inflammatory process that has begun in it, which will certainly affect the developing child. To exclude the presence of this, the woman will be prescribed additional tests.

amniotic fluid

The doctor looks at the amount of water - an insufficient amount of them indicates a possible oxygen starvation of the fetus, perhaps there is even an intrauterine infection.

Important! If there is polyhydramnios, this may indicate the possibility of diabetes in the mother. If the fetal bladder is too stretched, this threatens with the danger of weak labor activity, early departure of the water, and premature birth.

Cervix

It is also important to determine the size of the cervix. This indicator quite accurately shows the possible risks of fetal death, premature birth, self-abortion.

The structure of the brain

During this period, the main thing is not only and not so much the physical size of the fetus, but the development of its brain and spinal cord. The size of the ventricles of the brain, the integrity of the spinal cord are being studied.

genetic abnormalities

During the study, the doctor may suspect that the child has genetic abnormalities, in particular Down syndrome. A combination of other disorders leads to this conclusion - heart disease, problems in the large intestine, which then lead to its obstruction, malformation of the duodenum, and others.

Based on these observations, mothers are prescribed a referral for additional studies and tests.

With the help of ultrasound at week 22, other genetic abnormalities can also be detected - thanks to observations of the development of other organs and systems of the child.

Can you see the gender of the baby?

For most parents, this is the last question that may be of interest. Nevertheless, it is already possible to determine the sex of the unborn child at this time.

In boys, the scrotum and penis are found, in girls the labia majora are already visible.

However, at this time, all these indicators may be inaccurate - the temporary swelling of the labia that has arisen in utero may seem like a scrotum, and the boy’s tightly compressed legs will seem like manifestations of the girl’s “shamelessness”.

So at this time it is quite simple to reliably determine whether you will have a son or daughter, but there is a possibility of error.

The doctor can also determine the multiple pregnancy, and the sex of each of the babies - of course, if they do not turn their backs to the monitor.

Decoding and indicators of the norm

This is the most interesting and exciting for parents - whether the development of their baby corresponds to the norm.

Fetometry standards are as follows:

1. Growth at 22 weeks is about 25-30 cm, weight is about 450 grams, the brain makes up 25% of the baby's weight. If the pregnancy is multiple, the babies will be smaller.
2. Head circumference - 200 mm, tummy - 150 mm, length of shins and thighs - about 4 cm, forearms - 3.5 cm.
3. The length of the cervix is ​​more than 30 mm, it is closed on both sides.
4. The volume of amniotic fluid is about 250 mm.
5. There are 3 vessels in the placenta - 2 arteries and 1 vein, its thickness is from 18 to 30 mm, zero maturity.

They also describe the presence or absence of fetal malformations and determine what gender the child is. If the pregnancy is multiple, the same is determined for each child.

How do they do it?

The procedure itself for a woman is simple and does not pose any danger.

There is no need to prepare for it in any special way - the amount of amniotic fluid is enough for the ultrasonic signals to “get” to the baby.

For the study, the woman must lie on the couch. The doctor lubricates the patient's stomach with a special gel and puts a sensor on it.

Depending on which area should be considered, he moves it. He can tell his mother what exactly he is considering and what condition this organ is in.

How to prepare?

Preparation for an ultrasound is not required. Take a tissue with you to remove the gel from the abdomen.

3D ultrasound at 22 weeks

Modern technologies also allow you to do and. Such a study is of higher quality, because it allows you to see a three-dimensional image of the fetus and how it moves in real time. Also, such an image will allow for a more accurate diagnosis.

You can pre-arrange for a computer recording of what is happening on the monitor screen - after the examination, you will be given a disc with the recording, then you can view what your baby was like before he was born.

Where to do it and how much does it cost?

The cost of ultrasound is from 1000 to 1500 rubles. You can do it at any clinic in your city and paid medical clinics.

Useful video

Watch a video about the development of the fetus and the condition of the pregnant woman at 22 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion

Ultrasound at 21, 22 weeks of pregnancy is very important for you and your baby. The doctor will also tell you if there is a need to repeat this study until the moment when he is born and you can take him in your arms.

22 weeks of pregnancy (5 months and 2 weeks) is the second trimester of gestation. Half of the way has already been passed. During this period, a woman can still lead a normal life, but some restrictions are imposed on physical activity. The baby is growing and developing rapidly, making active movements, and with the help of pushes communicates with his mother. The contact of a child with a woman becomes more emotional, which contributes to the formation of maternal instinct. Doctors consider the second trimester to be the golden period of pregnancy - ease of movement, good health and close contact with the child bring positive emotions to a woman /

What is happening with the baby?

At week 22, the growth of the child slows down, and body weight is steadily growing. Now the size of the baby can be compared with the size of a large zucchini. Fetal growth corresponds to 22-25 cm, body weight - 350-400 grams. The weight of the baby increases due to the formation of subcutaneous brown fat, which is actively involved in heat transfer and helps to maintain a constant body temperature of the fetus. At this stage of pregnancy, the baby is vulnerable to temperature changes, easily supercooled and overheated. After gaining a sufficient amount of body fat, the risk of negative consequences will decrease.

The formation of subcutaneous fat improves the appearance of the child - the fetus becomes like a newborn. The skin is stretched, its turgor normalizes, wrinkles on the body and face gradually disappear. The hair on the head is well formed, the growth of eyelashes and eyebrows ends. Latugo has a light color, which is associated with a low content of melanin.

Closer to birth, many babies will have a darker hair color. However, the color of the latugo does not always match the color of the permanent hair.

Original hair falls out within the first month after birth.

Thin nails can be seen on the fingers and toes. They occupy almost the entire nail bed and continue to grow during the prenatal period. Usually, by the time of birth, the nails become long. They must be cut off so that the baby does not scratch himself.

The child's brain and spinal cord are already fully formed, all neurons and white matter are laid. In the number of neural connections increases, which affects the ability of the fetus to move and the development of the senses. The child bends and unbends his arms and legs, moves his fingers, feels the inner surface of the uterus, holds and pulls the umbilical cord. The uterus is still large enough to move freely and roll over.

At 22 weeks, the baby can take a head presentation for a normal delivery. However, this condition is not necessary and should not be worried with the transverse or foot position of the fetus.

The sense organs are actively developing. The baby is able to distinguish darkness from bright rays. If a light source is directed to the stomach, the child will react. The kid well distinguishes sounds, voices, intonation of speech of mother and other people. During this period, you can gently talk to the child, read fairy tales to him, turn on calm background music. This calms the child and establishes a close emotional contact with the mother. It is necessary to listen to the behavior of the fetus in the womb. With sharp blows, the child warns the woman about an uncomfortable position, too loud speech, lack of oxygen.

Fetal movements at 22 weeks of gestation are distinct and frequent. A woman can determine which part of the body the baby rested against the wall of the uterus. Lack of movement in the womb is a dangerous sign that requires urgent medical attention. At the same time, the constant stirring and restlessness of the fetus indicates (lack of oxygen) and can lead to impaired intrauterine development. A timely visit to the gynecologist-obstetrician prevents the occurrence of pregnancy complications.

The activity of the fetus in the womb may not coincide with the biological rhythms of a woman. In the daytime, a pregnant woman walks a lot, which cradles the baby. In a calm state at night, the child is easier to move and he begins to push and roll over. To normalize sleep, a woman is recommended to rest during the day to enable the child to adjust her biological rhythms of sleep and wakefulness.

What's going on with mom

At the 22nd week of pregnancy, the woman continues to gain weight due to the period of formation of the subcutaneous fat layer of the fetus. Permissible weight gain 4.5-7 kg. The belly grows and protrudes, the navel is turned outward, the waist is smoothed out. The general condition of a woman still allows her to lead a normal life, but restrictions in physical activity make themselves felt. The gait changes - a woman, when walking, spreads her legs wide and is pumped from side to side, more and more often holding on to her lower back. An enlarged belly makes it difficult to change the position of the body. Sleeping on your side and back becomes uncomfortable, which can lead to disruption of sleep and wakefulness.

The uterus increases in size with each week of pregnancy. At this stage of gestation, the fundus of the uterus rises 2 cm above the navel. The organ is already tangibly pressing on the diaphragm, bladder, intestinal loops. In this regard, there is shortness of breath during exercise of moderate intensity, increased urination, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids. Changes in a woman's body leave an imprint on everyday activity - walking for long distances becomes tiring, weakness appears, it is necessary to visit the restroom more often.

At the 22nd week of pregnancy, the process of increasing the volume of circulating blood reaches its peak. At the same time, the volume of the liquid part (plasma) increases faster than the content of blood cells (erythrocytes, platelets, leukocytes). Such changes lead to the occurrence of physiological anemia of pregnant women, which does not harm health and disappears in the 3rd trimester of gestation. However, the risk of progression of the condition remains high - moderate to severe iron deficiency anemia may occur, which leads to the body of the woman and the fetus.

Physiological decrease in blood pressure (BP) aggravates weakness and fatigue caused by anemia, weight gain, pressure of the uterine fundus on the internal organs. Low blood pressure is aimed at maintaining the normal course of pregnancy.

Blood pressure levels must be regularly monitored.

Otherwise, too low pressure causes and leads to miscarriage.

Symptoms and sensations at 22 weeks pregnant

>At 22 weeks, you can already choose maternity clothes that bring comfort to the expectant mother and baby.

It is necessary to discuss the issue of wearing a prenatal bandage with a gynecologist to reduce the load on the spine and prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the abdomen. As prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist, they take vitamin D and calcium preparations, multivitamins for pregnant women.

The 22nd week of pregnancy is the next step, which brings the woman closer to childbirth, and prepares the child for life outside the womb. Proper daily routine and nutrition, timely visits to the doctor, wearing a prenatal bandage and a good mood help to pass this period without complications.