At 22 weeks
At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a papaya (papita), around 27.8 cm from head to toe (NHS) and about 476 g at the WHO median. The lungs are developing and your baby is doing breathing practice, while most parts of the body, including the inner ear, are now fully formed. You may notice stretch marks, piles or your first Braxton Hicks tightenings.
Your Baby at 22 Weeks
The lungs are developing and your baby is doing some breathing practice in the womb. Small amounts of amniotic fluid are being swallowed, which usually stays in the bowel until it comes out after birth as dark, sticky meconium, and the taste buds are developing (NHS).
Most parts of your baby's body are now fully formed, including the inner ear and the retina, although the irises have no colour yet; eyelashes are present and the nails reach the fingertips. Your baby is probably lying across your tummy in the transverse position but changes position all the time, with movements growing stronger as the muscles mature (Pregnancy, Birth and Baby). The WHO median estimated weight is about 476 g; healthy babies vary widely, and your scan report is what matters.
Your Body This Week
Stretch marks may begin to appear as lines or streaks on your tummy, upper thighs or breasts; they are harmless and usually fade after the birth (NHS). Piles, which are swellings inside or around the bottom, can cause itching, soreness or pain when passing a stool.
To help prevent piles, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby suggests plenty of fruit and vegetables for fibre, staying well hydrated and avoiding long periods of standing. You may also start to feel Braxton Hicks contractions, when the uterus tightens and goes hard; they are irregular and usually ease if you change position.
When to call your midwife or doctor: Call your midwife or GP immediately if you are in severe pain or bleeding from the vagina (NHS). Contact your doctor or midwife if contractions are painful, regular or getting stronger, or come with pain, pressure or discomfort in your pelvis, abdomen or lower back, and call whenever you are unsure (Pregnancy, Birth and Baby).
Garbh Sanskar This Week
A small daily practice for this stage, from Mamta’s 1:1 sessions. It is tradition and gentle self-care, not medical advice, so keep every check-up and follow your doctor or midwife first.
- Mantra: The Purnamadah invocation from the Isha Upanishad says: 'That is whole, this is whole; from the whole the whole arises, and the whole remains.' Chant it softly for a few minutes as a quiet reflection, and find the full text in the Garbh Sanskar mantras guide.
- Music: The NHS calls this a good week to talk and sing to your bump, and your baby is now beginning to respond to sound. Choose a bhajan or calm song you love and enjoy it together at a comfortable volume.
- Gentle movement: Mamta's practice for this week is a gentle cat and cow on hands and knees: slowly round and then lengthen your back in time with your breath, never holding it. It is a soft stretch that keeps you off your back, to be done only with your doctor's or midwife's clearance.
- Food: Traditionally, this is the last week of Charaka's fifth month, centred on ghee from milk butter; pair a little with fibre-rich fruit, vegetables and dal, and drink plenty of water. Have these alongside the iron, calcium and folic acid your doctor recommends.
- Garbh samvad (a line to say to your baby): Breathe in, breathe out. We're both practising, little one.
Questions About Week 22
What are Braxton Hicks contractions at 22 weeks?
They are tightenings in which the muscles of your uterus contract and your bump goes hard. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby says they are not labour pains, are irregular and usually stop if you change position; call your doctor or midwife if they become painful, regular or stronger.
How can I prevent piles at 22 weeks pregnant?
Piles can form if you are constipated or from the pressure of your growing baby and uterus. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby suggests eating plenty of fruit and vegetables for fibre, keeping well hydrated so you don't strain, and avoiding standing for long periods.
Is my baby breathing at 22 weeks?
Not air yet, but the NHS says the lungs are developing and your baby is doing some breathing practice in the womb. Your baby is also swallowing small amounts of amniotic fluid, which usually stays in the bowel until it is passed after birth as meconium.
Practise With Mamta, Wherever You Are
Mamta guides expecting mothers through private 1:1 Garbh Sanskar sessions online, scheduled in your own time zone, from the first trimester to the last week. Start with a free conversation on WhatsApp or read how sessions work.
Sources
Mamta is not a doctor. Medical points on this page come from the sources below, checked in October 2026. Sizes are approximate and babies vary; your scan report is what matters.