Trimester 2
Week 22
Your baby is about the size of a coconut.
Length: 27.8 cm · Weight: 430 g
Common this week: Visible baby movements, Back pain, Pelvic girdle pain, Heartburn, Leg cramps, Stretch marks.
Baby development
- The baby's face is fully formed and looks like a miniature newborn.
- Eyelids and eyebrows are visible.
- The pancreas is producing insulin.
- The baby's grip is strengthening.
Changes for you
- You may feel the baby's movements from outside the belly.
- Your partner or others can feel kicks by placing a hand on your tummy.
- Stretch marks may deepen in colour.
- Urinary tract infections are more common in pregnancy — maintain good hydration.
Tips
- Share the baby's movements with your partner — it's a wonderful bonding experience.
- Watch for signs of UTI: burning urination, frequency, cloudy or smelly urine.
- Consider a pregnancy massage with a qualified therapist for back pain relief.
- Drink 1.5–2 litres of water per day.
Appointments
- Routine antenatal check.
Warning signs
- Burning urination (UTI)
- Bleeding
- Regular contractions
- Severe oedema
Australian notes
- Pregnant women in Australia are at higher risk of UTIs — if suspected, see your GP promptly as untreated UTIs can cause complications.
- Pelvic girdle pain (PGP/SPD) affects many Australian women — a physiotherapist can help manage it.