Pregnancy Week 22: What to Expect This Week

Welcome to Pregnancy Week 22 – the sweet spot where your bump is front and centre, baby’s movements are unmistakable, and strangers might start offering unsolicited opinions in the queue at Sainsbury’s.

It’s a week of growth (for both you and baby), a few new niggles, and a good time to check in with how you’re reallyfeeling.

Baby at Pregnancy Week 22

Your baby is around 28cm long and weighs about 430g—about the size of a papaya (though hopefully less lumpy).

Inside the womb this week:

Baby is developing a sense of touch—and may be gripping the umbilical cord

Eyelids, eyebrows and even eyelashes are forming

Taste buds are developing too (yes, what you eat flavours the amniotic fluid)

The brain is growing rapidly, and nerves are connecting at speed

They’re becoming more responsive to sound—so go ahead, talk to your bump

You may be feeling stronger, more defined kicks now, not just flutters—and some babies love a good boogie when you lie down at night.

Your Symptoms at Pregnancy Week 22

Your body is busy supporting a major growth spurt this week, which can come with some new or intensified symptoms:

Backache—your posture is shifting as bump grows

Stretch marks might start making an appearance

Overheating—your body is pumping more blood, which can make you feel like a walking radiator

Heartburn or indigestion, especially after big meals

Dry or itchy skin as everything stretches

Top tip: Keep your bump (and boobs, hips, thighs…) comfortable with our Pregnancy Massage Oil. Massage is not only soothing, but a lovely way to connect with your changing body.

Shop the full pregnancy-safe range

What to Do at Pregnancy Week 22

As the weeks tick on, it’s helpful to get ahead of the game with some light prep:

Make sure your 24-week midwife appointment is booked
Start exploring antenatal class options—the best time to start is usually between 28–32 weeks
Think about who you want around you during birth
Start noting baby movements and learning their patterns
Add a foot/leg massage to your bedtime wind-down—you’ve earned it

Honest Midwife Thoughts

Pregnancy Week 22 is often a turning point where you shift from “I’m pregnant” to “I’m having a baby.” The difference may be subtle, but mentally, it’s big. You might be thinking more about the birth now, or wondering what kind of parent you’ll be (or both, at 2am).

Whatever you’re feeling—excited, anxious, overwhelmed—know that it’s all valid. This is a perfect time to start exploring what birth might look like for you, and how you can feel informed, supported, and in control of the process.

We’ve got classes and tools to help with all of that.

Feeling Ready? Join Us for a Class

Great picks for this week:

Natural Labour & Birth Class (Free) – a clear, supportive look at how your body births and how to support it
Hypnobirthing Course – a practical 4-week series to boost confidence and calm
Practical Parenting – perfect if you’re starting to think about the weeks after baby arrives

All sessions are live on Zoom and midwife-led and no judgement.

Find your class

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