Your Baby is Due
October 16, 2023

At 22 weeks pregnant, your uterus is now about an inch above your belly button. It should feel firm to touch. Your baby continues to move more, becoming more coordinated as muscles develop and strength increases. She can now stretch too. These movements will build muscle, strengthen bones and improve motor skills. Your baby will also respond to outside pressure on your uterus and may move as a result of this. Your baby's heartbeat can be heard using a stethoscope.

Your baby is getting bigger day by day and now weighs approximately 1 lb. (450 g). Hearing and responding to sounds begins. She can hear your voice as well as your beating heart, stomach gurgling and blood being pumping around. All skin layers and structures are fully formed. The eyelids remain fused and closed but your baby can detect the difference between light and dark.

Protruding belly button? After birth it will revert back in, but be prepared for a slightly bigger belly button for ever!

You may start to feel dizzy more often as your expanding uterus puts more pressure on your blood vessels. Remember to avoid standing still for long periods, get up slowly from lying and sitting positions, eat a healthy balanced diet, drink plenty of water and don't miss meals or go too long without a snack.

Your growing uterus also puts pressure on your bowels, resulting in constipation. Regular exercise can help.

Take a relaxing bath. Lying back in the tub and looking at your belly moving may become one of your favorite things to do in the next few weeks. Rolling movements, quick jabs, poking sensations are all signs that your baby is active.

Avoid straining your back. Lower back pain can be a fact of life during pregnancy and it pays to look after your spine.