During your first 22 weeks of pregnant, you may find that people are starting to touch your belly.
During this time, you are feeling pretty active and good. Still, if you are experiencing pains and aches or feel that you are deteriorating, you may need to seek alternative solutions to your problems.
The uterus is located about three inches above the navel. Though the belly is not yet big, it brings various changes to your profile. During this period, your uterus is approximately 2 cm above the belly button. Also, the center of gravity shifts to a new location. The cheeks look flushed, there will be an amazing glow on your face, and you will be getting a lot of compliments for your beautiful look.
Symptoms experienced:
Some women still experience symptoms such as constipation, indigestion or heartburn, vaginal discharge, dizziness or faintness, or leg cramps. Most of these symptoms are due to increased hormone levels, increased blood flow, and a growing belly.
When you are excited, the release of the pregnancy hormone relaxin causes your pelvic ligaments to loosen, as well as the ligaments in your tootsies. Consecutively, bones beneath the ligaments stretch slightly, which may lead to a half or whole-shoe size increase for most women.
Physical changes that occur in a 22 weeks pregnant woman:
The size of the abdomen grows larger with each passing week, as does the discomfort.
Most women begin to notice stretch marks around or during this time. Some women will not notice stretch marks until the third trimester, while others will not notice any stretch marks at all. Approximately 50% of all expecting mothers get stretch marks in areas such as the breasts, belly, thighs, and even buttocks during their pregnancy.
Stretch marks on the belly are most common during pregnancy and are very similar to other marks on the skin; they won’t disappear even with the use of any topical creams. Even if you want to use any kind of topical cream, make sure that you get your doctor’s approval.
Usually, during the second trimester, your libido increases. Due to the increased blood flow, vaginal secretions, and clitoris, most women become sexually active or multi-orgasmic for the very first time. Don’t think that intercourse can cause harm to your baby. Your baby is unaware of what actions are happening inside the amniotic sac. You can continue to exercise during pregnancy if your doctor tells you to avoid sex.
If you have any pregnancy complications like preterm labor, miscarriage, placental abruption, ruptured membranes, or placenta previa, then the sexual activity is not recommended. Stages of Pregnancy
Fetal changes that occur in 22 weeks of pregnant:
When you are 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a foot in length and weighs about one pound.
From this week on, there will be rapid development in your baby. By the end of pregnancy week 22, the baby’s lips are almost fully developed and have taken on a complete shape. Baby’s fingernails grow so quickly that you must trim them soon after the baby is born.
The baby starts producing hormones on its own if it has a well-developed pancreas. The inner ear of the baby is developed so that it has a sense of balance and can hear the sounds outside.
From the translucent phase on, the baby’s skin is now becoming more wrinkled. Wrinkling is part of the skin’s way of developing. As the baby’s skin develops, he or she will be able to feel touch.
The fetus has developed eyebrows and eyelids by 22 weeks of pregnancy, and the baby also begins blinking his or her eyelids.
For baby boys, the testes descend by this time.
Thumb sucking will become a frequent activity for your baby, particularly when the baby sleeps, and you can see this when you have a 22-week prenatal ultrasound. Telehealth in Maternal Care
What Care Must Be Exercised?
You will gain more weight gradually as your baby continues to fill out. The additional weight gain causes even more strain on your lower back. Wearing low-heeled shoes and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing could help to relieve it.
Pregnant women during this time can apply aloe vera oil to reduce skin irritation. Use cocoa butter-based creams or creams containing vitamin E to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Even if you use these products, there is no guarantee that stretch marks won’t appear, as they are the normal outcome of pregnancy.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you get a glucose screening test when you are 22 weeks pregnant. This test can help determine whether you have gestational diabetes, to which most women are susceptible during their pregnancy. If the test turns positive, you need to get proper treatment by consulting your healthcare provider.
Smoking during pregnancy can cause cancer in the fetus.
For 22-week-pregnant women, the doctor will recommend undergoing a urine test. The test can identify whether you are in danger of preeclampsia or not.
Have a wonderful pregnancy experience! Continue reading to learn more about the exciting events that occur during pregnancy week 23…Placental insufficiency
