Is this your 22nd week of pregnancy? Let's see what happens to you and your baby! (Pregnancy Week 22)

Hello! Here we are, another important week in your beautiful journey, week 22. By now, the little baby inside you is growing at an incredible rate. Isn't it amazing how his little organs are forming, how he's developing day by day? This week, we'll talk about your baby's progress, as well as what's going on in your body and mind as a mother.

How is your baby's development this week?

The little one in your womb is now slowly getting ready to explore the world. All of his senses are developing day by day. Just imagine how much he will learn at such a young age!

• Size and appearance of the little one: By this week, your baby is usually about 27-28 centimeters long. That is, think of it as a small papaya. It can weigh between 430 and 460 grams. Although the baby now looks exactly like a little person, he still has little body fat, so he looks a little skinny. The baby's skin is still very thin and reddish. You can even see the blood vessels inside it.
• Your baby's entire body is covered in a very fine, soft down called lanugo . This protects your baby's delicate skin. Don't worry, this lanugo will often disappear by the time your baby is born.
• The baby's skin is also covered in a white, thick, creamy substance called vernix caseosa . This serves to protect the skin while the baby is in the amniotic fluid.

• Development of the senses:
• Taste: Your baby's taste buds are now developing. Isn't it amazing? Your baby can taste the flavors of the foods you eat through the amniotic fluid . So it's good for your baby to eat healthy foods.
• Sense of touch: By now, your baby's brain and nerve endings are well developed. So your baby is starting to sense touch. While in the womb, he may be touching his own face, sucking his thumb, touching other parts of his body, and experimenting with how they move.
• Eyes and eyelashes: The baby's eyes are now fully developed. The eyelids are still tightly closed. However, the eyelashes and eyebrows are already formed. In a few days, the baby will begin to open its eyes.
• Things to hear:During this time, your baby can hear your voice and your heartbeat very well. Not only that, but your husband's voice, the sounds of other people in the house, and the sounds around him can also be heard to some extent. So this is the best time to talk to your baby, sing songs, and read books to him. Then the baby will get used to your voice.

• Reproductive system development: Your baby's reproductive system also continues to develop this week.
• If it's a boy, his testicles have begun to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum at this time.
• If it's a girl, her uterus and ovaries are in their proper places, and even her vagina is already developed. It's amazing what's going on inside this little body!

How are you feeling as a mom this week?

Now, not only the baby, but your body has changed a lot, hasn't it? Your belly has also come forward a little, and everyone who sees it must be asking, "Are you having a baby?" This week, you may feel things like this:

• Belly enlargement and weight gain : Your belly is probably quite visible now. Your uterus has moved a little above your navel. This may cause you to gain 200-500 grams per week. This is normal, so don't worry too much about it.
• Skin changes:
• Stretch Marks: Pink or purple lines may appear on areas like the stomach, breasts, and hips as the skin stretches. These are called stretch marks . Some people get these, some don't. Don't worry, they will gradually fade after you have your baby. Using a moisturizer will help your skin feel better.
• Linea Nigra: Is there a dark line from the navel down? That's called the linea nigra . This is also caused by hormonal changes. This also disappears after you have a baby.
• Chloasma: Some people may develop dark, freckle-like patches on their face. This is called chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy ." These can worsen when exposed to the sun, so it's best to protect yourself from the sun.
• Back pain: As your belly grows, the way your body's weight is distributed changes, so you may feel pressure on your back. So keep your back straight and be careful when lifting heavy objects. Sleeping with a pillow between your legs can also help.
• Swelling of the legs : Sometimes the legs and ankles may swell a little. This is calledIt's called edema. Don't stand in one place for too long. Keep your legs slightly elevated. But if the swelling is too much, or if your face is also swelling, see a doctor immediately.
• Braxton Hicks contractions: Your stomach feels like it's going to tighten up a little bit, and then it goes away. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions . It's like your uterus is training for the big day. They usually don't hurt, or they're very mild. They're also irregular. That means they don't come all at once. But if these contractions are strong, persistent, or increasing in intensity, or if they're watery or bloody, you should see a doctor right away. It could be a sign of preterm labor .
• Baby's movements: By now you've probably started to feel your baby's movements. It's so exciting to see your little one kicking and twisting their little arms and legs, isn't it? Pay attention to these movements.

Things you need to be careful about this week

During this time, it is very important to think about your health as well as your baby's health .

About food and drink

What you eat is what your baby eats, so it's essential to eat a nutritious diet.

• Eat foods rich in iron (spinach, soy, red meat, lentils) because anemia can occur during this time.
• Foods containing calcium (milk, cheese, yogurt, spinach, green vegetables) are essential for the development of a baby's bones.
• Protein ( fish, meat, eggs, nuts) helps the baby's cells grow.
• Be sure to include fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains in your diet.
• You should drink plenty of water. Drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day.
• Do not eat things like raw meat, raw eggs, undercooked seafood, and unpasteurized milk.

Exercise

Doing light exercise during pregnancy is good for you and your baby.

• You can do things like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga .
• But if you're new to exercise, it's best to ask your doctor what exercises are right for you.
• When exercising, don't push yourself to the limit. Listen to your body.

Medical tests

You'll probably still be seeing your doctor regularly by now. Don't miss those appointments.

• An anomaly scan is usually done at this time (between 18-22 weeks). This checks for any abnormalities in the baby's development and organs. If you haven't had it done yet, talk to your doctor.
• If you have any questions or doubts, ask your doctor about everything.

Symptoms to watch out for

There are some symptoms, if they appear, you should see a doctor immediately.

• Heavy vaginal bleeding.
• A watery fluid flows from the vagina.
• Severe abdominal pain or continuous contractions (more than 4 per hour).
• Severe headache, blurred vision.
• Sudden swelling of the hands, feet, and face.
• Decreased or lost baby movements.
• Fever, feeling cold.

If something like this happens, wouldn't it be better to see a doctor without delay?

Things Dads Can Do This Week

This journey is not just for mom. As a father, you also have a big role to play during this time.

• Support your wife mentally and physically. Listen to her and let her share what's on her mind.
• Whenever possible, go to doctor appointments together. That way, you can learn a lot about the baby and the mother.
• Talk to your baby. Try to feel your baby by putting your hand on his belly. Your voice will also become familiar to your baby.
• Help with household chores. Manage the work so that your wife can rest.
• Talk and plan together about the things you need to prepare before the baby arrives.

A few tips for this week

• Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
• Try to maintain good posture, sit, and sleep.
• Get as much rest as possible. It would be great if you could take a nap during the day.
• Build a relationship with your baby. Talk to him while touching his belly, sing songs, and let him listen to music.
• Read books and educate yourself about what you need to know when you're expecting a baby and how to care for a newborn.

Let's remember this!

So, the 22nd week is passing by. Every moment is precious.

Be happy about this amazing little life growing inside you. Even if you feel a little uncomfortable with the changes in your body, remember that it's all for this little one.

While you are taking care of your nutrition, exercise, and medical tests, it is also very important to keep your mind happy. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask your doctor. You are not on this journey alone. Your family, friends, and doctors are all with you.

So, spend this week happily, healthily, and carefully!

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