22 Weeks Pregnant

Your Baby's Growth and Development

During 22 weeks pregnant your baby may grow up to 7.5 inches long! Many babies will weigh in at close to 12 ounces! Your baby's organs are developing consistently now, as are your baby's internal organs including his or her reproductive system. Your baby's eyelids may have formed distinct eyebrows by now, and your baby's fingernails are growing in quite nicely.

Did you know most babies are ready for their first nail trim the moment they are born? Baby's nails grow remarkably fast, even faster than most pregnant women's!

Your baby's organs are also specializing and developing unique features. During this time your baby's lips and teeth are also forming!

Changes In Your Body

By 22 weeks pregnant your uterus has risen to roughly ¾ of an inches above your navel. While your belly isn't tremendous yet, it certainly changes your profile. Many women start noticing stretch marks at or around this time, though some won't notice them until the third trimester and still others will barely get any stretch marks during pregnancy.

Many women develop them on their breasts, thighs and even buttocks during pregnancy.

Can you prevent stretch marks? Not necessarily. Most researchers believe stretch marks are hereditary, thus women are genetically predisposed to get them. I did try every magic potion and cream and lotion under the sun during pregnancy to help prevent stretch marks. All things considered, I do have very minimal stretch marks, on my abdomen and breasts primarily.

Using moisturizers is beneficial in my opinion, if for no other reason you feel you are doing something active to help prevent stretch marks and you are easing the itching associated with a stretching abdomen.

Keep in mind stretch marks do vary from woman to woman. Some women will develop white or pinkish marks while others develop purple or dark brown ones. They come in every shape and size.

You may also notice around this time your belly button starts to poke out during pregnancy. This will happen for most women at or around 20-22 weeks pregnancy. Don't worry; most innies go back to being their ordinary selves after delivery.

Low Back Pain During Pregnancy

As your belly continues to expand you may notice you develop low back pain at some point during pregnancy. This is more common from 22 weeks pregnant on as your uterus continues to grow and shift your center of gravity. Hormonal changes and extra weight gain can also contribute to lower back pain.

One of the simplest and least expensive ways to relieve some of your back pain is supporting your lower back. Your growing abdomen naturally forces postural shifts that can result in uncomfortable lower (and even upper) back pain. Pregnancy support pillows including Snoozer Full Body Pregnancy Pillows help support the head, legs, knees and low back throughout pregnancy and after. These handy pillows also claim to bolster circulation. When your blood is flowing, you are more likely to feel healthy and vibrant even if you do experience some discomfort in your back.

A pregnancy pillow may also alleviate neck and shoulder pain after you have your baby, if you use your pregnancy pillow as a nursing pillow. Our European Natural Goose Down pregnancy pillows easily conform to the contours of your body, allowing you to rest your baby comfortably on them while nursing. Why not try one today?

There are many steps you can take to help alleviate low back pain during pregnancy. Most importantly you should pay attention to your posture during pregnancy. Many women adopt poor posture during pregnancy to accommodate their shift in gravity.

You can work with a chiropractor or other allied health professional to help adjust your posture and help alleviate your back pain in many cases. Other things you can do include wearing maternity support belts, avoiding lifting heavy objects and slouching when you are sitting. Some women find using a lumbar support cushion very helpful, especially if they have to spend many hours at the office or in front of a computer each and every day.

There are also exercises at 22 weeks pregnant you can perform including pelvic tilts to help strengthen your abdominal muscles and relieve back pain during pregnancy. If you aren't sure how to do these ask your healthcare provider or get a referral to a physical therapist that can help you exercise and support your back during pregnancy in a safe and appropriate manner.