Ultrasound of pregnancy week 22 should be done to help pregnant mothers monitor each step of the child's development as well as detect defects if any.
When you reach 22 weeks pregnant , it means you are getting closer to the 6th month of pregnancy. The little angel began to move quite a lot in her body to signal her pregnancy. This time is also in the second trimester, considered the best period of pregnancy. As a result, your doctor will usually order you to have an ultrasound when your pregnancy turns 22.
This is the last week to detect the fetal malformation. Therefore, talk to your doctor if you haven't had an ultrasound scan this week. The 22-week ultrasound process includes a baby's health and development assessment with a dedicated ultrasound device. In addition, the 22-week pregnancy ultrasound will be done just like the previous tests. Your doctor may recommend additional ultrasound in case you are pregnant with twins because it requires more supervision than a single pregnancy.
The baby's brain surface begins to develop wrinkles and continues until 34 weeks , until the brain surface has the necessary number of brain cells. Fat build up underneath the skin layer is also important for the development of the nervous system at this stage.
Week 22 can be considered a turning point in the development of the baby's senses, for example touch, sight, hearing and taste also develop significantly. Nerves are also more connected with brain development contributing to more sensations.
Your baby will gradually touch his face and grab his umbilical cord (this won't harm him if he doesn't hold it too tightly) with two pretty little hands. Your baby's eyes are also continuing to develop and he is able to perceive light and darkness very well through their eyelids. However, the color in the eye still hasn't appeared.
The fetal liver at 22 weeks begins to produce enzymes needed to break down bilirubin, one of the main byproducts of broken red blood cells. The concentration of bilirubin in the fetus will be higher because the red blood cells usually have a shorter lifespan. Bilirubin reaches the placenta and goes into the mother's blood stream for the liver to excrete. Another important organ that develops during this period is the pancreas, which is essential for hormone production.
During this time, the eyelashes and eyebrows will slowly form. Additionally, hair continues to grow on top of your baby's head. However, the pigmentation is yet to form at this stage, so the eyebrows and hair will be white. Eyes, nose, cheeks, and lips will begin to be clearly distinguished by week 22. The previously transparent skin will now become dull as a result of the development of fat. The white wax covering the baby's body will continue to be formed to protect the skin.
The baby will be about the same size as a papaya, about 27cm long and weigh about 430g at this stage.
Prenatal vitamins can worsen nausea, especially on an empty stomach. Learn practical timing and food adjustments, safer options to discuss, and when to call your pregnancy care team.
Nighttime leg cramps are common in pregnancy, but their exact cause is often unclear. Learn likely contributors, safe relief steps, and warning signs that need prompt care.
Pack a small hospital bag with the essentials, protect important medical aids, and check which items your hospital provides or restricts.
Learn when pregnancy swelling can wait for routine discussion, when to call maternity care the same day, and which symptoms need emergency help now.
Ease pregnancy heartburn with smaller meals, smart timing, and pregnancy-aware medication advice—without cutting nutritious foods or skipping prenatal supplements.
Help older children adjust to a new baby with honest, age-appropriate conversations, optional ways to join in, steady routines, and space for mixed feelings.
Try pregnancy-safe pillow positioning and gentle turning strategies for hip pain at night, and learn when persistent pain or other symptoms need medical care.
Morning sickness can ease and return as pregnancy symptoms fluctuate. Learn common triggers, practical steps, and when nausea or vomiting needs medical attention.
Fetal movement can feel different as pregnancy progresses, but a clear change in your baby’s usual pattern needs prompt attention. Learn what may affect what you feel and when to call.
Build a flexible birth plan by comparing pain relief, birth setting, support, and newborn care—and writing backup preferences for an unpredictable labor.
