🌸 Intro — Baby’s Senses Are Developing

Welcome to **Week 22**! 🎉 Your baby is becoming more active and responsive. Movements are stronger, and you may notice patterns in kicks and stretches. Sensory development continues — your baby may respond to sounds, touch, and light, making this week a special bonding period.

👶 Baby’s Development — Senses & Growth

Your baby is about the size of a **spaghetti squash** (~19–20 cm), weighing ~430 grams. - **Movements:** Kicks, stretches, rolls, and flips become stronger and more coordinated. - **Hair & Skin:** Lanugo continues covering the body; hair on the scalp thickens. - **Facial Features:** Eyebrows, eyelashes, and eyelids fully formed; facial expressions may begin. - **Internal Organs:** - Heart pumps steadily; heartbeat can be heard with Doppler. - Digestive system developing; baby swallows amniotic fluid. - Kidneys produce urine; bladder fills and empties. - Lungs developing airways but not yet functional outside womb. - **Sensory Development:** - Baby may respond to sounds from outside the womb. - Eyes are developing sensitivity to light; may move in response to bright light. - Touch sensitivity increases; baby can feel its own body and the uterine wall.

🤰 Mother’s Body & Symptoms

Mom continues adapting to the growing baby. **Common experiences:** - 🌸 Baby bump more pronounced; uterus about 2–3 inches above belly button. - 💧 Back pain, round ligament pain, and leg cramps may persist. - 👙 Breasts continue growing; colostrum may leak. - 🌿 Energy levels are usually good, though some fatigue is normal. - 💤 Sleep may be disrupted due to belly growth or bathroom trips. - 🤰 Occasional swelling in feet or ankles, especially after standing.

🧪 Medical & Prenatal Guidance

Key check-ins for Week 22: - 📋 Routine prenatal visit: weight, blood pressure, and symptom review. - 📷 Ultrasound (if not done at Week 20) to check growth, movements, and anatomy. - 🩺 Discuss any unusual pain, bleeding, or reduced fetal movements.

🥦 Nutrition & Wellness Tips

🧘 Lifestyle & Emotional Wellness

- 🚶 Gentle exercises: walking, swimming, prenatal yoga. - 🛌 Prioritize rest and quality sleep. - 💬 Communicate with partner, family, or support group. - 📔 Track pregnancy milestones via journal or app. - 🧘 Practice mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises to reduce stress.

💌 Real Mom Story — Responding to Baby’s Movements

"Week 22 was amazing — my baby’s kicks became stronger and more predictable. I started noticing times of day when baby was more active, and talking to the bump seemed to calm or excite little movements!" — Ananya, Bangalore

✅ Checklist — Pregnancy Week 22

• ✔️ Continue prenatal vitamins daily.
• ✔️ Eat balanced, nutrient-rich meals.
• ✔️ Attend prenatal appointments.
• ✔️ Engage in gentle, pregnancy-safe exercises.
• ✔️ Track baby movements and report any concerns.
• ✔️ Avoid unsafe foods, alcohol, and smoking.
• ✔️ Document pregnancy milestones and belly growth.
• ✔️ Rest, hydrate, and enjoy stronger, coordinated movements!

🌟 Final Thoughts

Week 22 is full of excitement — your baby’s movements are more noticeable, senses are developing, and mom’s belly continues growing. Embrace this phase, bond with your baby, and continue nurturing your health and wellness. 🌸