Beauty and dental health 

Fetal position 22 weeks. Movements of the fetus in the mother's tummy. Mood and emotional background

The 22nd obstetric week or 5.5 months of pregnancy corresponds to the 20th week of fetal development in the womb. This period is a transitional period for the child. From 22 weeks the fetus is already considered viable. Even if a sudden termination of pregnancy occurs, with appropriate care the baby can survive. All studies aimed at searching for possible fetal malformations are carried out before this period, since surgical abortion at 22 weeks is impossible. This will already be premature birth.

At week 22, a woman enjoys the cloudless feeling of pregnancy. The toxicity of the first trimester has already passed, and the feeling of heaviness and clumsiness of the last months has not yet arrived. The main impression on a woman at this stage is the increasingly active movement of the baby in the stomach. He is already quite noticeably pushing with his arms and legs. Often the life rhythm of mother and baby does not coincide. A woman may unexpectedly wake up at night from too active movements of the fetus in the womb.

The pregnant woman’s body weight continues to grow, and changes in the outline of her figure are already noticeable to the naked eye. However, the woman’s movements are still light and graceful, she calmly walks, bends, squats, and performs light housework. The weight of her belly does not greatly affect her gait and coordination. But in the back area, unpleasant and sharp pain sensations may unexpectedly arise due to a shift in the center of gravity in the body due to the increased volume of the uterus.

Abundant blood flow to the pelvic organs causes increased sexual desire. During this period, you should not avoid close relationships with your partner. The sensations obtained during sex at 22 weeks of pregnancy become especially vivid and memorable. Restrictions may be set by a doctor if intimacy could lead to an unplanned birth. The reason for this is complications such as placenta previa, isthmic-cervical insufficiency, etc.


The skin of the abdomen and thighs gradually stretches, which is why the first traces of stretch marks may appear on it. Due to the pressure that the uterus puts on the bladder, a woman’s desire to go to the toilet appears more and more often. In addition, she may experience severe swelling of the arms and legs, and the volume of the foot may increase slightly.

Burning and itching in the anus are a sign of hemorrhoids. This unpleasant disease often becomes a companion to pregnant women. Displacement of the walls of the abdominal cavity and insufficient outflow of blood from the venous arteries leads to their enlargement. Unpleasant sensations may increase if a pregnant woman suffers from constipation. In other cases, hemorrhoids do not cause any particular problems, but they must be treated.

What happens in a woman's body

At week 22, the total increase in a woman’s body weight compared to the initial period averages 5-8 kilograms. The uterus can be easily felt and is located 20 mm above the navel. The abdomen increases in size gradually.

The woman’s emotional state has improved significantly due to the fact that her hormonal levels have returned to normal and become stable. The body produces special joy hormones that allow a woman not to notice the hardships of bearing a child.

The color of the skin on the face, the condition of the hair and nails improves. An increase in estrogen levels in the blood can cause spider veins to appear on the skin. Fatigue, irritability and drowsiness are not typical for this period. A healthy appetite and a constant desire to eat something tasty indicate that the body needs an increased supply of nutrients.

At this stage of pregnancy, the total blood volume in a woman’s body actively increases. Plasma cells, responsible for transporting nutrients throughout the body, begin to divide rapidly. The consistency of the blood becomes thin, and there is a serious risk of developing anemia. After standing or sitting for a long time, swelling and the first signs of varicose veins may appear.

Fetal development at 22 weeks of gestation

At the 22nd week of development, the child’s height is from 25 to 30 cm. Over the next few weeks, the fetus will stop actively growing in length, and the main direction of its development will be weight gain. At this stage it weighs approximately 400 to 500 grams. But every day this figure increases slightly.

In the child’s body, there is a rapid increase in the subcutaneous fat layer. As a result, numerous wrinkled folds of skin are gradually smoothed out. Hair grows on the head, but due to the low level of melamine in the blood of the fetus, it is very light in color. Eyelashes appear and a clear eyebrow line is formed. The child can open and close his eyelids.

In the fetal body at this stage of pregnancy:

  • there is an increased development of sweat glands;
  • heart size increases;
  • the formation of the central nervous system continues;
  • the genital organs are improved, the testicles in boys descend into the scrotum area;
  • active maturation of the lungs occurs;
  • The intestines and stomach develop.

The child’s liver actively produces enzymes that process toxic substances that are dangerous to the body. This is indirect bilirubin, resulting from the breakdown of hemoglobin. Thanks to the liver, this compound is converted into absolutely harmless direct bilirubin, which is easily excreted from the fetus through the placenta.

At this stage of development, the baby’s spine is actually formed. Ligaments securely hold the vertebrae in the desired position. Active accumulation of minerals begins in the bones of the fetus. During this period, the child’s body needs an increased supply of calcium and magnesium.

The baby's brain is slowing down, he already weighs about 100 g and functions perfectly. The child begins to consciously feel, reflect and analyze his own feelings. He is studying:

  • touch your face, arms and legs;
  • roll over;
  • coordinate your movements;
  • thumb sucking;
  • respond to stroking the mother’s belly;
  • make grasping movements;
  • knock on the walls of the amniotic sac.

At this stage, the baby’s hearing organs are finally formed. He can hear perfectly well how his mother’s heart is beating, food is being digested in the stomach, and blood is moving through the vessels. The noise level inside the placenta is as if the baby was in the middle of a busy street. Sounds from the outside world reach the baby dully. However, he is already learning to recognize them. He reacts quickly to low tones, recognizes the voice of mom and dad, and hears music. Sharp and unpleasant sounds can cause anxiety and irritation in the baby.

If an emergency situation arises and the baby is born at 22 weeks, he has a small but still real chance of surviving. To do this, he must be immediately placed in a box and connected to a modern artificial respiration apparatus, since his lungs are not yet ready to independently supply the body with oxygen. Nutrition must be supplied through a special tube, due to the imperfection of the digestive system of a premature baby.

The condition of the baby will depend on how the pregnancy proceeded, its weight at birth, the professionalism of doctors and the availability of all the necessary medical equipment in the hospital. Taking corticosteroids by the mother for 5 days before premature birth has a positive effect on the baby. Of all children born at this stage, about 5% survive. However, many of them remain disabled for life. Therefore, the expectant mother should be as careful as possible about her health at the 22nd week of pregnancy and try to reach the end of the gestation period.

Women's nutrition at 22 weeks

The diet of a pregnant woman at 22 weeks of pregnancy should consist of healthy and natural products. You need to eat in small portions, but often. It is good to use vegetables, fruits, berries, and kefir as snacks. Salads should be seasoned with vegetable oil, not mayonnaise.

Salt should be completely avoided, as it retains fluid in the body. This can lead to a serious complication of the second trimester of pregnancy - gestosis. It is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, the occurrence of extensive swelling of the legs and arms, which can cause fetal death. The total amount of fluid a woman drinks per day should be monitored. It should not significantly exceed the volume of urine excreted from the body over the same period of time.

It is best to eat spicy and fried foods in limited quantities. Preference should be given to products cooked in the oven or steamed. The fetus is actively developing at 22 weeks; it requires vitamins, minerals and nutrients every day, which it receives from the mother’s body. To prevent a woman from depleting her own resources, she needs to eat foods that contain the necessary microelements.

  • Iron – prevents the development of anemia. Contained in beef liver, dill, thyme, parsley, buckwheat, bran, oatmeal, wheat bread, beans, lentils, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, spinach, sorrel, olives, pears, apples.
  • Calcium is necessary to strengthen the fetal skeletal bones. Contained in milk, cottage cheese, cheese, sesame seeds, dried apricots, hazelnuts, raisins, cabbage, carrots.
  • Magnesium – promotes the absorption of calcium in the body. Contained in sunflower seeds, pine nuts, chocolate, almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts.
  • Animal and plant protein is the main material for building tissues and organs of the fetus. Contained in beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, peas, etc.
  • Iodine is an essential element necessary for the development of a baby’s brain. Contained in seaweed, fish, squid, shrimp and other seafood.

By including one of the products of each category in your diet every day, you are guaranteed to provide your body with everything it needs. A balanced, nutritious diet for a pregnant woman at week 22 will contribute to the development of the fetus in the womb without complications.

The risk of disorders and premature termination of pregnancy at this stage is already small, but the danger still exists. During a routine examination, the gynecologist refers the woman only to a general urine and blood test. More serious studies are performed in later stages of pregnancy. At the appointment, the doctor examines the woman’s legs and arms especially carefully for swelling.

At the slightest sign of gestosis (toxicosis of the second trimester of pregnancy), the woman needs to go to the hospital for conservation.

Ultrasound at 22 weeks is prescribed only in extreme cases. A planned study to identify pathologies in fetal development is carried out at another 18-20 weeks. There is no point in doing it again at this time. As for vitamins, the doctor traditionally recommends taking Iodomarin. All other drugs are prescribed solely for medical reasons.

In her free time, a woman needs to walk more in the fresh air. Active sports should be limited. It is useful during this period to swim, perform gymnastics for pregnant women, and master the basics of proper breathing. Regular performance of a set of exercises that strengthen the vaginal muscles will bring great benefits.

Heavy lifting, smoking and drinking alcohol are prohibited. The occurrence of unpleasant nagging pain in the lower abdomen should be alarming, since at this stage of fetal development the uterus is still quite high. At the slightest sign of bleeding or persistently increasing pain, you should immediately call an ambulance. If the amount, color or consistency of vaginal discharge increases, changes, you should inform your gynecologist. This could be a sign of infection or amniotic fluid leakage.

The blood vessels in a woman’s body are under increasing strain. If you are predisposed to varicose veins, vein networks or nodes may appear on your legs. This is a symptom of a dangerous disease that should not be ignored. To improve blood flow, you should wear special anti-varicose stockings or tights. In order to obtain additional advice, you should contact a gynecologist, who will refer you for an ultrasound scan of the veins of the lower extremities and prescribe the necessary treatment.

To prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen and thighs, you should start lubricating them with moisturizer every day. At week 22, you can start wearing a maternity brace for several hours a day, which will help prevent excessive stretching of the skin and reduce stress on the back muscles.

Photo ultrasound

In the ultrasound images of the fetus at 22 weeks, you can clearly see all the features of the baby’s physique, and also with a high degree of probability determine its gender. At this time, the doctor examines:

  • age, condition and thickness of the placenta;
  • amount of amniotic fluid;
  • cervical length;
  • number of vessels in the umbilical cord.

Ultrasound - 22 weeks of pregnancy Ultrasound at 22 weeks

During the session, the fetus's body length, head circumference, and length of arms and legs are measured. The doctor checks the presence and condition of all vital organs (heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, stomach).

Video - 22 weeks of pregnancy

Now you have come to the finish line. The 21st week of pregnancy is a kind of equator (the middle of your pregnancy). The 21st week of pregnancy corresponds to the 19th week of fetal development. So, you are in the sixth month of pregnancy, and you are probably already accustomed to slight floundering and movement in your stomach (these sensations will accompany you until the end of pregnancy).

How does the expectant mother feel?
First of all, the attention of the expectant mother at 21 weeks of pregnancy is concentrated on the movements of her beloved child. Sometimes he is overly active, which may raise the question - will the child injure the wall of the uterus and other internal organs of the woman? But, although the walls of the uterus have become much thinner than at the beginning of pregnancy, and the mother now feels well even the slightest movements of the child, they remain very elastic, elastic, and absorb the blows of even a stronger and larger baby - for example, as at the end of pregnancy, before childbirth .

A pregnant woman's breasts remain enlarged, or maybe they have become even larger. If the expectant mother gains much more weight than normal, the mammary glands can also grow rapidly due to a very thick subcutaneous fat layer. The areola has become much darker and larger in area, the nipple stands out sharply on the chest, and has become much harder and more sensitive. Colostrum, a clear, yellowish or whitish mucous liquid, may ooze from the nipple at 21 weeks of pregnancy. To avoid embarrassment due to strong discharge of colostrum on clothes, a pregnant woman should already wear loose, rather than tight-fitting, clothing, have supportive but not constricting underwear of a larger size than before, and put special napkins in her bra.

A woman’s legs may swell, especially if she spends all day on her feet and drinks a lot of fluids. If swelling is persistent, you need to tell your doctor about it. A woman needs to rest in a lying position several times a day; at these moments it is advisable to place her legs on a cushion to eliminate swelling. The expectant mother needs to give up heels and give preference to comfortable shoes with low, stable soles, so as not to provoke swelling and eliminate foot fatigue.

Your appetite may begin to increase as your baby gains fat and requires additional calories. Eat enough to avoid going hungry, and eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods. However, under no circumstances overeat or overeat at night; keep your weight and allowable gains under control. By week 21, you could have gained an additional 4.5 to 6.5 kg. Calmly accept your bizarre gastronomic desires - a perversion of appetite is quite common during this period.
Remember that the muscular and skeletal system of the fetus is strengthened, which means that the need for calcium increases. But be careful with medications: an excess of calcium can lead to premature overgrowth of the fontanel, and this is unacceptable for natural childbirth. Therefore, additional calcium can be taken orally only on the recommendation of a doctor.

As your weight increases, the stress on your spine and lower back will increase. To avoid back pain, avoid prolonged walking and sitting, do not sit on chairs without a backrest, learn to get out of bed correctly (first lower your legs to the floor, and only then get up yourself), lift and carry heavy objects: it is better to distribute the load equally in two hands, and bending down, slightly spread your legs to the sides and sit down, bending them at the knees; If you lift something heavy, distribute the load across your buttocks, hips and shoulders.

Do not raise your arms above your head, and if you had to do this, do not keep them in this state for a long time.

So, let’s put together “in a pile” all the unpleasant moments that you, dear women, may experience, and which you should not be too afraid of.

  • Pulling in the abdomen (cause: tension of the uterine ligaments and expansion of the pelvis)
  • The appearance of hemorrhoids and bleeding from the anus
  • Back pain
  • Heavy vaginal discharge
  • The appearance of colostrum
  • Increased appetite (will accompany the expectant mother until 30 weeks)
  • The appearance of shortness of breath
  • Frequent visits to the toilet, especially at night
  • Heartburn
  • Swelling of the legs
As for external changes, they take place here:
Sudden weight gain (about half of the weight you have already gained);
Increased growth of hair and nails;
Increased sweating;
Increase in leg size;
The appearance of stretch marks.

However, you should not forget that at the same time, if your pregnancy is desired and proceeds normally, the 21st week is the prime time of a pregnant woman. You look great and you probably enjoy looking at yourself in the mirror. Little things like skin pigmentation, a growing belly and a missing waist are not very upsetting.
Women at this stage have beautiful strong hair, clear skin (well, maybe it’s only pigment spots that spoil it), and large, plump breasts are especially pleasing to those who previously could not boast of voluminous shapes.

And all the unpleasant moments are brightened up by your baby’s movements, which have already become quite noticeable and constant. By this time, most pregnant women already feel fetal movements. The baby still has enough space to perform complex acrobatic tricks. During the day, it can change its position in the uterus several times. This is normal, there is still enough time before birth to be in a cephalic presentation. Periods of activity last from several minutes and are repeated 10-15 times a day. The rest of the time, from 16 to 20 hours a day, the baby sleeps. Sleeps and grows.

Is it possible to exercise at 21 weeks of pregnancy?
If a woman exercised regularly before pregnancy, she is unlikely to lead a passive lifestyle once pregnancy begins. Yes, this is not necessary, because reasonable sports activity during pregnancy is a benefit that strengthens the body of the expectant mother, as well as delivering more oxygen to the baby. But sports are different, and every woman knows that extreme sports and too much physical activity can, on the contrary, cause the baby to experience hypoxia, and in frequent cases, provoke premature termination of pregnancy.

Doctors rightly note that the safest and healthiest sport, from the beginning of pregnancy until childbirth, is swimming. It is swimming that unloads the spine, helps to relax all muscle groups, eliminate spasms and back pain. If a woman does not know how to swim, you can perform gentle aqua aerobics exercises under the guidance of an experienced instructor. A pregnant woman can exercise on sports equipment, but only on those that do not put stress on the back or abdomen. For example, you can practice “skiing”, “riding” an exercise bike, walking at a brisk pace, without bouncing, on a treadmill.

Not every pregnant woman has the opportunity to attend a gym, swimming pool or “School for Expectant Mothers”. But absolutely every expectant mother can afford daily walking, which is also a good physical activity that tones a woman’s body. You can go for a walk in the evening, before going to bed. Walking is a reason to be alone with your husband and talk about something important and sincere. Every evening, an expectant mother in mid-pregnancy can walk about 4 km.

Undesirable sports during pregnancy include, for example, running, jumping, lifting weights - barbells, weight lifting. Horseback riding, skiing, and skating can have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy.

Taking into account the fact that the last few weeks the external changes in your body are not inferior to the internal ones, it's time to update your wardrobe. What does an expectant mother need?

Maternity underwear.

  • Choose underwear made from natural, hypoallergenic fabrics. It should allow air to pass freely, not press or press. Doctors recommend choosing a bra with wide straps without bone inserts, and panties with a low waist, or, conversely, supporting the stomach.
  • A bandage is a support belt. It helps relieve tension in the lower back and support a growing belly. Its function is to redistribute the load. Maternity bands are available in the form of panties and belts, which can change size as the belly grows.
  • Maternity tights differ from regular tights in that they have a special insert. There are also therapeutic tights for the prevention of varicose veins, which improve blood circulation, relieve swelling of the legs, and reduce the load on the heart.
Ultrasound at 21 weeks of pregnancy.

21 weeks of pregnancy is probably the period that you have been looking forward to. Time to perform the second planned ultrasound. The doctor will carefully measure the parameters of the fetus, the size of its body parts, the functioning of organs and the condition of the placenta, and possibly tell you the gender of the baby. As a rule, fetal anomalies incompatible with life are detected at the first ultrasound, and at 21 weeks of pregnancy the study is aimed at identifying possible intrauterine infections, fetal growth retardation, studying the structure of the placenta, and identifying polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios. Congenital malformations of the fetus are also less frequently identified, which, however, should not be taken as a death sentence, but rather as a reason to consult a geneticist.

In order for you to independently draw a conclusion about the baby’s condition by looking at the ultrasound data, we present here the normal study indicators at this stage. So, the 21st week of pregnancy is characterized by the following parameters: BPR (biparietal head size) - 51 mm, abdominal circumference - 144 mm and DB (femur length) - 37 mm. These are the main indicators by which the doctor can even determine the duration of pregnancy with an accuracy of several days. By the ratio of the size of the head and abdomen of the fetus, it is judged whether there is growth retardation. According to the medical classification, there are several types of this deviation - symmetrical and asymmetrical IUGR (intrauterine growth retardation). The symmetrical form indicates severe disorders, is manifested by the same lag of all fetal parameters from the age norm and can even serve as a basis for early delivery. The asymmetric form is observed more often and its prognosis is more optimistic.

Fetal development at 21 weeks of pregnancy


Appearance of the fruit:
Your child has already grown to an impressive size of 18-28 cm, and already weighs about 400 grams;
The skin becomes smoother and acquires a natural color due to subcutaneous fatty tissue;
The baby's body takes on a more rounded shape;
The formation of eyebrows and eyelashes is finally completed (he can already blink);
The rudiments of baby teeth are already appearing in the gums.

Education and functioning of organs and systems:

  • The internal organs of the fetus complete their formation by 21 weeks, but they are not yet debugged;
  • Almost all endocrine glands already perform their functions: pituitary gland, pancreas, thyroid, adrenal glands and gonads;
  • The spleen is included in the work;
  • The central nervous system (CNS) is improved and the child is awake during the period of activity and rests during the period of sleep;
  • The digestive system is so developed that the baby can swallow amniotic fluid, and the stomach, in turn, separates water and sugar from it and passes it all the way to the rectum;
  • Taste buds develop on the tongue of the belly-dweller; very soon the baby will be able to distinguish between sweet and salty, bitter and sour. (Attention: the taste of amniotic fluid has a direct connection with the mother’s nutrition. If the mother is fond of sweets, then the fluid will be sweet, and the baby will grow up with a sweet tooth);
  • Leukocytes are formed, which are responsible for protecting the baby from infections;
  • The kidneys are already able to pass up to 0.5 ml of filtered fluid, excreted in the form of urine;
  • All “extra” elements begin to accumulate in the colon, turning into meconium;
  • The lanugo continues to grow on the baby's head.
Week 22

22 weeks of pregnancy corresponds to 20 weeks from conception. The expectant mother is still quite active, her mood is cheerful and her condition is also not satisfactory. Libido increases, which is an absolutely normal reaction of the body for this trimester.

At 22 weeks, a woman is already a little more than halfway to the long-awaited moment of giving birth. The connection between the child and the mother is already quite strong, the baby moves a lot and is gradually preparing for a separate existence.

How does the expectant mother feel?
A pregnant woman at 22 weeks, as before, may be bothered back pain. In order to eliminate painful symptoms, a woman needs to reconsider all types of load that she bears during each day. Perhaps the pain is due to the fact that the expectant mother still wears high-heeled shoes or actively works, completely forgetting about rest. However, a woman needs to relearn how to sit, stand up, and even sleep, choosing the right postures and reducing the load on her back.

A woman may notice that her favorite and usual shoes have suddenly become tight. This is due to swelling of the legs, as well as the fact that the expectant mother’s foot increases in the transverse and longitudinal direction due to the influence of hormones on the joints and ligaments, relaxing and softening them. In the body of the expectant mother, preparation for childbirth occurs, the tissues become more elastic and stretchable. At the beginning of the second half of pregnancy, a woman and the people around her may notice a significant change in her gait - this is due to the softening of the symphysis pubis, joint tissues and tendons. The woman begins to walk, swinging her body from side to side - the so-called “duck” gait. This is especially pronounced in the last weeks of pregnancy.

Varicose veins in pregnant women
With a significant increase in load from the beginning of pregnancy, the expectant mother often notices varicose veins on her legs. Heaviness appears in the legs, sometimes - cramps and muscle pain, especially at night. We must not forget that varicose veins are not only the appearance of tortuous vascular formations on the legs. A manifestation of varicose veins in pregnant women can be, for example, hemorrhoids, which causes a lot of trouble for a woman. If you do not take action, varicose veins will go very far, resulting in complications for the health of the expectant mother, so it is necessary to prevent this disease as early as possible.

The risk group for varicose veins is people whose professional activities or lifestyle involve a lot of activity, standing on their feet for many hours, or, conversely, sitting in an office chair. Basically, these are people who suffer from physical inactivity, some of them are overweight and have a loose physique. Signs of varicose veins are the appearance of vascular nodes under the skin. These formations consist of dilated, blood-filled vessels, in which stagnation is subsequently observed.

Varicose nodes can be not only on the legs - they can be in the rectum and on the genitals, because these parts of the body have an abundant blood supply and a very branched vascular network. As pregnancy progresses, varicose veins only progress, the nodes become larger, and new formations appear. A pregnant woman's legs begin to ache even after a short walk, they swell, they feel heaviness, and sometimes itching and burning on the skin.

To prevent varicose veins, a woman at 22 weeks of pregnancy should wear loose-fitting clothes. You should avoid tight underwear, tight jeans and leggings, as these items can put pressure on your legs behind the knees and in the groin area. You should not sit with your legs crossed – this interferes with blood circulation, which also provokes the development of varicose veins. A pregnant woman should lie down several times during the day, but not on her back, but on her side, placing a bolster or blanket under her legs to elevate them.

On the recommendation of a doctor, in case of severe varicose veins, the expectant mother can bandage both legs in the morning using an elastic bandage and wear special tight socks. If varicose veins progress even after childbirth, with very large vascular lesions, a woman may be prescribed surgical treatment of the disease - removal of the affected areas of the veins.

Feelings of a woman at 22 weeks of pregnancy

  • The feelings of the expectant mother at the 22nd week of pregnancy do not yet overshadow her condition and do not prevent her from enjoying life. The tummy is already a decent size, but you can still see your feet and tie your shoelaces yourself. But a number of new features are still present:
  • The baby's movements become more active and frequent. Sometimes you can even guess which parts of the body he kicks. During the day, at least ten movements of the child should be felt;
  • It becomes difficult to find a comfortable position for rest;
  • A woman becomes extremely sensitive to events, words, as well as smells and tastes.

  • What happens in a woman’s body at 22 weeks of pregnancy?
  • At this stage of pregnancy, a woman may be bothered by an abundance of discharge. The reason to be examined by a doctor is an unpleasant odor and a greenish (brown) tint to the discharge. Their transparency in the absence of itching is a normal phenomenon, which can be solved with daily pads;
  • There is a possibility of gum pain and bleeding. You should select a special toothpaste and take multivitamin preparations (of course, consult your doctor before use);
  • Nasal congestion can also appear at this stage of pregnancy. This is fine. A bleeding nose requires a doctor to check for high blood pressure. Sea salt-based drops relieve congestion;
  • Attacks of weakness and dizziness are possible. The reason for the increased sensitivity that develops by this time is physiological anemia. The blood volume increases, but cells do not have time to form in the required quantity;
  • There is a significant increase in appetite;
  • Weight gains - more than 300-500 grams within a week. Exceeding these indicators may indicate fluid retention in the body;
  • Sex is especially pleasant during the 22nd week of pregnancy. It is during this period that women often experience their first orgasm in their lives;
  • Exercise is beneficial.
  • Ultrasound at 22 weeks of pregnancy

Starting from the twenty-second week of pregnancy, you need to increase your visits to the antenatal clinic. If in the first half of pregnancy you visited the doctor once a month, now you will have to go for an examination twice, unless additional tests are prescribed. At this stage, the fetus is already sufficiently formed so that possible malformations or deviations in the functioning of organs can be identified. At the same time, a relatively large amount of amniotic fluid makes it easy to determine impurities and the condition of the umbilical cord and placenta. That is why the 22nd week of pregnancy is the right time to perform a second ultrasound. The coccygeal-parietal size of the fetus (CPF) is no longer of decisive importance; instead, the parameters of individual parts of the fetal body and their ratio are determined. Normal indicators for this period are the following: biparietal size of the fetal head (BPR) - from 54 to 56 mm, chest dimensions - 50 and 53 mm, abdominal perimeter - 162 mm. The length of the femur is 40 mm, and the length of the humerus is 39 mm. Of particular importance is not so much the measurement of the limbs, head and torso, but the calculation of their ratio and the correspondence of the obtained proportions to the gestational age. Also, during an ultrasound in the twenty-second week of pregnancy, the amount and transparency of amniotic fluid is determined. In the medical report, the results obtained are designated by the abbreviation IAF - amniotic fluid index. Its normal values ​​vary from 5 to 25 cm; deviation in one direction or another indicates high or low water levels.

  • Fetal development at 22 weeks of pregnancy
The baby's weight already reaches 420-500 grams, which gives him the opportunity to survive in the event of premature birth. The length from the crown of the baby to his sacrum is about 27-27.5 cm.
At 22 weeks, the active growth of the baby’s brain slows down. The stage of intensive development begins in the sweat glands and tactile sensations. The fetus studies itself and everything that surrounds it by touch. His favorite pastime is sucking fingers and grabbing with his hands everything he can reach;
The baby still has enough space in his mother’s belly, which he takes advantage of by actively changing his position and kicking his mother in all available places. In the morning he can lie with his butt down, but by night it’s the other way around, which is felt by a pregnant woman as movements and tremors;
The baby sleeps most of the time - up to 22 hours during the day. Moreover, in most cases, the baby’s periods of wakefulness occur at night;
The child’s eyes are already open and react to light - if you direct the light to the anterior abdominal wall, he will turn to its source;
The establishment of neural connections is in full swing. Brain neurons are formed;
The child reacts to the food taken by the mother. When the mother eats spicy seasonings, the baby winces (the taste buds in the mouth are also already functioning), and when he eats sweets, he swallows amniotic fluid;
Reacts to loud sounds and remembers voices;
If you put your hand on your stomach, you may respond with a push.

23 weeks pregnant

The 23rd obstetric week is the 21st week from conception. If we consider normal months, then you are now at the beginning of the sixth month of pregnancy.
By the 23rd week of pregnancy, the uterus is already raised 3.75 cm above the navel, and its height at the pubic symphysis is 23 cm. By this time, the figure of the expectant mother has already noticeably rounded, the weight gain should reach from 5 to 6.7 kg.

Often the expectant mother at this stage complains of pain in the abdomen, in particular on the sides, especially when she gets up, sneezes, or coughs. This is due to overstretching of the muscles that support the uterus. Also from this period you may feel false training contractions. To relieve back pain and reduce abdominal pain, wear a prenatal bandage, do not walk in heels, do not sleep on your stomach, do not stand for a long time, learn to lie and sit correctly. But if abdominal pain is accompanied by additional symptoms (such as fever, bloody vaginal discharge and others), you should immediately consult a doctor.

Due to the fact that the hormonal background of the female body during pregnancy undergoes great changes and increases many times, the expectant mother at the 23rd week of her interesting position may notice changes occurring in her appearance. A woman's lips become much fuller, and her nose may become larger. A woman may develop pregnancy pigment spots on her face, neck, chest, and abdomen, which will quickly disappear after childbirth. Excess hormones provoke hair growth - the expectant mother notices that they look much better, are shiny and do not fall out as before. In addition, hair may suddenly begin to grow on the shoulders, face, legs, back, and stomach. The expectant mother does not need to remove this hair right now, because after childbirth, when the hormonal levels return to normal, this hair will disappear again. Pregnancy progresses, the baby takes on a significant portion of calcium and other substances. Don’t let dental problems get worse and contact your dentist on time. Practice daily hygiene; increased sweating may cause you to shower more often. Don't forget about preventing stretch marks.

Of course, eat right, move a lot, get enough rest and enjoy this blessed time: it is slowly coming to an end.

Fetal development in the 23rd week of pregnancy

  • By the twenty-third week of pregnancy, the baby's weight is about 520 grams and height is 28-30 centimeters. Further, the longer the pregnancy, the more the weight and height of the child will vary within very large limits, and the more significantly the children will differ from each other. As a result, by the time of birth, the weight of the fetus in some women can be 2500 grams, and in others 4500 grams. And all this is within normal limits.
  • At the twenty-third week, literally all women already feel movements. These are very noticeable tremors, sometimes hiccups, which will be felt as rhythmic shudders in the stomach. At week 23, the fetus can still move quite freely in the uterus. However, his somersaults can cause you significant discomfort. You feel your heels and elbows quite clearly.
By week 23, your baby will also experience the following changes:
  • Fat growth begins. Despite this, your baby still looks wrinkled and red. The reason is that the skin forms much faster than sufficient fat deposits can form underneath it. It is because of this that the baby’s skin is a little saggy. Redness, in turn, is a consequence of the accumulation of pigments in the skin. They make it less transparent;
  • The fetus is more active. As mentioned above, every week your baby becomes more and more energetic, although he still pushes very gently. During fetal endoscopy at this stage, you can notice how the child pushes into the water membrane and grabs the umbilical cord with his hands;
  • The digestive system is quite developed. The baby continues to swallow small amounts of amniotic fluid. At week 23, the baby can swallow up to 500 ml. It removes it from the body in the form of urine. Since the amniotic fluid contains epidermal scales, particles of protective lubricant, and vellus hair, the child periodically swallows them along with the water. The liquid portion of the amniotic fluid is absorbed into the blood, leaving a dark olive-colored substance called meconium in the intestines. Meconium is formed from the second half of pregnancy, but is normally released only after birth;
  • The baby's central nervous system is developing. At this time, using instruments, it is already possible to record brain activity, which is similar to that in newborn children and even adults. Also, at 23 weeks of pregnancy, the baby can dream;
  • The eyes have already opened. Now the baby sees light and darkness and can react to them. The child already hears very well, he reacts to a variety of sounds, increases his activity in the presence of sharp noises and calms down with gentle conversation and stroking his tummy.
At week 23, you must definitely do an ultrasound, if you did not do this two weeks ago. Remember that if you do not pass this test now, then later it will be much more difficult to identify any pathologies of the fetus, if any. Naturally, you need to spend more time in the fresh air, eat healthy and balanced, and follow all the recommendations of your doctor.

24 weeks pregnant

One of the most comfortable weeks of pregnancy. You look great and feel happy and satisfied. If you haven't gained the required weight before this week, then it's time to catch up. Now you are starting to look pregnant outwardly. What does pregnancy mean - 24 weeks?
So, the gynecologist tells you the period - 24 weeks of pregnancy. This is obstetric term. This means that you are 22 weeks from conceiving a baby and 20 weeks from a missed period.

Feelings of a woman at 24 weeks of pregnancy

  • Your health is excellent, your appearance is pleasing, and your mood has returned to normal. Now all that remains is to enjoy your position and prepare for childbirth. Your tummy is growing rapidly, your hips are enlarged, and with them your breasts are preparing for feeding.
  • You will feel a surge of strength. Mood swings are no longer as severe and may even disappear completely; It's time to start taking pregnancy classes.
  • Most likely, your well-being and appearance will improve: your hair will shine, your skin will become clean and soft, your cheeks will turn pink. But sometimes it happens differently: oily hair becomes greasy, dry hair begins to break and fall out, the condition of the skin can also worsen, and nails become more brittle;
  • Light movements of the baby develop into pushes and even kicks. Some mothers experience severe pain if their baby puts particularly strong pressure on the sciatic nerve, which runs down the back of the leg;
  • You may have some swelling in your face and “extra” water in your body. To avoid this, you should reduce the amount of water you consume for a while, and do not get carried away with salty and spicy foods;
  • A completely normal phenomenon for this week is a sharp gain in body weight;
  • From now on, you need looser clothing. Time to go shopping;
  • Heavy sweating may be a problem. Shower more often, drink more water (if there is no swelling) and do not wear synthetics;
  • By week 24, body weight gain should be 4.5 kg. Then every week you will gain an average of 0.5 kg.

Fetal development at 24 weeks of gestation

By this time, the senses are practically formed. Three months ago, the baby developed his first skin sensitivity, two - taste - lingual papillae formed on the tongue. A month ago, vestibular sensitivity began to form, providing the ability to maintain balance. Hearing and vision develop. At the twenty-fourth week, the baby hears the mother’s heart beating, voices, and music. The perception of various sounds is associated with irritation of the auditory nerves, which causes more intense development of the areas of the brain that are responsible for speech and musical hearing.

If a bright light falls on the stomach, the child closes his eyelids tightly and tries to turn away from it. If a mother sees something beautiful and experiences positive emotions, she produces pleasure hormones that are passed on to the baby. This strong emotional connection continues throughout pregnancy and the baby's first year of life. The first visual sensations a child receives in the uterus are divided into “light” and “dark”. For this reason, child psychologists and doctors recommend giving babies black and white toys in the first months of life.

The fetus at the 24th week of pregnancy quickly gains weight; during this week it will gain from 500-520 grams to 600 grams in weight.

Fetal weight increases at week 24 mainly due to the active accumulation of brown adipose tissue. This fat is deposited on the tummy and in the area of ​​the shoulder blades, it is special, almost all of it will be used in the first days after childbirth as a powerful source of energy. Immediately after birth, the baby does not receive enough food, the mother has no milk, only a little colostrum, and it is very difficult for him to maintain his body temperature. It is this fat that will give the baby all the necessary energy to adapt immediately after birth and in the first days; it is a kind of highly concentrated fuel that the child cannot do without.

A child at 24 weeks of pregnancy begins to respond significantly to the mood and well-being of the mother. All your worries are transferred to him, he is able to get scared and experience stress. And for the fetus itself, sharp sounds also create stressful situations; it can react with motor restlessness to claps and loud sounds from the outside. What happens when you are worried and nervous? Your body produces stress hormones, and all of them reach the fetus. Your baby feels the same as you, only, unlike you, he is not able to understand the reasons for what is happening, which means he perceives everything even more painfully. That's why pregnant women need only positive emotions; this is necessary, first of all, for the pregnant woman.

At 24 weeks of pregnancy, the size of the fetus is already large enough to limit its ability to move in the uterus. Usually, by this time, children are already lying in the uterus correctly, head down, taking a position of minimal volume, with the legs crossed and pressed to the tummy, the head tilted forward and pressed with the chin to the chest, and the arms crossed near the chest.

At 24 weeks of pregnancy, the position of the fetus may still change; if the baby is lying incorrectly, there is no need to worry, it is possible to turn around without any problems.

At 24 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's movements become more noticeable. There may be both tremors and a feeling of shuddering in the abdomen (hiccups). Typically, movements occur in episodes and are replaced by periods of rest.

At 24 weeks' gestation, the baby's development is almost complete in the sense that it is already viable. His lungs were formed, and the formation of surfactant began in them, a substance responsible for the opening of the alveoli after childbirth. From this period, he has little chance of surviving premature birth. However, in any case, his health will be impaired in the future; it is too early for him to be born...

The most important sensations of the expectant mother now remain the increasingly clear movements of the fetus. A woman already feels very well when her unborn baby is awake and when she is sleeping. The baby begins to be active most often in the evening or early in the morning. Sometimes you can even see how a small leg from the inside rests on the stomach.

It is considered normal to hear up to ten movements per day.

At the 22nd obstetric week of pregnancy (the embryonic age differs by 1-2 weeks), a pregnant woman often notices her slowness and clumsiness. Even those who were thin before pregnancy feel how slowly they begin to move, how their movements become more and more careful.

At this stage, the tummy no longer allows you to bend low, turn quickly, or perform any movements as quickly as before.

It becomes uncomfortable for a pregnant woman to sleep in the position in which the woman is accustomed. To solve this problem, purchase a special pillow or arrange bolsters that are placed under your sides or tummy. Then it will be more comfortable to rest, and those parts of the body on which you constantly have to lie - the sides, for example, will not become numb.

Very often at this stage, women are bothered by swelling of the arms and legs. I have to buy shoes in a larger size; the rings no longer fit on my toes. If the swelling is not severe, then there is no need to worry. But if the problem causes severe discomfort, then run to the doctor. Swelling can be a signal of serious disorders in the body. Most often, swelling can be resolved by adjusting the diet, monitoring blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine.

What does a pregnant belly look like at this stage? It all depends on the individual characteristics of each woman’s body. Some people have a small and neat tummy, while others already look and feel like penguins. But still, the belly is already large enough that the pregnant woman experiences back pain and cannot move as quickly as before.

During this period, many people notice such an unpleasant thing as a constantly stuffy nose. This is called rhinitis in pregnant women - a common and harmless phenomenon. The best option is not to use drops to constrict blood vessels, but ordinary salt (or sea) water, which washes away mucus well and makes breathing easier.

The gastrointestinal tract also brings a lot of unpleasant sensations, because the growing uterus has pushed all the organs upward and they “revolted”: the stomach responds with heartburn, the intestines with constipation.

Fetal development at 22 weeks of gestation

Now the weight of the fetus will reach 500 grams, and the height is approaching 30 cm. The embryo is already so developed that in the event of premature birth it already has quite a good chance of survival. At least in the conditions of modern medicine, there are many cases where doctors nursed such half-kilogram babies.

At the twenty-second obstetric week of pregnancy, active development of the embryo continues. The spinal column is formed, as are the neurons of the brain. Nerve connections are established.

It is noteworthy that brain growth slows down slightly, but the development of tactile sensations in the fetus develops greatly. So, for example, now the future baby is already actively touching everything around him, his body, sucking fingers, playing with the umbilical cord and even trying to push in response to a touch on the stomach.

Note that now the baby has room to move. The fetus can turn over and kick several times a day, sometimes very sensitively. But this does not happen very often during the day, because the baby sleeps for about 22 hours. And it starts to become active in the evening, at night or in the morning. Why? Yes, because during the day a woman walks, moves, and thus, as it were, rocks the child to sleep.

Often the baby begins to become active when the woman eats. The embryo already reacts to the taste of the amniotic fluid, which it swallows, and which changes its taste depending on the foods that the pregnant woman consumes. The child may kick his mother if she eats too spicy food, and will happily enjoy the “sweet” amniotic fluid.

The embryo at this stage can already hear quite well. The expectant mother should talk to the baby and sing songs to him. This allows you to strengthen the emotional connection after childbirth.

Remember that the fetus is now responding to light. For example, if you shine the light of a lamp on the belly, the embryo will turn its face towards the light source.

What factors influence fetal development

The protective barrier of the embryo - the placenta - already seriously protects the unborn baby from harmful external influences. However, not from everything. The danger comes from alcohol, nicotine, drugs, antibiotics and some toxic chemicals (for example, arsenic, mercury, potassium cyanide). The placental barrier cannot completely protect the fetus from these substances, and their exposure is extremely dangerous. Therefore, you should lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid harmful environmental influences in every possible way and avoid contact with chemicals.

What complications may arise at 22 weeks of pregnancy?

At this stage, the baby is already quite developed, and the placenta protects the fetus well. But with certain exposures there are dangers for the embryo.

You should not self-medicate either now or throughout the entire period of pregnancy. Many drugs, even the most harmless at first glance, can cause serious damage to the baby’s body.

In mothers who smoke, the fetus experiences oxygen starvation; nicotine causes spasm of blood vessels.

Needless to say, how dangerous alcohol is for an unborn child. Ethanol, especially with constant consumption of alcoholic beverages, can cause serious defects and deviations in the development of a child; it kills cells.

At the same time, alcohol, nicotine, and drugs cause addiction in a baby who is still in the womb. And at birth, they even begin to experience “withdrawal” from a lack of these substances.

There are certain dangers for the expectant mother. For example, excess weight during pregnancy is fraught with diabetes in the future. A lack of calcium provokes varicose veins or hemorrhoids.

Changes in a woman’s body at 22 weeks of pregnancy

The body of a pregnant woman changes insignificantly; all the body’s forces are aimed only at maintaining the normal development of the embryo, giving it all the necessary substances and preparing for the upcoming birth. In some cases, this is not so easily tolerated; for this reason, attacks of simply ravenous hunger and dizziness occur. The fetus grows and develops every day, the baby’s weight increases, as does his height.

The volume of blood in the body of the expectant mother increases. In addition, it is worth noting that in this volume the number of aqueous lobe, erythrocytes and leukocytes increases unevenly. At approximately 22 weeks of pregnancy, the number of blood cells in the plasma is at its lowest. A lack of red blood cells, as well as hemoglobin, leads to anemia. It is very important to control this process and prevent anemia. To do this, a pregnant woman needs to eat as many foods rich in iron as possible (meat, for example) or take medications recommended by a doctor.
The uterus does not stop growing, it raises other organs higher and higher, which naturally causes new and not always pleasant sensations. For example, this process can cause heartburn and other digestive problems.
Numerous representatives of the fairer sex at 22 weeks of pregnancy experience difficulties with their gums, for example, soreness and bleeding. After the baby is born, everything should return to normal, but now you need to be careful when brushing your teeth.

At this stage, a pregnant woman can gain up to seven kilograms. 22 cm should be the height of the uterine fundus. At the same time, growth should be noticeable. If there is no increase, then this is a cause for concern and additional examinations.

Tests and medical examinations

The pregnant woman continues to regularly visit the antenatal clinic. Each time you will have to take a general urine test. The gynecologist will measure blood pressure, weight, abdominal volume, and the height of the uterine fundus. Sometimes, for certain indications, a general blood test is prescribed to eliminate the risk of anemia.

Ultrasound at 22 weeks of pregnancy

An ultrasound examination is prescribed if the second mandatory ultrasound examination has not yet been completed.

Biometric parameters of the fetus, which are examined by a specialist:

  • Length from crown to tailbone
  • Thigh length
  • Arm length
  • Head size

Based on the results of the ultrasound, a conclusion is made about the correspondence of the embryo to the gestational age.

In addition, the doctor will evaluate the quantity and quality of the amniotic fluid and the thickness and maturity of the placenta. At this stage, the protective shell of the fruit should have zero maturity and approximately 22 mm in thickness.

Now you should remember that you are no longer as frisky as before, and that your body may react completely unexpectedly to any external influences. So try not to walk alone, do not run after a departing bus and do not jostle in queues. Protect yourself from injury.

Good nutrition, no stress and as much fresh air as possible are absolutely necessary.

You need to watch your diet. It is clear that a pregnant woman now constantly wants to chew something. And many people stop limiting themselves. They say it’s the child who demands it. But excess weight gain and unhealthy food without restrictions (fast food, salty, sweet) are dangerous. Therefore, you need to carefully review your diet. After all, you can constantly chew foods that will not cause harm, but only vitamins and nutrients. For example, instead of buns and cakes, eat fruits - they are also sweet. Eat boiled meat, and certainly not fried or smoked.

If you don’t want to walk around constantly swollen, reduce your salt intake.

Prohibitions and contraindications during pregnancy

You can put it briefly, but clearly: everything that is harmful is prohibited for a pregnant woman. If the health of your unborn child is important to you, give up bad habits and reconsider your lifestyle. It is clear that sometimes this can be difficult to do, but convince yourself that now you are first and foremost a mother, and a defenseless little creature depends on you.

Sex at 22 weeks pregnant

If pregnancy proceeds without complications, then there are no special contraindications for sex. You can calmly enjoy the sensations, which become even sharper and brighter during pregnancy. You just have to be careful when choosing sex positions during pregnancy. Beware of pressure on the abdomen.

Sports and physical education

Physical exercise is not only not prohibited, but even encouraged at 22 weeks of pregnancy. Of course, in moderate doses, taking into account the “interesting” situation.

During this period, you can safely enroll in special courses for pregnant women, yoga, Pilates, and water aerobics. Naturally, all sets of exercises must be performed under the supervision of a competent instructor.

Vitamins and medications at 22 weeks of pregnancy

At this time, vitamins are taken when they are not supplied enough from food. At the same time, special complexes for pregnant women will not do any harm. Your doctor will tell you which vitamins you should take.

Is it possible to treat teeth at 22 weeks of pregnancy? Here the doctor must also make a decision. The placenta is already sufficiently formed to prevent anesthetics from harming the fetus. However, sometimes, to be on the safe side, this medical procedure is not performed before the birth of the child in order to eliminate possible risk.

Tetracycline antibiotics are prohibited. Other medications should be used only as directed, but should never be prescribed to yourself.

To reduce back pain, you can use a special bandage and comfortable shoes. This will help reduce discomfort a little, especially during the day if you are still working.

Is it possible to drink coffee during pregnancy? Definitely, not in such quantities as it was consumed before pregnancy. In large quantities, caffeine promotes leaching of calcium from the body. And this element is very important for both the baby and the mother.

This is approximately 4 months and 4 weeks. At the end of the 22nd week, the sixth month of pregnancy begins.

  • 22 weeks from the date of the last menstruation (obstetric period) is 20 weeks from the moment the egg is fertilized and the embryo begins to develop.
  • 22 weeks from the moment of fertilization correspond to the 24th week of the obstetric period.

    • What happens to the child?

    It is about the size of an American squash. Its body length is 28 cm, weight – 450 grams. The eyelids, eyebrows and lips become more distinct, and the beginnings of teeth appear under the gums. The eyes are fully formed, they distinguish between light and dark much better. There is still very little pigment in the iris, so there is no eye color. The sense of touch is actively developing.

    The fetal lungs are already producing surfactant components - a substance that covers the lungs from the inside and is needed for their expansion. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland, the main organs of the endocrine system, are actively maturing. The liver grows rapidly - from 20 to 40 weeks of pregnancy, its volume increases approximately 17 times.

    On the child's body, lanugo is increasingly visible - thin hairs that are needed to maintain a constant body temperature. His skin is covered with wrinkles - they will disappear as the subcutaneous fatty tissue develops.

    The pancreas is actively developing, it begins to produce hormones more intensively.

    At 22 weeks, the fetus develops its own “day routine” - it periodically sleeps (12–14 hours) and then wakes. Moreover, this regime does not always coincide with the mother’s regime; “calms” during the day can be replaced by active tremors in the stomach at night.

    What happens to the expectant mother?

    The distance from the upper edge of the pelvis to the highest point of the uterus at this stage is 20–24 cm. The tummy is already becoming quite noticeable. Continued hormonal changes lead to enlargement of the mammary glands, but the hormonal effects do not end there, and some of them can cause a number of inconveniences.

    At week 22, many women become the owners of gorgeous hair. The fact is that “outdated” hair begins to fall out more slowly. After childbirth, nature will take its course, hair will begin to fall out more actively - there is nothing wrong with that either. Due to the increase in androgen levels, hair on the face and body begins to grow more intensively - you will have to put up with this temporary inconvenience.

    Nail growth accelerates. In some women they become rougher, in others they become soft and brittle. Pregnancy can improve the appearance of your skin, but it can also cause acne.

    The skin on your growing belly stretches, and grooves of different colors appear on it - they are called stretch marks. The degree of their severity depends on how quickly a woman gains weight, as well as on the innate elasticity of the skin.

    The amount of melanin pigment in the skin increases, which is why dark spots appear on the face, especially if the expectant mother spends a lot of time in the sun. The nipples also darken and increase in size. Small tubercles become more noticeable on them - these are Montgomery glands; they are needed to protect the mammary glands from infection.

    Many women are surprised to find that the size of their feet has increased and they no longer fit into shoes. This is the result of softening of the ligaments and joints combined with increased stress on the legs due to increased weight. Swelling also contributes. The foot may gain 1-2 sizes, but don’t worry - after childbirth it will return to normal.

    What tests should be done at 22 weeks of pregnancy?

    If you have not yet undergone a second scheduled ultrasound, 22 weeks of pregnancy is the time to do so. The child is already formed, looks like a full-fledged person, you can see his face and determine his gender. At week 22, the doctor will schedule another visit for you, during which he will assess your well-being, the progress of your pregnancy, and, if necessary, prescribe additional studies and tests.