🤰 Week 22: Feeling Baby’s Rhythm and Finding Your Own

🌟 Your Baby at Week 22: Getting Stronger, Louder, and Cuter

Your little one is now about the size of a papaya – around 11 inches long and weighing roughly 1 pound. And yes, those movements you feel? They’re not just flutters anymore; they’re legit kicks, jabs, and somersaults!

• Eyes are developing rapidly, although the irises still lack pigment.
• Lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are now more distinct.
• Hearing is sharper — your baby might respond to your voice or loud sounds.
• Sleep patterns start emerging. Your little one is learning the art of napping!

🤰 How Your Body’s Changing: Embracing the Belly Glow

This week is all about embracing your pregnancy glow — and managing the not-so-glamorous parts that come with it.

Common Symptoms at Week 22:

• Stretch marks: As your bump grows, your skin stretches. Hydration helps!
• Backaches: Your shifting posture is doing a number on your spine.
• Swelling feet: Time to elevate those legs and get supportive footwear.
• Braxton Hicks contractions: Mild and irregular, these “practice” contractions are completely normal.

🧘‍♀️ Self-Care & Comfort Tips for Week 22

• Sleep on your side (preferably left) to improve circulation to your baby and uterus.
• Gentle prenatal yoga or stretching can ease backaches.
• Moisturize your belly with cocoa butter or natural oils to relieve itchiness and reduce stretch marks.
• Hydrate more than ever — water keeps you and baby nourished and reduces swelling.
• Talk to your baby – it’s a bonding ritual that soothes both of you.

🛍️ Smart Picks This Week

✨ Featured Essentials:

• Pregnancy Pillow: Say goodbye to restless nights.
• Maternity Support Belt: Ideal for relieving back pressure.
• Soothing Belly Butter: Combat that itchy skin and stretch marks.
• Fetal Doppler Monitor: Listen to your baby’s heartbeat at home.

💬 Emotional Check-In

It’s totally normal to feel emotional highs and lows. Hormones are surging. Your body is evolving. Your future is expanding. Be gentle with yourself. Cry if you need to. Laugh when you can. You’re growing a human — and that’s monumental.

📌 What to Keep in Mind This Week:

• Start planning your maternity leave. It’s never too early to review options and dates.
• Research childbirth classes — many fill up fast.
• Document your bump growth — it’s a beautiful memory in the making.

💖 Reassurance for the Week

If you’re feeling more connected to your baby now, that’s because the bond is becoming real — physically and emotionally. Your baby hears your voice, senses your movements, and responds to your emotions. It’s the beginning of a lifelong connection.