Pregnancy Week by Week Calendar - 22 weeksDid you know that by now your baby can now recognise your voice? So it is a good time to start chatting, reading or singing to them. Time to brush up on your nursery rhymes!

22 weeks pregnant – development guide

Your body

Pregnancy massage is a wonderful way to relax and forget any pregnancy aches and pains you may have (sore back, cramping legs, fluid retention).

Pregnant woman with visible uterus and fetus week 22Ensure that you only go to a masseuse who is fully trained in pregnancy massage as there are essential oils, massage techniques and positions that should be avoided when pregnant.

Your baby

Sized at approximately 19cm (head to rump), your baby is able to recognise your voice, too, now, so talk or read and sing to your unborn baby. It is also a good time to play music and start teaching all those wonderful nursery rhymes you grew up with.

Weekly development of a human fetus - week 22Your baby’s skin, no longer transparent, is now opaque, and sweat glands are developing. For girls, the vagina, uterus and ovaries have formed and for boys, the testes will be dropping into the scrotum this week, with testosterone and juvenile sperm already active.

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3 things to do when you’re 22 weeks pregnant

Make sure you’re choosing safe nursery furniture

You’ve probably started to look at buying (or borrowing) some of the big ticket nursery items like cots, change tables and prams etc. Make sure you’re choosing nursery items that are SAFE. Safety should be your number one concern. We have an article on Choosing Baby Safe Furniture and Equipment that tells you exactly what you should be looking for in terms of safety, as well as a few tips on their safe use too.

Find a local physio to help with pregnancy pain

Pregnancy can be a pain in the … lower back! If you’re experiencing pregnancy discomforts try searching our directory to find a local physio specialising in pregnancy aches and pains.

Read about preparing the perineum for childbirth

Perineal tears and episiotomy can often occur with firs-time deliveries, but the risk of these injuries can be reduced by preparing the perineum. Check out this article on preparing the perineum for childbirth.

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This content is meant as a guide only. If you find anything worrying or unsettling, or experience any bleeding or spotting, contact your local GP, obstetrician or an emergency healthcare provider immediately.

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