Week 22: Vision Development
The twenty‑second week is a time of active development of your baby's vision and eyes.
Baby size: Papaya (80-85 mm)
Baby development
Exploring the World Through Touch
The baby is becoming more active and curious. Movements are more confident, and he/she uses the hands to explore everything around.
What’s happening this week:
- Eyes: They are fully formed, but the iris still lacks pigment, so eye colour is not yet determined.
- Pancreas: It is actively developing and begins to produce important hormones, including insulin.
- Hair: A soft lanugo fuzz continues to grow on the head and body.
- Hearing: He/she hears your voice, heartbeat, and loud external sounds very well.
Your fetus weighs about 430‑450 grams and measures roughly 28 centimeters in length.
Changes for mom
Growing Belly and Preparing for Future Demands
Your body continues to adapt to the growing baby. You may feel wonderful, yet also notice how your body is getting ready for upcoming challenges.
What you may notice:
- Increased baby movements: Now you feel not just “bubbles” but real kicks and roll‑overs.
- Swelling: Mild swelling of the legs and arms can become more noticeable, especially at the end of the day.
- Stretch marks: The skin on the abdomen and breasts continues to stretch.
- Practice contractions (Braxton‑Hicks): Some women may start feeling light, irregular, painless uterine contractions. This is a normal part of preparing for labor.
These and other changes are a normal part of pregnancy. To learn more, read our article "Physical Changes of the Body During Pregnancy".
Overview
Week 22: A Tiny Person in Miniature
At the twenty‑second week your baby looks like a perfect miniature copy of a newborn. Facial features such as lips, eyebrows, and eyelids are already clearly defined, although he/she is still very slim.
He/she is now the size of a small papaya. The brain and nerve endings are so developed that he/she can already feel touch. He/she explores the body by touching the face, hands, and feet.
For you this week is a time when the belly becomes the center of attention. You may receive many pieces of advice from those around you, but remember that the most important thing is your own feelings and your doctor's recommendations.
Your baby is now a little explorer who discovers the world through touch and sound. This is an important stage in the development of his/her perception.
You continue to enjoy the benefits of the second trimester. To learn more about this period, check out our detailed guide "Second Trimester: What You Need to Know".
Tips for mom
Comfort, Nutrition, and Important Information
Now it’s important to focus on your own comfort and stay informed about possible complications so you can respond to them promptly.
What to do:
- Choose comfortable shoes. Because of swelling and a shift in the center of gravity, low‑profile, stable‑sole shoes are your best choice.
- Elevate your legs. To reduce swelling, try to keep your legs above heart level throughout the day.
- Learn the signs of preterm labor. It’s important to know the symptoms (regular contractions, water breaking, pelvic pressure), not to panic but to be prepared.
- Eat enough fiber. To avoid constipation, add vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to your diet.
Being informed means being calm. Learn more about possible risks in the article "Complications and Risks During Pregnancy".
Tips for partner
Care, Planning, and Communication
Your role as a reliable partner now shows up in practical help and joint planning.
Your contribution to the shared journey:
- Help her rest. Make sure she has the opportunity to lie down and elevate her legs during the day.
- Plan the baby’s room together. Start buying the first pieces of furniture or décor. This will make the anticipation feel more real.
- Sing to the baby. Your little one already hears you! Sing lullabies or simply talk to the belly.
- Discuss important topics. For example, your views on the child’s vaccination. This will help avoid disagreements in the future.
Planning the space for the baby is an important step. Find ideas in the article "Preparing the Home and the Room".
Checklist
Your Action Plan for Week 22
We continue moving confidently and comfortably.
- ✅ Learn and remember the signs of preterm labor.
- 🛌 Try to rest with your legs elevated at least once a day.
- 🎨 Buy the first item for the baby’s room.
- 👩⚕️ Ask the doctor about the glucose tolerance test (it is usually scheduled between weeks 24‑28).
- 🎵 Create a music playlist for the baby.
- 💉 Discuss vaccination with your partner. Our article about the most common myths may be helpful.