Illustration of a baby at week 22 inside the womb in cross-section, with the placenta and umbilical cord — Womb in cross-section, enlarged to show detail. Not true size.

Second trimester, week 22

22 weeks pregnant: Looking like a newborn in miniature

Size of a: Papaya
Length: 27.8 cm head to heel
Weight: 476 g WHO median
Heart rate: 110–160 bpm typical range
Due date: 126 days away 55% of the way

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Checked against the sources listed on this page. Not reviewed by a clinician. Last updated 5 November 2026. How we check.

At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a papaya: roughly 27.8 cm from head to heel, weighing about 476 g. You’re in your second trimester, with about 18 weeks to go until your due date.

Your baby this week

The baby looks like a small, lean newborn, with lips, eyelids and eyebrows well defined.
The eyes are formed, although the irises don’t have much colour yet.
The grasp reflex is getting stronger, and the baby may hold the umbilical cord.

Your body this week

Your bump is clearly visible, and strangers may start commenting.
Increased discharge, hair that feels thicker and faster-growing nails are all hormone-driven.
Backache and pelvic discomfort are common. Tell your provider if pelvic pain makes walking difficult.

Typical weight gain so far: 4.2–6.7 kg
Your uterus: Around your belly button

Weight gain range is for a pre-pregnancy BMI of 18.5–24.9 (IOM guideline). Your provider may advise differently.

Scans, tests and checkups

This week

Second-trimester (quad) screening Blood test
A blood test (AFP, hCG, estriol, inhibin-A) for chromosomal conditions and neural tube defects, if you didn’t have first-trimester screening or NIPT. The NHS offers it at 14–20 weeks.
This week

Anatomy scan (anomaly scan) Ultrasound
A detailed ultrasound of the baby’s brain, heart, spine, face, kidneys, limbs and growth, plus the placenta position and fluid. The NHS usually does it at 18–21 weeks.

Baby’s sex: Sex usually visible if the baby’s position allows. Ask if your hospital reports it
From week 24

Know your baby’s movements Self-care
Get to know your baby’s pattern. If movements slow down, change or stop, contact your maternity unit straight away. Don’t wait until the next day.
From week 24

Glucose test (gestational diabetes) Blood test
A sugary drink followed by blood sugar checks. The UK offers it based on risk factors. The US screens almost everyone.

See the full scan and test timeline

Real size, next to an adult hand

Adult hand 18.5 cmbaby 18.9 cm curled up

Growth curve

Typical weight by week: WHO median from week 20, approximate before that. Healthy babies vary widely.

When to call your midwife or doctor at 22 weeks

Call your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away, day or night, if you have any of these:

Vaginal bleeding, or a gush or steady trickle of fluid.
Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away.
A severe headache, vision changes, pain under your ribs, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet. These can be signs of pre-eclampsia.
Regular tightenings, period-like cramps or lower back pressure that keep coming. This could be early labour.
Fever of 38 °C (100.4 °F) or higher, or pain or burning when you pee.
Pain or swelling in one leg, chest pain, or sudden shortness of breath. These can be signs of a blood clot.
Feeling very low, hopeless or anxious most days. If you feel you might harm yourself, get emergency help.

Based on NHS and ACOG guidance. This list isn’t complete. If something feels wrong, call anyway. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.

Tip for this week

Pelvic floor exercises help prevent leaks now and after birth. Squeeze and lift, hold for up to 10 seconds, and build up to 10 repeats at least 3 times a day.

Common questions at this stage

All common questions

Questions people ask about week 22

What does the baby look like at 22 weeks?

Like a slim newborn, with red, wrinkled, thin skin because there is little fat yet. It has distinct lips, eyebrows and eyelashes, and fine lanugo hair.

Is pelvic pain normal at 22 weeks?

Mild discomfort is common. Significant pain at the front of the pelvis when walking or turning in bed may be pelvic girdle pain. It is treatable, and physiotherapy helps.

References

Advice differs between countries, so follow your own care team’s plan. Weights from week 20 are the WHO median, and earlier weights are approximate. How we check this.

All 40 weeks

First trimester Weeks 1–13

From conception to a fully formed, tiny fetus. The most rapid change of the whole pregnancy.

Second trimester Weeks 14–27

Growth, movement and senses. Often the most comfortable stretch for parents.

Third trimester Weeks 28–40

Weight gain, brain and lung maturation, and getting into position for birth.