Towards the end of the 2nd trimester, pregnancy week 22 sees the foetus reach a length of around 25 to 28 cms and weigh in the region of 700 to 750 grams.
The eye takes the form of a normal eye, with eyebrows and eyelashes.
Air sacs form in the lungs and finger nails, fingerprints as well as footprints develop quite clearly.
A normal hand, without webbing can be seen and it exhibits reflex motion.
The digestive and reproductive system continues to develop and teeth as well as lips can be seen on the foetus.
The mother during pregnancy week 22 would see her uterus nearing the belly button, being just a couple of cms.
away.
The belly button itself may 'pop out' and start protruding at this point, though it is a reversible process and will return to normal after delivery.
The centre of gravity would have shifted, ever so slightly and stretch marks may start developing around the abdomen.
This situation actually differs from person to person as some see these marks only during the 3rd trimester and some never even face this concern at all! Stretch marks usually form around the thighs, waist, abdomen and breasts and can be of different hues, but this is dependent on the skin colour.
Use of lotions to reduce or eliminate stretch marks has not proved very successful but it does help to keep the skin soft and supple.
These marks are usually passed on genetically from mother to daughter, but the good news is that most of them become much lighter after delivery and some may even completely disappear.
Around pregnancy week 22, a 'glowing' complexion becomes evident in the mother's features, caused by increased blood flow that results in flushed cheeks and a more rounded face.
On the other hand, some women may be troubled by acne on their faces, arms and back, as a result of increased levels of different hormones in the body, but this normally subsides and disappears during the 3rd trimester.
Another common affliction during this period is low back pain, caused by changes in the body's centre of gravity and posture as well as the expanding uterus.
Weight as well as hormonal distribution also impacts this type of pain.
Avoiding slouching, using lumbar cushions, exercising properly, especially with recommended positions known to benefit pregnant women are ways to alleviate this kind of suffering.
Since this pain affects most pregnant women, doctors also advice the use of a low bolster while sleeping on the side, and a maternity belt can also prove helpful.
Chiropractic care is another option to reduce low back pain during pregnancy.
A good, nutritious diet, including the additional 300 to 500 calories required for the foetus during the 2nd and 3rd trimester, must be maintained for it to grow properly during pregnancy week 22.
Fruit as well as dark green leafy vegetables, along with lean meats in the form of fish and chicken should be taken in small quantities spread over 5 or 6 meals throughout the day.
Leonard Greenhall 2009
The eye takes the form of a normal eye, with eyebrows and eyelashes.
Air sacs form in the lungs and finger nails, fingerprints as well as footprints develop quite clearly.
A normal hand, without webbing can be seen and it exhibits reflex motion.
The digestive and reproductive system continues to develop and teeth as well as lips can be seen on the foetus.
The mother during pregnancy week 22 would see her uterus nearing the belly button, being just a couple of cms.
away.
The belly button itself may 'pop out' and start protruding at this point, though it is a reversible process and will return to normal after delivery.
The centre of gravity would have shifted, ever so slightly and stretch marks may start developing around the abdomen.
This situation actually differs from person to person as some see these marks only during the 3rd trimester and some never even face this concern at all! Stretch marks usually form around the thighs, waist, abdomen and breasts and can be of different hues, but this is dependent on the skin colour.
Use of lotions to reduce or eliminate stretch marks has not proved very successful but it does help to keep the skin soft and supple.
These marks are usually passed on genetically from mother to daughter, but the good news is that most of them become much lighter after delivery and some may even completely disappear.
Around pregnancy week 22, a 'glowing' complexion becomes evident in the mother's features, caused by increased blood flow that results in flushed cheeks and a more rounded face.
On the other hand, some women may be troubled by acne on their faces, arms and back, as a result of increased levels of different hormones in the body, but this normally subsides and disappears during the 3rd trimester.
Another common affliction during this period is low back pain, caused by changes in the body's centre of gravity and posture as well as the expanding uterus.
Weight as well as hormonal distribution also impacts this type of pain.
Avoiding slouching, using lumbar cushions, exercising properly, especially with recommended positions known to benefit pregnant women are ways to alleviate this kind of suffering.
Since this pain affects most pregnant women, doctors also advice the use of a low bolster while sleeping on the side, and a maternity belt can also prove helpful.
Chiropractic care is another option to reduce low back pain during pregnancy.
A good, nutritious diet, including the additional 300 to 500 calories required for the foetus during the 2nd and 3rd trimester, must be maintained for it to grow properly during pregnancy week 22.
Fruit as well as dark green leafy vegetables, along with lean meats in the form of fish and chicken should be taken in small quantities spread over 5 or 6 meals throughout the day.
Leonard Greenhall 2009
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