Fetal Development at 22 Weeks and Notes for Expectant Mothers

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How Much Does a 22-Week-Old Fetus Weigh?

Monitoring your baby’s weight throughout your pregnancy is essential to understanding their development. By week 22, your baby is growing rapidly and their organs are becoming more fully developed. A 22-week-old fetus typically weighs around 476 grams (approximately 1 pound) and measures about 29 centimeters (11.4 inches) in length.

Thai nhi 22 tuần nặng khoảng 476g

22-Week-Old Fetus: Approximately 476g

Fetal Development at 22 Weeks

At 22 weeks, your baby resembles a miniature newborn, with most organs developing. The development of a 22-week-old fetus includes:

  • Their skin is covered in a fine layer of downy hair (lanugo) that helps regulate body temperature. The skin also appears wrinkled.
  • Movements like stretching and kicking become more noticeable due to fully connected nerves and strengthening bones and joints. So, there’s no need to worry about your baby moving a lot.
  • Your baby has eyebrows and eyelashes.
  • The surface of their brain is starting to develop folds.
  • Taste buds are beginning to form on their tongue.
  • Genitals continue to develop. In boys, the testes are forming. In girls, the ovaries and uterus are taking shape, enabling vaginal development.
  • Your baby can sense sounds and movements outside the womb.
  • Their eyes are taking shape, but the pupils still lack pigment.

Thai nhi 22 tuần dần hoàn thiện các cơ quan trong cơ thể

22-Week-Old Fetus: Organ Development Progressing

In addition to fetal changes, you may experience changes such as weight gain, stretch marks, Braxton Hicks contractions, and leg swelling. You might also experience difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and mood swings, including irritability and sadness, which can lead to pregnancy-related depression.

If these symptoms become severe, talk to your loved ones or consult your doctor.

22-Week Fetal Standards

A healthy 22-week-old fetus shows the following measurements:

Biparietal Diameter (BPD) 50mm – 62 mm
Femur Length (FL) 37mm – 44 mm
Head Circumference (HC) 199mm – 223mm
Abdominal Circumference (AC) 172mm – 204mm

At 22 weeks, an ultrasound can accurately determine your baby’s sex.

Nutritional Needs at 22 Weeks

At 22 weeks, your nutritional needs increase. Here are some foods to support your baby’s healthy development:

Oranges

Oranges are rich in vitamin C, an excellent antioxidant. Many doctors recommend vitamin C supplementation through oranges to boost immunity. Explore simple and delicious orange juice recipes to add variety to your diet.

Grains

Grains are packed with folic acid and iron, providing energy and reducing the risk of birth defects. Oats, in particular, aid digestion and prevent constipation during pregnancy.

Fish Beneficial for Pregnant Women

Fish like salmon, catfish, carp, and crucian carp are rich in DHA, along with various vitamins and minerals. Fish are also excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids for both mother and baby.

Beef

Beef is high in iron and protein, preventing pregnancy-related anemia. The calcium in beef strengthens the immune system for both you and your baby.

Thịt bò chứa nhiều dưỡng chất tốt cho thai nhi 22 tuần

Beef: Nutrient-Rich for Your 22-Week Fetus

High-Protein Foods

Protein is crucial for fetal organ development and breast tissue growth. Lean meats, eggs, and yogurt are excellent protein sources.

Iron Supplementation

Iron supplementation at 22 weeks aids blood production and stimulates appetite. Increase your iron intake through supplements, spinach, and beans.

Calcium Supplementation

Calcium is vital for fetal bone development. Good sources include prenatal vitamins, shrimp, amaranth, and spinach.

Hopefully, this AVAKids article has provided a clearer understanding of 22-week fetal development. Maintain a healthy diet, and schedule regular prenatal checkups for a healthy pregnancy