Pregnancy Week 22

This week your baby is about 8 inches in length (crown-to-rump) and weighs about a pound. Your baby’s liver is now starting to function and his or her hair and nails are continuing to grow. In fact some babies are born with quite long nails that need to be cut soon after birth to prevent them from scratching themselves.

Your baby is growing at a solid pace and becoming plumper, developing more and more fat underneath the skin, which will help to keep him or her warm later on. Your baby’s face is also filling out nicely. The lanugo hair that covers your baby’s body may turn slightly darker during this time.

Your uterus is above your belly button now and may be pushing outwards on your rib cage, causing your ribs to become a bit sore at times. In the later months of pregnancy, your baby may kick you in the ribs as well as stretch out and push your ribcage until it becomes uncomfortable.

For some women, nasal congestion and nosebleeds are a side effect of pregnancy. This can occur due to altered levels of hormones, causing the mucous membranes in your nose to swell. Increased blood volume and softening of the tissues also contributes to this.

Varicose veins may become bothersome around now, or later down the road. Varicose veins are blood vessels that become engorged with blood and they can be aggravated by standing for long periods of time. Wearing clothing that is non-restrictive, to keep circulation flowing freely may be very beneficial.

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