Week 22: Touch & Grasp
Baby is about the size of Papaya (279mm head-to-heel)
Your baby's sense of touch is well-developed. They can grasp the umbilical cord, touch their face, and suck their thumb. The inner ear is mature enough for the baby to sense their position in space (vestibular sense). The eyelids and eyebrows are now formed, and the pancreas is steadily maturing to produce hormones.
Your belly is growing noticeably week by week. Linea nigra may be very visible. You might experience leg cramps, especially at night. The increased weight of the uterus can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing shooting pain in the buttock and leg.
What is important now
In France, the 2nd mandatory ultrasound (échographie morphologique) is typically performed between weeks 20-25. This is the detailed anatomy scan. In Germany, the 2nd screening ultrasound window continues (19-22).
Common symptoms
- severe one sided leg pain with swelling — contact provider urgently
Wellness this week.
Nutrition
Nerve and pancreas development
- B vitamins (whole grains, legumes, meat) for nerve development
- Potassium-rich foods (bananas, potatoes, spinach) for leg cramp prevention
- Magnesium supplements if cramps are frequent (discuss with provider)
- Continue balanced protein intake
Exercise
Movement
Gentle stretching and positioning exercises help with sciatica
Sleep
7-9 hours
Position: Left side; pillow between knees reduces sciatic pressure
· Stretch calves gently before bed to prevent nighttime cramps
· A pillow under the knee of the upper leg helps align the spine
Mental wellness
Mindfulness
Physical discomfort is real and valid. Don't minimize it. Seek comfort measures that work for you.
“Your baby can grasp and touch — they're exploring their small world, just as they'll explore the big one.”
Your timeline.
Week 6
16 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — Mutterpass may be issued upon heartbeat confirmation
Week 19
3 weeks ago- routineWeeks 19–22
Checkpoint 2 — Screening Ultrasound
Choice between a basic biometric scan or detailed organ scan. Measures head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and checks placental position.
GoalAssess fetal anatomy and growth, check for structural abnormalities, and verify placental location.
Week 28
In 6 weeks- routine
Checkpoint 1 — GDM screening
- routine
Checkpoint 2 — Rhogam if Rh-negative
Week 29
In 7 weeks- routineWeeks 29–32
Checkpoint 3 — Screening Ultrasound
Third and final routine ultrasound. Assesses fetal growth, position (cephalic/breech), amniotic fluid volume, and placental function.
GoalConfirm appropriate growth trajectory and baby's position for delivery planning.
Week 35
In 13 weeks- self pay igelWeeks 35–37
Checkpoint 1 — GBS Testing — Self-pay/IGeL
Rectovaginal swab to screen for Group B Streptococcus colonization. If positive, IV antibiotics are given during labor to prevent neonatal infection.
GoalIdentify GBS carriers to enable prophylactic treatment during delivery.
Safety: Severe pain and swelling in one leg only could indicate DVT. Contact your provider urgently. Normal pregnancy leg cramps are bilateral and relieved by stretching.
Your journey, your rhythm.
Track your pregnancy week by week with gentle, personalized guidance.