7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
PREGNANCY TIMELINE: WEEK 22
This week you finds you and your baby a little bigger. Get used to it, from this point on there's going to be some major growth and development going on inside you. Just keep up those healthy habits and enjoy this special time.
Week Overview:
Your baby continues to grow and develop each day - inside and out. Baby's organ systems are becoming specialized for their particular functions.
Baby's Physical Development
- Crown-to-rump, baby measures 7.6 inches long and weighs about 12.25 ounces
- Eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed
- Fingernails are in place
Your uterus is about 0.8 inch above your bellybutton. By now you've probably gained between 12 and 14 pounds. Of course, only 10 to 14 ounces of that is baby. The rest can be attributed to the increased size of the uterus, the placenta, amniotic fluid, increased blood volume, and the extra calories required for a healthy pregnancy. But don't worry about the weight, just focus on eating nutritional food and be happy that you are doing the right things for your growing baby.
Time to Start Thinking About
Now is the time to start thinking about childbirth classes. There are many available and your doctor can recommend one for you. There's nothing like being prepared and childbirth classes will prepare you and your partner for the changes you'll experience in the last few months of pregnancy, as well as labor and delivery and bringing baby home.
Tips for Mom
Although you have gained weight, you are still "comfortably pregnant." Walking shouldn't require much effort. Bending, sitting, and rising can still be accomplished without assistance. This is probably the most enjoyable time of pregnancy. It is important to keep eating nutritious meals and continue your steady weight gain. Avoid iron-deficiency anemia by making sure you eat lots of iron-rich foods like liver and spinach.
Did you know your basal metabolic rate is 20 percent higher than normal, making you feel extra warm? Dress in layers you can peel off when the heat is on!
Also, be certain to drink plenty of fluids during pregnancy to help your body keep up with the increases in your blood volume.
Tips for Dad
Although she may be "comfortably pregnant", Mom may still need help with common household chores and activities. Encourage Mom to put her feet up a little more often and offer to do the dishes or mop the floor. You would be surprised at how much every little bit helps right now.
Complications to Watch For
Most pregnancies occur without any complications or problems. But there are times when your physician should be contacted immediately. The following list contains symptoms to be aware of during pregnancy.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe swelling of the fingers and face
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of fluid from the vagina, usually a gush of fluid, but sometimes a trickle or continual wetness
- A big change in the baby's movements or a lack of movement
- High fever (more than 101.6F;38.7C) or chills
- Severe vomiting or an inability to keep food or liquid down
- Blurring of vision
- Painful urination
- A headache that won't go away or a severe headache
- An injury or accident, such as a fall or automobile accident, that causes you concern about the well-being of your pregnancy
Prenatal Care Checklist
- Lying on your left side with a firm pillow under your head will usually be the most comfortable position for sleeping. This position brings more oxygen to the baby and eases the load on your kidneys.
- Try a body pillow.
- Bath water should not exceed 100 degrees F. Saunas and hot tubs are off limits.
- Do not douche or use tampons. Take a warm bath or use pads instead.
- You should not be changing the kitty litter because harmful parasites may be present.
- Travel is okay as long as you don't travel far from home during the last month of pregnancy. Check with your doctor first if a travel emergency arises.
- Seatbelts will not harm your fetus.
- Use both shoulder and lap belts and make sure to place the lap belt under your belly, across the hips and thighs.
- Avoid contact with any harmful chemicals or fumes.
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505