Second trimester · Pregnancy week by week
Week 22 of pregnancy
Baby is the size of a papaya. About 11.00 inches, 430g.
By week 22, the fetus reaches threshold of viability with NICU support. Black infants have lower rates of NICU admission for comparable conditions per AHRQ data — early identification of preterm-labor risk matters. Source
What's happening with the baby
The fetus is now around 11 inches long. The senses are sharper — can hear voice patterns. Lungs begin developing surfactant. The brain develops grooves and folds.
What's happening for you
Many women feel pregnancy is going faster now. Lower back pain may increase. Heartburn may worsen. Hands may swell from fluid retention.
Common (normal) symptoms this week
Lower back pain, heartburn, hand swelling, leg cramps, occasional Braxton Hicks, vivid dreams, breast colostrum, fetal movements throughout the day.
Call your OB or 911 if
- Severe headache not relieved by acetaminophen.
- Vision changes — blurred vision, light flashes, floating spots.
- Severe right-upper-quadrant or upper-abdominal pain.
- Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet.
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage.
- Decreased fetal movement after 20 weeks.
- Persistent contractions before 37 weeks.
Why this week matters for Black families
Late in the second trimester is when preeclampsia becomes diagnosable (after 20 weeks). Black women have a 60% higher rate of preeclampsia and a 3x higher rate of preeclampsia-related death. The diagnosis combines new-onset blood pressure ≥140/90 with signs of organ stress. Track your own blood pressure between visits if you can — many Black-led OB practices recommend a home cuff at this stage. If your readings trend up, call your OB before the next appointment, not at it.
What to do this week
BP tracking continues. Glucose challenge test (gestational diabetes screening) is typically ordered around 24–28 weeks; some practices order earlier for high-risk patients. Begin researching infant feeding (breastfeeding has documented Black-maternal-mortality benefits and lower rates of postpartum depression).
Pregnancy / baby
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References
- AHRQ HCUPnet — Maternal-Infant Health Disparities.
- ACOG Practice Bulletin 234 — Periviable Birth.
Last medically reviewed: .
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