22 Weeks pregnant

Cell development in week 22 of pregnancy

In week 22 of pregnancy, your baby measures roughly 20cm from head to bottom and weighs close to 450g (15oz). 

Around this time, their hearing and recognition have improved and they can respond to your voice and to different sounds, rhythms and melodies. Because of this, you could try talking and singing to your baby. Once they’re born they may find the same sound soothing.

At this stage, your baby probably has a sleeping routine, which you may have already noticed. Many mums report their baby becoming more active when they lay down for the night, whereas walking or other activities can soothe your baby to sleep.

Although they’re still practising breathing movements, their lungs aren’t yet functioning properly and they’ll continue to get all the oxygen they need via the placenta until they’re born.

Keeping up with vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient throughout pregnancy. It protects cells and keeps them healthy, and helps maintain both the immune and nervous system. Furthermore, it’s needed to make collagen, which forms teeth, skin, gums, cartilage, bones and blood vessels.

Vitamin C also assists in the absorption of iron, which supports cognitive function. This makes it an even more important component of a healthy diet.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C during pregnancy is 80mg per day. It’s possible to get all the vitamin C that you and your baby need from a healthy, balanced diet.