Second Trimester
Pregnancy Week 22
Your baby is about the size of a papaya 🍈 — grip reflex developing.
🍈
Size comparison
≈ Papaya
Length
27.8 cm
Weight
430 g
Milestone
Grip reflex developing
About 18 weeks to go until your due date (week 40).
Baby's development at week 22
Your baby has a strong grip reflex — if an object touches their palm, they'll grasp it. The brain and nerve endings are rapidly maturing. The eyes are fully formed though still fused.
Keep a pregnancy journal this week — the kicks are becoming very regular and memorable.
Common symptoms at week 22
Swelling in hands and feetHaemorrhoids possibleIncreased hunger
Eat more of
- ✓Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseed)
- ✓Calcium & Vitamin D (cheese, eggs, sunlight)
- ✓Protein (chicken, legumes, eggs)
- ✓Iron + Vitamin C together for absorption
- ✓Magnesium-rich foods (nuts, seeds, dark chocolate)
Foods to avoid
- ✕Alcohol
- ✕Raw/smoked seafood
- ✕High-mercury fish
- ✕Unpasteurised cheeses (brie, camembert)
- ✕Processed meats (deli cuts, hot dogs)
- ✕Excess sugar
Medically reviewed by First OPD Medical Team. Last reviewed on .
Based on average milestones from World Health Organization (WHO), ACOG, NHS UK. Educational only — not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
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