Pregnancy Week - 22 Weeks Pregnant

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Pregnancy Week 22

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 22

Your Baby's Growth and Development
Your baby continues to grow each and every day of your pregnancy week by week. His organs are developing and maturing during pregnancy week 22, as are his internal systems, including the digestive and reproductive system.

By this point in time your baby's eyelids have formed and eyebrows have already developed. Your baby should have fingernails at this point in time. By the time your baby is born, you may find he is already ready for his first nail trimming!

By this time your baby's organs are specializing in their functions. By now your baby is starting to show some unique features. If you were to peak inside the womb you might notice your baby's first signs of teeth and full lips.

Your Growth and Development
Your uterus may now be approximately 2 cm or almost 3/4 of an inch above your belly button during pregnancy 22 weeks. Your abdomen still isn't large enough to be an obstacle at pregnancy week 22, however you may find that your center of gravity has slightly shifted.

Changes in You
As your abdomen continues to grow at 22 weeks pregnant you may start developing stretch marks. Some women start developing stretch marks early in their pregnancy, whereas others develop them only after the third trimester. An even smaller number of women never get any!

Typically more than half of all women will get stretch marks during their pregnancy anytime during pregnancy at 22 weeks, before or after. They may form on the breasts, inner thighs, waist and abdomen as your body expands to accommodate your growing baby. Typically stretch marks vary in color from white, to pink or purple and even dark brown depending on your skin color. Many women believe that religious application of lotion will prevent stretch marks from forming, but even the most enthusiastic moisturizer may find themselves laden with stretch marks.

Whether or not you develop stretch marks is largely genetically determined. Check out your mother's belly. If she has a lot of stretch marks, chances are you may too. The good news is most stretch marks do fade in the months following delivery. Even the most intense stretch marks become lighter after birth. Many women wear their stretch marks with pride, as a sign of the amazing feat the accomplished creating and carrying life for nine months.

By this time you might also start noticing that your belly button is starting to protrude. Most women's navel will protrude or pop out after about the 20th week of pregnancy. Don't worry, your belly button should return to normal after delivery.

While pregnancy often has many 'ill effects' it often also has many positive ones on a woman's appearance. Many women are complimented as having a 'glowing' complexion during pregnancy. The increasing amount of blood circulating through your body can result in a fuller face and flushed cheeks. Unfortunately pregnancy also sometimes results in a problem that might remind you of your teenage years… acne. While some women will enjoy a glowing look and feel during pregnancy, others are plagued with breakouts on their arms, back and face. This is largely due to the increasing levels of hormones circulating during your body.

Don't worry; these eruptions will also subside some time after birth. In fact, most find they are much better as soon as the third trimester.

Pregnancy Pillows
A Little Something For Everyone

Pregnancy pillows are a must have item for anyone suffering from low back pain or discomfort at night. Pregnancy pillows support the lower back, neck and abdomen during pregnancy. If you are a side sleeper it is a good idea to tuck a high quality pillow between your legs to ensure your comfort and relieve pressure on your lower back.

Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows are an ideal choice for pregnant mothers during their second and third trimesters. Many find the side laying position the most comfortable position to sleep in during pregnancy. It is vital moms to be use a good pregnancy pillow to enhance their comfort and well being during pregnancy.
Watch our pregnancy pillows video on youtube.com.

Maternity Clothes
Active Collections For Sports Minded Moms-to-Be

Are you an active mom-to-be? Why not look great AND fit in a work out all at the same time? Fortunately for active mothers, there are wealth of Active Collections at Destination Maternity that move with you and support you before, during and even after your pregnancy.

When shopping Active Collections Dresses at Destination Maternity, keep in mind you will need to find clothes made of breathable and stretch fabric. These items will grow with you, move with you and more importantly, and breathe with you while you work out during your pregnancy. Rest assured, most active collections provide extra support particularly for a woman’s chest and belly, the two areas that require the most attention during pregnancy!

Pregnancy Health Tips
Low back pain is quite common during pregnancy particularly during 22 weeks pregnant and beyond. The causes of back pain during pregnancy are numerous and include your expanding uterus and postural changes that occur during pregnancy. Changes in weight and hormonal distribution can also influence back pain.

Fortunately there are many things you can do to alleviate back pain naturally when pregnant. First and foremost, you must pay attention to your posture. Women often have a tendency to adopt poor posture during pregnancy due to their expanding bellies. One thing you should avoid is slouching when sitting. If necessary consider investing in a lumbar cushion to help support you lower back when sitting.

You can improve your posture by developing strong pelvic and abdominal muscles. Pelvic tilts are beneficial for eliminating or reducing back pain. To perform a pelvic tilt:

• Simply lie flat on your back with your knees bent in a 90-degree angle.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Slowly rock back and push your pelvis and lower back into the floor so that your back is pressed flat against the floor.
• Tighten your stomach and buttocks while doing so.
• Release the position after holding for 5 seconds.
• Repeat 10 times several times per day.

You can also reduce back pain by sleeping on your side and using a pillow between your legs for support at night. Some women find a second pillow to hold on to is helpful during pregnancy.

A maternity support belt can also help eliminate or reduce back pain during pregnancy. A maternity support belt will help provide support for your abdomen and alleviate stress on your back when standing or walking for long periods of time.

Daily exercise can also improve back pain. Be sure to take your time and stretch out your muscles. Many women also find chiropractic care beneficial during pregnancy. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help maintain the structure of the spinal column, discs and related nerves during pregnancy. They can adjust a pregnant woman's body to relieve pressure on the lower back. Chiropractic care can also help address an increased back curve and postural changes typically associated with pregnancy. Your chiropractor can help establish balance and alignment with the pelvis during pregnancy.

When seeking out chiropractic care, be sure to check out your chiropractor's credentials and make sure they are board certified and have experience working with pregnant women. A chiropractor trained in pregnancy will help teach you exercises and stretches that are beneficial for reducing back pain during pregnancy. Regular chiropractic care may also reduce the time you are in labor and delivery and help you return to your pre-pregnant shape more quickly after delivery.

The best thing you can do if you are experiencing low back pain during pregnancy is talk with your healthcare provider, who can offer suggestions for improving your pain, and may even be able to refer you to a chiropractor or physical therapist to assist you during your pregnancy.

Read About Pregnancy Week 23