At week 22 your baby's eyes are fully formed, even though the lids stay closed for a few more weeks.
Your baby this week
- Eyes
- The eyes are formed, though the colour of the iris hasn't developed yet.
- Grip
- Your baby can grasp, and may hold the umbilical cord.
- Lips
- Lips are more distinct, and the first tooth buds are forming under the gums.
What you might notice
- Heartburn and indigestion, often worse in the evening.
- Backache as your bump grows.
- A bigger appetite as your baby grows faster.
- Feeling movements at the same sort of times each day.
Call your midwife, doctor or maternity unit today if
- Your face, hands or feet swell suddenly, or you have a bad headache or blurred vision
- You have bleeding, fluid leaking, or regular tightenings or period-like cramps
- Once you know your baby's pattern, their movements slow down or change
- You have a fever, or it burns or stings when you pee
Any time of day or night. You will never be a nuisance for calling.
Coming up
Glucose test window, if offered.
Book birth classes if you haven't yet.
Questions to bring to your next appointment
- What's the best thing to do about heartburn?
- Do I need any vaccines during pregnancy, and when?
- How often should I feel my baby move?
For your partner
Start a shared list for things you'll need. The baby registry guide is a good place to begin.
NUGA follows you week by week
Enter your due date once and NUGA knows you're at week 22. The day before each appointment, it gathers what you've noted and the questions to bring.
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This page draws on public guidance from:
General information, not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different, and your midwife or doctor knows yours. Last updated October 2026.