2nd trimester: Week 22

© The Anatomical Travelogue

Your Baby

Slowly and steadily, your baby is getting bigger, topping 12 ounces this week and growing to 11 inches from crown to rump. She won't be able to flash a toothy grin until months after birth, but growth is under way now to prepare for that camera-worthy day. Her first canines and molars are developing from hard tissue below the gum line. She has eyes now, although the irises have no pigment. Of the five senses, touch is the first one to develop in the womb; your baby makes sense of her world by feeling her way around and registering the sensations as she rolls, kicks, and stretches. And now that she has a full set of neurons, she can process everything she's discovering around her.

Your Body

Can't seem to satisfy your sweet tooth? Sugary treats and chocolate rank high on a list of things expectant women crave, as well as citrus fruits and juices. But aversions are just as common during pregnancy; those spicy spring rolls you once loved to eat or the pungent perfume you used to wear may turn your stomach now.

Your Pregnant Body:

• Easing Bladder Problems
• Catch Your Breath
• Help! What Can I Eat?

Do's and Don'ts

Don't toss and turn when you can't sleep at night. If sleep eludes you due to restlessness or discomfort, toss aside the covers and find something boring to do. Experts say it's better to park yourself in a dimly lit room and watch TV or find a tedious task. You'll be nodding off before too long.

Health

Call your doctor or midwife if you notice any bleeding, severe headaches, sudden swelling in your hands and face, or constant abdominal pain, or if you're persistently vomiting, have diarrhea, or a high fever for more than 24 hours. Any one of these symptoms could signal a potentially serious problem. If you're not sure what's happening, check in just to be safe.

Health Watch:

• Prenatal Migraines
• Preventing Preeclampsia
• When Spotting Is Normal
• Can You Prevent Preterm Labor?