22-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
If you could look inside, you may see your baby sucking their thumb. It’s nature’s way of getting them ready to breastfeed from birth. Read more about what to expect week 22 of pregnancy.
Baby development
Their heart is now big enough that we can hear their heartbeats with a simple stethoscope placed on your stomach. Did you know that you won’t know the final colour of their eyes until 6-10 months after their birth? Many babies appear to have blue eyes at birth and as pigment is distributed within the eye, the colour will change into its ultimate hue. Their skin looks quite wrinkled and is still translucent, and is pinkish red in colour because of visible little blood vessels. It is covered with a greasy protective coating, the "vernix ", which is secreted by the sebaceous glands. Don’t worry, it will disappear!
Your body
Your bump is getting bigger. As the baby and everything surrounding it grows heavier, the more of a strain there will be on your back. It is important to sit and stand as straight as possible. You can practice this by trying to balance a book on your head, like a model. Don’t let your pelvis tip forward as you walk or stand. You can put a small cushion behind your back to support your upright posture if you are sitting for a long time.
Nutrition
Don’t overlook carbohydrates in your meals. Contrary to common belief, foods high in carbohydrate are part of a healthy diet for women that are pregnant. Carbohydrates provide energy and micronutrients that are essential for you and your growing baby. Carbohydrate foods include potatoes, bread, pasta, rice, quinoa and semolina, as well as legumes (beans, lentils,) and most are available in a whole grain version, which is preferable. Eat a variety of healthy foods each day including vegetables and fruits, whole-grain foods, and protein foods. Try making half of your plate vegetables and fruits at meals and snacks and choose foods with little or no added sodium, salt, and saturated fat. Speak with your doctor if you are not able to eat a variety of foods due to nausea or vomiting.
Tips
A lot of women wonder whether they are gaining enough weight, too much weight, or not enough while pregnant. Pregnancy weight gain varies from one woman to the next and recommendations for healthy pregnancy weight gain ranges are based on a woman’s pre-pregnancy weight for their height (BMI; body mass index). Speak with your doctor or midwife about maintaining healthy pregnancy weight gain and the recommended ranges for you.
Reference
Health Canada. Canada’s food guide: Healthy eating when pregnant and breastfeeding. Healthy eating when pregnant and breastfeeding - Canada's Food Guide Accessed September 2021.
SOGC Pregnancy Info: Weight gain during pregnancy. Weight gain during pregnancy – Pregnancy Info Accessed September 2021.
Related articles
A Good Pre-Conception, Pregnancy, and Post-Pregnancy Diet
Even before you conceive, every bite counts. Wait, that’s a lot to consider, right? Don’t worry, this healthy eating breakdown serves up diet information that will matter to you.
6 mins to read
7-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby is already a pretty impressive 18 mm long. Though you won’t feel it yet, they’re on the move.
Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
24-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Can you feel the baby reacting to noises and your caresses yet? Towards the end of the second trimester is when some women report that this starts to happen, so be on the lookout.
3 mins to read
40-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Time’s up! You are now feeling very ready to meet your baby. Most babies arrive between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Hang in there if your baby hasn’t arrived yet!
2 mins to read
7 simple food swaps to consider before you get pregnant
Eating well now can have a positive impact on your pregnancy, as well as a lasting effect on your baby’s health.
4 mins to read
18-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Lots of leaps and bounds happening in week 18, from nerve cells multiplying to the beginnings of fingerprints. Read more to learn what baby looks like at 18 weeks of pregnancy.
3 mins to read
35-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
In about a month, you’ll be holding that little bundle of joy in your arms. Until then, there’s still lots of polishing and refinement going on inside you.
3 mins to read
Gestational diabetes symptoms
10 essential questions about gestational diabetes answered
6 mins to read
Did you know?
A mom-to-be does not need to eat for two
1 min to read
13-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
The start of your second trimester is the start of lots of new developmental milestones for your baby. Read more about what to expect at 13 weeks of pregnancy.
2 mins to read
30-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Every day, your baby develops more, getting ready to make an entrance into the world in just under 10 weeks. Has it gone fast or is the time creeping by for you? Every mom feels it differently.
3 mins to read
8-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
About the size of a robin’s egg, your little one measures about 30 mm long. Learn more about this week.
2 mins to read
25-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two more weeks left of the second trimester. You are gearing up for the home stretch. Read more to learn what to expect during week 25 of pregnancy
2 mins to read
5 of the top nutrients your baby needs now
Learn more about the essential nutrients your baby needs now and how to choose your food wisely while you’re pregnant.
1 min to read
3-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet
You’re at the very beginning of the journey. You can’t see anything yet, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a whole lot going on.
4 mins to read
19-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your little lodger weighs between 300 and 400 grams – weigh a grapefruit in your hand and that’s about how heavy they are. Read more to learn how baby looks at 19 weeks of pregnancy.
3 mins to read
36-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
From now until they make their grand entrance, your baby will continue to grow. They are already 45 cm long and weigh about 2.9 kg! Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Pregnancy and dietary considerations
Pregnancy is exciting, exhilarating and totally different for every woman.
4 mins to read
14-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby is about the size of a grapefruit! Have you felt them move or kick yet? If not, you should be able to in the next weeks! Read more about this exciting time.
2 mins to read
