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22 Weeks Pregnant: Eyebrows, Hair & Regular Movement

Medically reviewed by

Sarah Riffle, RN Jul 30, 2026

Line illustration of a spaghetti squash: at 22 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a spaghetti squash, roughly 19cm crown to rump

Line drawing of a 22-week foetus with the first eyebrows and wisps of hair visible

Line drawing of a woman's torso at 22 weeks pregnant, showing the uterus risen well above the navel with a full rounded bump

Your baby is the size of a

Spaghetti squash

~460 grams

~19 cm / ~7.5 in

Key Takeaways

At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 19 centimetres (190mm) from crown to rump and weighs about 460 grams, according to Mayo Clinic. The eyebrows and hair are now visible, and the reproductive organs are developing.

Movement is becoming a rhythm. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) notes that by 24 weeks almost all women feel their baby's movements in a predictable way, and calls this one of the strongest indicators of wellbeing.

Second-trimester nutrition is doing real work now. SOGC advises about 340 extra calories per day and increasing iron intake to 27mg daily during the final six-plus months to support red blood cells and fetal tissues.

Your Baby at 22 Weeks: Development & Growth

At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 190 millimetres (roughly 19cm) long from crown to rump and weighs about 460 grams, according to Mayo Clinic. This week the eyebrows and hair become visible, and the reproductive organs continue developing.

Your baby measures about 19cm this week — roughly the length of a spaghetti squash, and heavier than you might expect. Mayo Clinic gives it as "about 7 1/2 inches (190 millimeters) long from crown to rump" with a weight of "about 1 pound (460 grams)." Length is still measured crown to rump, because the legs stay curled at this stage.

The headline this week is the face. Mayo Clinic notes that at 22 weeks "your baby's eyebrows and hair are visible." The features that will one day be unmistakably your baby's are taking shape.

The reproductive system is developing in parallel. Mayo Clinic explains that "in the male reproductive system, the testes have begun to move down into the scrotum," while "in the female reproductive system, the uterus and ovaries are in place, and the vagina is developed." Quiet groundwork, laid week by week.

Just before now, your baby was practising, too. Mayo Clinic notes that at week 21 the baby is "completely covered with a fine, downy hair called lanugo," and that "the sucking reflex also is developing, so your baby may be able to suck a thumb." All of it is rehearsal for the world outside.

Your Body at 22 Weeks: Symptoms & Changes

At 22 weeks pregnant, many mothers are in the more comfortable stretch of the second trimester, though the common discomforts of pregnancy can still come and go. SOGC lists tender breasts, constipation, backaches, headaches, mood swings and leg cramps among them. By now movement is often becoming a recognisable pattern. Every pregnancy is different.

Movement is the theme of these weeks. SOGC notes that your "perception of your baby's movements is one of the strongest indicators of your baby's wellbeing," and that by 24 weeks "almost all women will feel their baby's movements in a predictable way." If you are starting to feel a rhythm, this is why it matters.

That rhythm is individual. SOGC explains that "every baby will have times when it is more or less active," and that a baby's "movement patterns vary, but tend to be consistent for any one baby, in any one pregnancy." What you are learning is your baby's normal — not a chart's.

Symptoms haven't necessarily disappeared. SOGC lists tender or swollen breasts, "constipation, gas or bloating," backaches, headaches, mood swings and cramping among the common discomforts of pregnancy. Any of these can still be part of your week, and SOGC is clear that "every pregnant woman is different."

Your shape is shifting to carry all of this. SOGC explains that weight gain "isn't just the baby" — "your placenta, increased blood volume, larger breasts, and fat stores to support breastfeeding, also contribute." A rounding, heavier middle is your body doing exactly what it should.

Mood deserves a mention too. SOGC notes that mood swings during pregnancy "are not usually severe," but adds a clear line worth remembering: "Depression or disruptive mood swings are not normal and it is important to seek help for these more serious concerns."

What to Do at 22 Weeks Pregnant

NUTRITION AT 22 WEEKS PREGNANT

Keep the second-trimester increase modest. SOGC states: "In the second trimester you need about 340 extra calories per day," noting this "generally equates to 2 or 3 additionally servings from any of Canada’s Food Guide’s food groups" — for example a piece of toast and a cup of milk. Quality over quantity.
Make iron a priority now. SOGC advises increasing "your daily iron intake to 27mg daily during the final six+ months of pregnancy to support an increase in red blood cells and fetal tissues" — and notes that, "like most women, you may need a good supplement to meet this need."
Mind your choline. SOGC notes that "choline intake above 450mg a day is linked to improved fetal stress responses and a reduced risk of neural tube defects," and adds that "this vitamin may not be found in your prenatal daily vitamin" — so it is worth checking your label.

WHAT SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE AT 22 WEEKS PREGNANT

Keep taking 400mcg of folic acid daily. The Public Health Agency of Canada states that "a daily multivitamin with 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid is recommended for anyone who could become pregnant," and advises: "Continue taking folic acid throughout your pregnancy and while breastfeeding."
Don’t raise your folic acid dose on your own. The Public Health Agency of Canada advises: "You should not increase your dose of folic acid beyond 1 mg per day without talking to your health care provider." A higher dose is a conversation, not a decision for the supplement aisle.
Use a prenatal that covers iron. SOGC notes that, like most women, "you may need a good supplement" to reach 27mg of iron a day — the second and third trimesters are when this matters most.

LIFESTYLE TIPS AT 22 WEEKS PREGNANT

Keep moving — aim for at least 150 minutes a week. SOGC advises that "pregnant women should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week," spread across "at least 3 days a week, and up to 7 days a week." Walking, swimming and stationary cycling are all good options.
Build in pelvic floor exercises. SOGC notes that "pelvic floor muscle training (e.g., Kegel exercises) can be performed every day to reduce the risk of urinary incontinence." Easy to fold into a daily routine.
Keep caffeine to 300mg a day. Health Canada recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 300 mg for people who are pregnant. For reference, Health Canada puts one 8oz (237ml) cup of brewed coffee at about 135mg — so roughly two cups is the ceiling, and that total includes tea, cola and chocolate.
Start learning your baby’s pattern. SOGC notes that a baby’s "movement patterns vary, but tend to be consistent for any one baby, in any one pregnancy." Paying attention now gives you a baseline to notice changes against later.

When to Contact Your Doctor or Midwife

Most of week 22 is steady growth, not alarms. But some symptoms should always be checked. Contact your doctor, midwife or other health care provider if you experience:

Any vaginal bleeding. SOGC advises: "It's important for you to take any vaginal bleeding seriously. Contact your health care provider as soon as you notice any bleeding." It notes that about one-third of pregnancies have some bleeding before the 20th week, and about half of these continue without further issues — but any bleeding should always be assessed.
Signs of infection, or heavy bleeding. SOGC advises that if you have "signs of infection like fever or heavy bleeding, you should see your care provider right away." If bleeding is heavy or you feel very unwell, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Any concern about your baby's movements. SOGC advises that "if you ever have concerns regarding your baby's movement pattern, you should have the baby assessed as soon as possible," and that mothers should always trust their intuition. Once you have a sense of your baby's usual pattern, a clear change from it is worth acting on.
Persistent low mood or disruptive mood swings. SOGC advises that "depression or disruptive mood swings are not normal and it is important to seek help for these more serious concerns."
Severe abdominal pain, a severe or persistent headache, or any symptom that frightens you. Sudden, severe pain warrants urgent assessment — seek emergency medical care immediately if it is intense or you feel faint. For anything that simply worries you, your health care provider is there for exactly that.

Questions fréquemment posées

How big is my baby at 22 weeks pregnant?

At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 190 millimetres — roughly 19cm — from crown to rump and weighs about 460 grams, according to Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic describes it as "about 7 1/2 inches (190 millimeters) long from crown to rump" weighing "about 1 pound (460 grams)." Length is measured crown to rump at this stage because the legs are still curled.

What is my baby developing at 22 weeks pregnant?

The face and reproductive organs are the headlines this week. Mayo Clinic notes that "your baby’s eyebrows and hair are visible," and that the reproductive system is developing — "the testes have begun to move down into the scrotum" in males, while in females "the uterus and ovaries are in place, and the vagina is developed."

Should I feel my baby move at 22 weeks pregnant?

For most mothers, yes — and it is becoming more regular. SOGC notes that by 24 weeks "almost all women will feel their baby’s movements in a predictable way," and that a baby’s "movement patterns vary, but tend to be consistent for any one baby, in any one pregnancy." If you ever have concerns about your baby’s movement pattern, SOGC advises having the baby assessed as soon as possible.

How much iron do I need at 22 weeks pregnant?

SOGC advises increasing "your daily iron intake to 27mg daily during the final six+ months of pregnancy to support an increase in red blood cells and fetal tissues." It also notes that, "like most women, you may need a good supplement to meet this need," so it is worth checking that your prenatal covers it.

How much caffeine is safe at 22 weeks pregnant?

Health Canada recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 300 mg for people who are pregnant. Health Canada puts one 8oz (237ml) cup of brewed coffee at about 135mg, so roughly two cups a day is the ceiling — and that total should include tea, cola and chocolate, which also contain caffeine.

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