Women who are22 weeks pregnantare by now far into their second trimester. Both mother and child are growing at a steady rate. Being informed about what to expect during this phase can give an expectant mother the confidence she needs at this point in the pregnancy. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to find information about these weeks. It’s surprising for women who are22 weeks pregnantto find out all of the changes that have taken place in their baby. From the first trimester to now, this baby has gained weight and picked up features that will mirror its final state. In fact babies now generally weigh nearly a pound or more.

At22 weeks pregnant, an expectant mother will notice the change in the size of her tummy. This is for good reason. Her baby has not only gained weight, but has also lengthened to almost a foot long. The development process is moving right along, too. Baby now has a growing pancreas which will soon produce its own hormones. The inner ear has started to progress quite nicely, as well.

There are many internal changes going on inside of this tiny baby. Its nerve endings have developed, to such an extent, that he or she has begun practicing the art of grabbing.  Those little arms and legs have started mimicking what they will one day do outside the womb naturally.

A mother22 weeks pregnantwill discover that her uterus has stretched more than in previous weeks. It has moved even beyond the point of her navel, now. To blame for this, is her increased appetite, mostly to compensate for her little one. Women at this phase in pregnancy will need to consume an additional 300 - 400 calories per day.

This is a time of adjustment for pregnant women, because they are experiencing some new discomfort problems. Many of them have backaches and trouble walking long distances. Backaches can be combated through simple messages or in some cases proper stretching. Be aware of your limitations and opt to walk shorter distances. Taking the elevator is a good thing!

Women, who are23 weeks pregnant, find that they are carrying most of their weight in their shoulders, as well. Some have sought not only messages but acupuncture as a way of relieving this pressure. Learning when to relax, is very important at this stage of pregnancy. It can mean the difference between experiencing aches and pains or not.

Women23 weeks pregnantnotice a change in their posture, which can also be helped through acupuncture. It’s not surprising when these issues occur, since her baby’s activity has now picked up quite a bit. It is not strange for and expectant mom to even see the movement in her stomach as her little one stretches or kicks.

An expectant mother who is23 weeks pregnantknows from her own body changes that her baby has gained weight. In fact this will almost double in the next four weeks. Fat production has increased quite a bit in this phase, too. Babies now can hear loud noises and will react to them in many cases.

The second trimester will prove to be even more eventful than the first, in more ways than one!