22-Week pregnant: Development and diet

WEEK 22 DEVELOPMENT

Your bump is getting bigger. As the foetus 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 practise 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.

His heart is now big enough that we can hear his heartbeats with a simple stethoscope placed on your stomach. Did you know that you won’t know the final colour of her eyes until 6-10 months after her 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. Her 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!

NUTRITION

Don’t overlook starches in your meals. Contrary to common belief, starches, known as foods high in carbohydrate, are part of a healthy diet for women who are pregnant. They also give you energy, essential for you and your growing child. If you have been advised to limit your weight gain, you need to pay attention to quantities, as well as how you cook them. Make sure they aren’t accompanied by an excess of fats or buttery sauces. Starchy 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.

TIPS

A lot of women wonder whether they are gaining enough weight, too much weight, or not enough while pregnant. Weight gain varies from one woman to the next and recommendations are based on if you began your pregnancy as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Your doctor can advise you on the healthiest path for you. As you know, weight gain during pregnancy can influence the weight of your child at birth; remember that an extra large child is not healthier than a child born of average weight.