22 weeks pregnant
Your baby is about 28 cm and 430 grams; the lips and eyebrows become more defined.
At week 22, your baby’s facial features become more defined. The lips, eyebrows and eyelids can now be seen clearly on ultrasound.
This week’s ultrasound image
Expected ultrasound appearance and measurements at week 22 (illustrative, to-scale drawing).
Abbreviations on the screen
- GS
- Gestational sac diameter
- YS
- Yolk sac
- CRL
- Crown–rump length
- NT
- Nuchal translucency
- BPD
- Biparietal diameter (head width)
- HC
- Head circumference
- AC
- Abdominal circumference
- FL
- Femur (thigh bone) length
- EFW
- Estimated fetal weight
- FHR
- Fetal heart rate (beats per minute)
- GA
- Gestational age (weeks + days)
- UA PI
- Umbilical artery Doppler resistance (PI)
Length (head to heel)
27.8 cm
Head diameter
53 mm
Head circumference
199 mm
Femur length
38 mm
Estimated weight
430 g
Heart rate
143 bpm
How big is your baby this week?
About the size of a papaya
What can be seen on the ultrasound?
BPD is about 53 mm, HC about 199 mm, AC about 177 mm and FL about 38 mm. If there is a risk, the length of the neck of the womb (cervix) can be measured by transvaginal ultrasound.
Your baby’s development
Your baby is about the size of a papaya. The grasp reflex is developing, and your baby can hold the umbilical cord. The inner ear is fully formed, giving a sense of balance.
Changes in your body
Your bump grows noticeably; stretch marks and a dark line down the middle of your tummy (linea nigra) may appear. Back pain may increase.
Check-ups at this stage
- Routine check: blood pressure, weight, urine
- Cervical length measurement if there is a risk of preterm birth
- Fetal echocardiography (a scan of the baby’s heart) if needed
Tips for this week
- Moisturise your tummy and hips regularly
- Wear flat, supportive shoes
- Start looking into antenatal classes
When should you see your doctor?
Contact your doctor if you have bleeding, regular pain spreading to your groin or lower back, fluid leaking from the vagina or a feeling of pressure.
Growth by week
Values are averages; differences of a few days or a few millimetres between babies are normal.
| Pregnancy weeks | Crown–rump length (cm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 4 | — | — |
| Week 5 | — | — |
| Week 6 | 4 mm | — |
| Week 7 | 10 mm | — |
| Week 8 | 16 mm | 1 g |
| Week 9 | 23 mm | 2 g |
| Week 10 | 32 mm | 4 g |
| Week 11 | 43 mm | 8 g |
| Week 12 | 55 mm | 14 g |
| Week 13 | 68 mm | 23 g |
| Week 14 | 85 mm | 43 g |
| Week 15 | 100 mm | 70 g |
| Week 16 | 115 mm | 100 g |
| Week 17 | 128 mm | 140 g |
| Week 18 | 140 mm | 190 g |
| Week 19 | 152 mm | 240 g |
| Week 20 | 25.6 cm | 300 g |
| Week 21 | 26.7 cm | 360 g |
| Week 22 | 27.8 cm | 430 g |
| Week 23 | 28.9 cm | 501 g |
| Week 24 | 30 cm | 600 g |
| Week 25 | 31.9 cm | 660 g |
| Week 26 | 33.8 cm | 760 g |
| Week 27 | 35.6 cm | 875 g |
| Week 28 | 37.5 cm | 1005 g |
| Week 29 | 38.8 cm | 1153 g |
| Week 30 | 40 cm | 1319 g |
| Week 31 | 41.3 cm | 1502 g |
| Week 32 | 42.5 cm | 1702 g |
| Week 33 | 43.6 cm | 1918 g |
| Week 34 | 44.8 cm | 2146 g |
| Week 35 | 45.9 cm | 2383 g |
| Week 36 | 47 cm | 2622 g |
| Week 37 | 48 cm | 2859 g |
| Week 38 | 49 cm | 3083 g |
| Week 39 | 50 cm | 3288 g |
| Week 40 | 51 cm | 3462 g |
Frequently asked questions
Why is cervical length measured?
A shortening cervix can be a sign of a higher risk of preterm birth. It is measured by transvaginal ultrasound in mums-to-be who have had a preterm birth before or have other risk factors.
Is the linea nigra permanent?
No. This dark line, caused by pregnancy hormones, usually fades on its own in the months after birth.
Your pregnancy care at SoftCare Clinic
Book an appointment with our specialist doctors for your ultrasound check-up and any questions you may have.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace a medical examination. Measurements are average values; please discuss your own results with your doctor.
Medical content editor: Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus