Week 22

Your baby

• Your baby is growing fast and is very active
• Your baby can hear your voice and also other sounds
• Chill out - the baby knows when you are stressed

Changes taking place

Your breasts are getting bigger and they may also be tender, so it’s important to wear good bras for support. Your breasts are in effect getting ready for breastfeeding. They have an increased blood supply (you may notice the blue veins becoming obvious under the skin surface). Your nipples, too, may become darker and larger. Don’t worry if they leak a little clear fluid - this is colostrum, a special substance that provides your baby with food and antibodies during the first few days after birth.

You may notice that your hands, feet and ankles become puffy. This is caused by your body retaining extra fluid (sometimes referred to as oedema). Try to wear looser clothing and avoid standing for long periods of time. Contact your GP if you experience sudden swelling of your face and hands as this could be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

Your tummy can become itchier as the skin stretches and expands – make sure you or your partner keep massaging moisturiser in to your bump each day to help minimise stretch marks. However, if you experience severe itching all over your body contact your GP for advice.

Have you thought about what you will need for the baby?

The second trimester (between 13 and 27 weeks) is a good time to think about what you need to buy for your baby. If this is your first time, you may have little idea - download our checklist and also talk to friends or relatives with young babies and benefit from their experience. They may have nursery equipment they can lend you.

Friends, family and workmates are likely to be very generous with gifts when you have your baby, so don’t get absolutely everything you need.

Click here to download our handy checklist to prepare you for your new arrival.

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