Week 22 of Pregnancy

First trimester weeks

Congrats! During the first trimester, you’re getting used to the idea of being pregnant.

Second trimester weeks

As you enter this second trimester, your body will settle down to pregnancy.

Third trimester weeks

You've reached the third and final trimester and will be heavily pregnant by now.

Week 22 of Pregnancy

Deciding on a name for your baby can be tricky, so start making that list.

You may not know the sex of your baby but you and your partner can still have fun choosing names. This is a discussion that can run on and on. Some couples don't make up their minds until the baby is born. With such matters to preoccupy you, it's probably hard to stay focused at work. Try to pace yourself without letting standards slip. Eating little and often, and drinking lots of water, will help you stay alert.

22 Weeks Exactly

126 days to go...

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Your baby today

The vertebrae that make up your baby's spinal column encircle and protect the spinal cord. The vertebrae are seen here on an ultrasound scan, forming a long chain (white areas) that narrows at the base of the spine and ends with a slight outward curve.

Maintaining a professional manner at work will set the standard for how colleagues treat you during pregnancy.

Chances are that everyone in your office will be aware that you are expecting a baby by this stage, even if you haven't told them personally. Good news does have a habit of traveling fast, and you may have that pregnancy "glow" that makes your condition pretty clear-as well as a fairly prominent belly.

If word of your pregnancy is getting around the office, it might be best to tell your boss now. It's always better and more professional if your boss hears this news before other people in your company.

You may need to adapt your working day a little, but play it carefully. Try to keep up with your work, and act professionally. Your colleagues are, hopefully, thrilled that you're pregnant, but try not to expect special favors or extra attention.

While being pregnant isn't an illness, do take adequate breaks to recharge your batteries, or work flexible hours, if that's an option, so that you can avoid traveling at the busiest times.

Try to go for a short walk on your lunch hour for fresh air and to get some gentle exercise. Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and alert, and eat little and often to keep your energy levels high.

Ask A... Doctor

My manager said I can't have time off to go to my prenatal doctor appointments. What should I do?

You'll be spending a lot of time at the doctor's office for prenatal care during the next several months-every 4 weeks now, but as frequently as once a week at the end of your pregnancy. If you also work full-time, it's a good idea to schedule your prenatal appointments for the early morning, before you begin work, or during your lunch hour. If your appointments tend to run long or your doctor's office is far from work and your boss isn't understanding, ask if you should use your sick leave or your vacation time for the hours that you'll be away from the office.

Make sure people judge you on your work and not on the fact that you're pregnant.

Focus On... Health

Vaginal bleeding

If you have any vaginal bleeding, always see your doctor. Growths on your cervix, or some inflammation, can produce light bleeding from time to time.

Heavy bleeding in the second trimester may suggest a problem with your placenta, such as placenta previa (see Low-lying placenta). Similarly, the placenta may pull away from the wall of the uterus, causing some bleeding, or, very rarely, uterine rupture can occur, usually only in women who have had a cesarean section in the past.