22 weeks gestation - fetal movement

The woman feels the first barely noticeable wiggling of the fetus at week 20, which is already clearer at 22 weeks. This is due to the fact that the fetus is already quite large and independent on the 22nd week, so it can "communicate" with the mother as an adult child: the baby is able to demonstrate anxiety, fear or joy.

Typically, at week 22, it is necessary to conduct a planned ultrasound of the fetus, thanks to which the doctor can determine the following:

1. The size of the future child's body parts . With such a survey, the frontal-occipital and biparietal dimensions of the head and its circumference are measured. Also measure the length of the bones of the hip and lower leg, shoulder and forearm on both extremities and the circumference of the abdomen. If the size of the baby is asymmetrical - this may indicate a slight delay in development.
2. Anatomy of the fetus and congenital malformations . To determine the state of vital organs, the doctor examines the liver, lungs, brain, heart and bladder. With such a survey, it is possible to detect changes in the structure of organs or internal pathologies on time.
3. The placenta and umbilical cord . With a planned ultrasound, the doctor carefully examines the placenta and umbilical cord. In a normal umbilical cord, there should be two arteries and one vein. But in many cases of pregnancy there are 1 artery and 2 vessels, which can badly affect the course of pregnancy.
4. Amblerous water . The specialist estimates the amount of amniotic fluid, the lack of which can lead to gestosis, malnutrition and malformations in fetal development. And an excessive amount of water can result in the fetal entanglement of the umbilical cord, thanks to the "freedom of action" of the baby.
5. Cervix of the uterus . With such a survey at this time, you can assess the risk of miscarriage or the appearance of premature labor.

Fetal development at week 22

At week 22, the fetus is located with the head down, but a transverse presentation of the fetus may also be detected. Do not panic at once about this, after all the child can change position till 30 weeks. Even if the kid does not do it of his own free will, then you can help him with special exercises.

The baby can be placed across in the following cases:

• when a woman wears a second or third child;
• with polyhydramnios;
• with abnormal development and structure of the uterus, as well as with uterine myomas;
• at "low" placenta or its presentation;
• with malformations of the fetus.