Pregnancy Week 22: Fetal Development, Belly Touching, Braxton Hicks & Bonding With Your Bump Pregnancy Weekly
About Baby
One pound. That’s about what your baby weighs right now. Baby is the same weight as a 1-pound box of sugar. (Yes, we know you’ll be rocking a box on the baking aisle the next time you’re at the grocery store.) Her skin is still wrinkly and pink due to lack of fat right now, but facial features are now more distinct. Baby’s sense of touch is increasing and so is her grip. Some babies even grab on to their umbilical cords. The eyelids are still fused together, but Baby can now sense dark from light. Test this out by shutting your eyes in a dark room and then turning on a light. Baby’s room is your womb!
Photo: Baby at 22 weeks of development
About Mom
How many people have reached out and touched your baby bump without asking? How many have asked? Every mom is different with their feelings about tummy touchers. On one hand, who can blame them for wanting to feel one of those marvelous kicks? On the other hand, people don’t just touch or ask to touch others at work, at the mall or while standing in line to get a decaf macchiato.
Remember, you are sharing your body already on the inside, so you don’t have to share your body on the outside, too. It’s OK to politely refuse if someone asks to touch your belly. Here are some ideas:
- Take a step back and change the subject. Hopefully, hint taken.
- Politely say, “Maybe later.”
- Simply say, “I’d rather not.”
- Use humor and say, “Only if I can touch yours.”
- Be blunt and say, “I’m not really comfortable with that. Sorry.”
We asked 32 moms how they felt about belly touching during pregnancy and found that they feel strongly on the issue. Here’s what they had to say!
Something that may be “touching” your belly without asking are Braxton Hicks contractions. These “fake” contractions can start in the second trimester and are your body’s way of preparing for childbirth. These painless contractions occur when the abdominal muscles tighten briefly, but the cervix does not dilate. To help alleviate them if they’re bothersome, be sure to stay hydrated during pregnancy to avoid dehydration and lay down if needed.
Bonding Before Birth
What can you do before Baby’s grand entrance to bond? Here are some simple ideas to make you feel more connected:
- Read or sing out loud. The sound of your voice is soothing and beneficial!
- Prepare the nursery. Make it a space you both want to spend a lot of time in.
- Tune into those flips and turns, wiggles and oh-so-darling hiccups. Experiencing a pregnancy is like nothing else. Hit pause and remember to take it all in.
- Give Baby a sweet nickname. It's sure to bring a smile to your face as you prepare for their big arrival!
No matter what, try to find the joy in each stage of pregnancy, even when you're not feeling so hot. Remember that you're creating a little miracle in there and that's reason enough to be mindful and celebrate the journey. Think about it this way: for those nine to 10 months and beyond, you'll never be alone! Enjoy the company. Here are more ways to bond with Baby before birth.
Bump Talk
“I wish I was one of those cute pregnant girls who wear skinny jeans throughout their pregnancies. But I just gain weight.” – Jennifer Garner, actress
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