You might notice that the stretch marks extend rapidly during the 22nd week of pregnancy. You may also feel discomfort with the hemorrhoids, soreness, and pain in the intimate area during pregnancy. Swelling could become a familiar visitor by now. You may also experience acne and spider veins during the 22nd week of pregnancy. Let us discuss how does your body change during week 22 of pregnancy. Let us get started.
How Does Your Body Change During Week 22 of Pregnancy?
You may find that acid reflux gives you severe discomfort during the week. Let us discuss how your body changes during week 22 of pregnancy.
1. Acidity
Acidity is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, especially toward the end of the second and third trimesters. When the hormonal levels of the body change drastically, the digestion process slows down. When digestion becomes slow, you may experience bloating and heartburn.
An increase in the levels of progesterone could loosen up the esophagus. Loosening the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), a junction between the stomach and the esophagus, allows the acid to travel up the chest. During the third trimester, the growing uterus can pressure the stomach and push the stomach acid upwards to the chest.
What to do?
Consult your doctor and get prescribed medicines for consumption. You can also follow any of the below home remedies for acid relief:
- Drink Milk and Yogurt
- Drink Mix honey with warm water
2. Hot Flashes / Excessive Sweating
Hot flashes or excessive sweating, especially at night, are very common during pregnancy. When the body temperature rises, the body releases sweat as a natural process to cool down. The primary causes of hot flushes and excessive sweating include the following,
- Hormonal Changes
- Increase in the Flow of Blood
- Weight Gain
- High Metabolism
- Hyperthyroid
What to do?
You can follow these simple tips to protect your body from hot flushes or excessive sweating:
- Wear 100% cotton dresses
- Keep yourself well-hydrated
- Avoid caffeine and spicy food
- Ensure that the room is well-ventilated with windows. Try keeping yourself cool with the electric fans and air conditioning.
3. Pelvic Pain / Pain in the Groin Area
As the belly grows out during pregnancy, the pelvis goes forward, placing a lot of pressure on the ligaments and muscles around the pelvic area. Further, the increase in weight, relaxed muscles, and changes in the center of gravity also contribute to pelvic pain. Pelvic pain or pain in the groin area is widespread during pregnancy, and there is nothing to worry about.
What to do?
You can use a pregnancy belt band or physical therapy to relieve pelvic pain. You can also discuss this with your doctor and get medications to ease the pain.
4. Baby Kicks / Movement
If you are feeling the back kicks and movements in your belly, your little one is growing daily. The activities can feel fluttering, bubble-bursting, or even an intense rush. It is incredible to feel the life within you grow. Sit back and relax.
The baby’s movements increase as weeks pass by. On the flip side, not feeling the movement is also expected in certain circumstances. But, if you do not feel the kicks or activities for a short time, rush to your practitioner immediately.
What to do?
The baby`s kicks and movements tend to increase as weeks pass by. Relax and enjoy the growth of the life within you.
Other Symptoms
The following are a few other symptoms of pregnancy that might follow you from the previous weeks of pregnancy.
1. Constipation
The growing uterus can put a lot of pressure on your uterus and make it difficult for you to flush out your waste.
What to do?
Try including healthy and fibrous foods in your diet. Exercise regularly to calm down your gut.
2. Stretch Marks
The growing uterus may stretch out your skin, and you may notice stretch marks in your belly and on the thighs and breasts.
What to do?
Try applying moisturizer slowly all over the body. While it might not be a magical remedy, eventually, you will notice that the stretch marks go away.
3. Protruding Belly Button
As the little one grows, you might feel that your belly button is protruding outside. Well, do not worry. It will be back to normal post-delivery.
What to do?
There is nothing that you can do about it. Your belly button will be back to normal after the delivery.
4. Leg Cramps
Leg cramps during pregnancy are very common, and the pressure on the uterus weakens the muscles. Experts also believe that deficiency in calcium and other prenatal vitamins are the reasons for leg cramps.
What to do?
Make sure to take your prenatal vitamin medicines regularly to avoid leg cramps.
5. Dizziness
The growing uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels, hindering blood flow to the brain. This, in turn, causes dizziness.
What to do?
Keep yourself well hydrated to ensure a smooth flow of blood to the brain.
6. Swelling / Water Retention
Your body produces excess water during pregnancy to meet the requirements of both the mother and the little one. This excess water gets stored in the knees and fingers and leads to swelling.
What to do?
You can have hot or cold massages to relieve the swelling.
As the weeks pass, your uterus keeps growing, putting pressure on the body. The growing uterus and the increasing pregnancy hormones can bring many other pregnancy symptoms to your body.
Happy Pregnancy!
Read Also: How Does Your Body Change During Week 23 of Pregnancy?
