Sign in to view and manage your purchase items
Sign InWeek 22 — A Proper Grip
Overall Pregnancy
Your Baby is About
papaya
At about 28cm and 430 grams — the size of a papaya — your baby's grip has become strong enough to grab onto the umbilical cord. Eyebrows and eyelashes are now visible, and the eyes are fully formed (still sealed, but complete). Your baby can feel touch, hear your heartbeat, and respond to sound and movement. Brain activity is increasing rapidly — sleep cycles are becoming more defined, and during REM sleep, your baby may actually dream.
The glucose challenge test — a screening for gestational diabetes — is typically done between Weeks 24 and 28, so your provider will likely mention it soon. It involves drinking a sugary drink and having your blood drawn an hour later. If it comes back high, you'll do a longer three-hour test for confirmation. Gestational diabetes is manageable when detected, so this screening really matters.
Your baby is having rapid eye movements during sleep — the same kind adults experience during dreaming. Nobody knows for certain what fetuses dream about, but their brain is active enough during sleep to produce the same type of movement we associate with vivid dreaming. Some researchers think this REM activity is important for brain development and memory consolidation. Your baby is possibly dreaming right now.
This is the week to start building your support network for after the birth. Think about who can help in the first few weeks — not just who is excited about the baby, but who will actually show up and help with practical things like meals, laundry, and giving you time to sleep. Having specific people with specific tasks lined up in advance is far less stressful than trying to coordinate it postpartum.
Staying active this trimester significantly helps with sleep, back pain, and mood. Swimming, walking, and pregnancy yoga are all gentle options that maintain fitness without overdoing it.
Start planning your parental leave if you haven't yet — understanding what you're entitled to and when you need to notify your employer makes the logistics less stressful.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Read full disclaimer