Week 22 of Pregnancy: Eyebrows and Hair Become Visible

Reaching the Viability Milestone

Week 22 marks a significant milestone in your pregnancy journey - the threshold of viability. Your baby, now about the size of a spaghetti squash at 7.6 inches long and weighing approximately 15.2 ounces, has reached the point where survival outside the womb becomes possible with intensive medical support, though optimal development still requires many more weeks in the womb.

This milestone brings both relief and awareness of how far your baby has come in development. While the goal is always to carry to full term, reaching viability provides reassurance that your baby has developed many of the essential systems needed for life, even if they would require significant medical intervention if born at this stage.

Visible Eyebrows and Hair Development

One of the most visually striking developments at week 22 is the appearance of visible eyebrows and hair on your baby's head. The hair follicles that began forming weeks ago are now producing hair that is long enough to be clearly seen on ultrasound examinations.

The eyebrows are becoming distinct and well-defined, following the genetic patterns that will shape your baby's facial appearance throughout life. These eyebrows serve both protective and expressive functions, eventually helping to shield the eyes from moisture and debris while contributing to facial expressions and communication.

Hair Color and Texture Development

While the hair is now visible, its color and texture are still developing. The pigment melanin, which determines hair color, is just beginning to be produced. Many babies are born with hair that differs significantly from their eventual permanent hair color, which may not be established until several months or even years after birth.

The texture of the hair is also being determined by genetic factors. The shape of the hair follicles determines whether hair will be straight, wavy, or curly - characteristics that are established now but may change as your child grows.

Advanced Hearing Development

Your baby's hearing has advanced significantly since its initial development around week 18. The auditory system is now sophisticated enough to not only detect sounds but to begin showing preferences and responses to different types of auditory input.

Your baby can now hear your voice clearly and is beginning to recognize it as distinct from other sounds. Research suggests that babies show measurable responses to their mother's voice, including changes in heart rate and movement patterns. This early voice recognition forms the foundation for the immediate bonding that occurs after birth.

Sound Processing and Memory

The brain areas responsible for processing and storing auditory information are becoming more sophisticated. Your baby may begin to show preferences for certain sounds, music, or voices that are heard regularly. Some studies suggest that babies can remember and show preferences after birth for music or stories they heard frequently during pregnancy.

The inner ear structures responsible for balance are also maturing, contributing to your baby's increasing ability to orient within the amniotic sac and respond to changes in position.

Lung Development and Breathing Movements

While your baby's lungs are still not mature enough for independent breathing, significant development is occurring that moves closer to that capability. The basic lung structure is complete, and the airways are continuing to branch and develop the complex architecture necessary for gas exchange.

Your baby is practicing breathing movements regularly, exercising the diaphragm and other muscles that will be essential for breathing after birth. These practice sessions help strengthen the respiratory muscles and may contribute to lung development.

Surfactant Production Beginning

The cells that will eventually produce surfactant - a crucial substance that prevents the lungs from collapsing - are beginning to develop. While surfactant production won't reach adequate levels for several more weeks, this early development is a critical step toward lung maturity.

Brain Development and Consciousness

The brain continues its rapid development, with increasing complexity in neural connections and the beginning of more sophisticated brain wave patterns. While true consciousness as we understand it won't develop until much later, the foundations for complex brain function are being established.

The different areas of the brain are becoming more specialized, with distinct regions dedicated to specific functions like movement, sensation, and eventually, higher cognitive processes. The brain's surface is beginning to develop the characteristic folds and grooves that allow for maximum surface area within the skull.

Sensory Integration

Your baby's brain is becoming better at integrating information from multiple senses simultaneously. This integration allows for more complex responses to environmental stimuli and marks an important step in neural development.

Skin Development and Protection

The skin continues to develop and mature, with the vernix caseosa coating becoming thicker and more protective. This waxy coating is crucial for protecting your baby's delicate skin from the amniotic fluid environment.

The skin itself is becoming less translucent as fat begins to accumulate beneath it. While your baby is still quite lean compared to how they'll look at birth, this early fat development is important for temperature regulation and energy storage.

Enhanced Movement and Strength

Your baby's movements are becoming increasingly strong and coordinated. You're likely feeling regular, distinct movements that may include kicks, punches, rolls, and stretches. These movements are important for muscle and bone development and provide daily reassurance of your baby's well-being.

The movements may be strong enough that your partner can feel them from the outside, which can be an exciting milestone for both of you. The patterns of movement may begin to become somewhat predictable, with periods of activity and rest.

Sleep-Wake Cycles

While not true sleep as we know it, your baby is developing more distinct periods of activity and quiet. These cycles may not correspond to your own schedule, and many women notice increased fetal activity during the evening or night when they're trying to rest.

Maternal Adaptations at Week 22

Your body continues to adapt to accommodate your growing baby. Your uterus is now well above your belly button, and your pregnancy is clearly visible. You may notice that your center of gravity is beginning to shift as your belly grows larger.

Physical Changes and Symptoms

Weight gain continues steadily, with most women having gained between 12-20 pounds by this point. Your healthcare provider will monitor your weight gain to ensure it's appropriate for your individual situation.

You may begin to experience new symptoms as your pregnancy progresses. Backache may become more noticeable as your posture changes to accommodate your growing belly. Some women begin to experience leg cramps, particularly at night.

Braxton Hicks contractions may begin around this time. These practice contractions are usually mild and irregular, helping your uterus prepare for eventual labor. They're generally painless and differ significantly from true labor contractions.

Breast Changes

Your breasts continue to grow and prepare for milk production. The areolas may become darker and larger, and you may notice small bumps called Montgomery's glands becoming more prominent. Some women may begin to leak colostrum, the first milk, though this varies greatly among individuals.

Nutrition and Lifestyle

With your baby reaching viability and undergoing rapid brain development, maintaining excellent nutrition becomes even more important. Focus on a varied, nutrient-dense diet that supports both your health and your baby's continued development.

Key Nutrients for Advanced Development

Protein needs continue to increase as your baby grows rapidly. Aim for 75-100 grams daily from a variety of sources. Iron remains crucial for supporting your increased blood volume and your baby's development - include iron-rich foods and consider supplementation if recommended by your healthcare provider.

Calcium continues to be essential for bone development, with your baby's skeleton rapidly hardening during this period. Include dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods in your daily diet.

Exercise Considerations

Regular exercise continues to be beneficial, though you may need to make modifications as your belly grows and your center of gravity shifts. Focus on activities that maintain cardiovascular fitness while supporting your changing body.

Safe Exercise Modifications

Swimming becomes increasingly beneficial as it provides excellent cardiovascular exercise while supporting your growing belly. Walking remains safe and accessible throughout pregnancy. Prenatal yoga can help with flexibility and may provide tools for relaxation and pain management during labor.

Avoid exercises that involve lying on your back for extended periods, activities with high fall risk, and contact sports. Listen to your body and modify intensity as needed.

Prenatal Care and Monitoring

Your prenatal appointments may become more frequent as you progress through pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will continue monitoring your weight gain, blood pressure, urine, and fetal heart rate.

This may be around the time of your anatomy scan if you haven't had it already. This detailed ultrasound provides comprehensive information about your baby's development and can often determine the sex if you choose to know.

Emotional Preparation

Reaching the viability milestone can bring mixed emotions. While it's reassuring to know your baby could potentially survive if born early, it may also make you more aware of the pregnancy and any associated anxieties about preterm birth.

This is a good time to begin thinking more concretely about birth preferences and to start considering childbirth education classes. The second half of pregnancy is an excellent time to prepare mentally and emotionally for labor, delivery, and parenthood.

Partner Involvement

With movements now strong enough to be felt from outside, this can be an exciting time for partners to connect with the baby. Encourage your partner to talk to the baby and to participate in prenatal appointments when possible.

Looking Ahead

The coming weeks will bring continued rapid growth, further lung development, and increasing strength and coordination. Your baby's personality may begin to emerge through movement patterns and responses to stimulation.

The third trimester is approaching, which will bring new preparations and considerations as you move closer to meeting your baby.

Conclusion

Week 22 represents a remarkable milestone in your pregnancy journey, with your baby reaching viability while developing increasingly human-like features including visible eyebrows and hair. The combination of advanced hearing, stronger movements, and continued brain development makes this an exciting time of increasing connection with your baby.

This is an excellent time to focus on maintaining optimal health while beginning to prepare more concretely for birth and parenthood. The developments occurring now continue to build the foundation for your baby's future health and well-being.

Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and your experience may differ from what's described here. Regular prenatal care ensures that both you and your baby continue to progress well through this incredible journey.