Your baby is approximately 9 inches long and weighs 14 ounces.

Your baby has now taken on the form of a newborn baby, but is incredibly small. The lips are becoming more distinct. His skin appears wrinkly, but this is because he has not yet gained enough weight to fill the skin out. The eyes have now completely formed, but the iris still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are now in place. His pancreas is also continuing to mature. Twenty-two weeks is the earliest age at which premature babies have survived, although some of the essential body systems such as the brain still have a long way to develop.

At 18-22 weeks you may be offered an anomaly scan, this is a detailed ultrasound in which the baby is checked for any major problems such as poor development of the central nervous system - brain and spinal cord. This scan will also detect multiples (twins or more).

By now you may be experiencing slight swelling as pregnancy causes the body to retain more fluid. It’s usually obvious around the feet, ankles, and hands. Wear comfortable clothes and roomier shoes. Avoid standing for long periods and rest with your feet up. Let your doctor know if you experience very sudden swelling in your hands and face, which can be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

You can now feel the top of your uterus about ¾ of an inch above your belly button.

Many women begin worrying about pre-term labor, especially if they begin to develop lower abdominal pain, backache, cramping, and a change in vaginal discharge. These symptoms can sometimes indicate preterm labor. Speak with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms as he can perform a pap smear.