Hey Mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with Trish, your pregnancy bestie. We’re diving into weeks 22-24, where your baby’s hitting papaya size and your bump’s stealing the show! Trish breaks down baby’s big developments, your body’s changes, and the emotional weight of this in-between season. You’re carrying a lot, but you’re not alone - let’s unpack it together!
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What’s Happening with Baby
- Size: Baby’s about the size of a papaya (~11-12 inches, ~1.5 pounds).
- Development: Lungs are producing surfactant, key for breathing at birth. Eyelids are opening, eyelashes are forming, and baby’s hearing is sharp—reacting to your voice or loud noises. Movements are getting stronger, with a unique rhythm starting to emerge.
- Cool Moment: Trish shares a sweet memory of her son Grayson startling during an ultrasound—proof of that magical connection!
What’s Happening with You
- Physical Changes: Your uterus is ~2 cm above your belly button, stretching ligaments and causing round ligament pain, lower back aches, or sciatica. Braxton Hicks might be noticeable (see Episode 105 for details). Shortness of breath, increased discharge (normal unless foul-smelling), and insane hunger are common.
- Digestive Issues: Bloating, gas, or reflux? Try papaya enzymes, stay hydrated, and eat balanced meals. Check with your provider for gas pain relief.
- Sleep Struggles: Feeling tired but not sleeping? Grab a pregnancy pillow (linked in Trish’s Amazon shop below).
- Emotional & Mental Load: Feeling resentful, touched out, or like you’re carrying it all? It’s normal. Have those hard convos with your partner or support system
Appointments & What to Expect
- Monthly provider visits include fundal height checks, Doppler heartbeat monitoring, blood pressure, urine tests, and swelling checks. Discuss cramps, movements, or preterm labor signs.
- If you have cramping, backaches, or pelvic pressure, your provider may run a fetal fibronectin test or refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Always call for fluid leaks, bleeding, or intense pressure - you’re advocating, not annoying!
Action Steps for Weeks 22-24:
- Prep questions for your next provider visit.
- Track anything weird and call your provider if needed.
- Observe baby’s movements - get curious, no formal kick counts yet.
- Start your postpartum support plan (it’s not too early!).
- Check in with your partner or support person about your emotional and physical needs.
You’re growing a human and showing up for life—that’s superhero stuff, mama!
More from this episode:
More from Pregnancy Unpacked:
Helpful Timestamps:
- 00:59 Unpacking Weeks 22 to 24
- 01:50 Baby's Development: Weeks 22 to 24
- 03:56 Your Body's Changes and How to Cope
- 08:26 Emotional and Mental Well-being
- 10:56 Action Steps and Final Thoughts
Resources:
🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙
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Calm Labor Confident Birth Pod
First Trimester Prep Pack
Second Trimester Prep Pack
Third Trimester Prep Pack
Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!
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Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services
Next Steps with LNM:
If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!
If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.
If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.
If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.
Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.
