22 Weeks Pregnant

Another week on.

I'm loving this point of my pregnancy, I've got enough energy to get me through the day, I'm happy in my body and generally feel "blooming". I think that the fact that I'm building towards my two week holiday in September is really helping (especially as when I get back I've only got two months left of work!).

Everyone's asking me what we're having though and it's really hard to lie and say we don't know, I'm sure that anyone who's ever learnt anything about body language would know straight away! It does make you wonder why people are so bothered though... or is it that they just can't think of anything else to ask me?

So, this is me, 22 weeks pregnant:

Truth is, I'm actually feeling quite small compared to last time. I wish I could dig out some pictures to see if the difference is just in my mind.

According to BabyCentre, my baby now weighs almost 430g, measures about 28cm long from crown to heel. His legs aren't curled up so tightly to his tummy now. This means he can be measured from the top of his head to his heels, instead of his bottom. He is proportioned like a newborn, albeit a thinner version since his baby fat hasn't yet developed.

Although he's getting heavier every day, his skin still appears wrinkled and translucent because he needs to gain more weight. His lips are distinct and his eyes are formed, though the coloured part (the iris) still lacks pigment. The pancreas, essential in the production of hormones, is developing steadily. Even this early, the first signs of teeth appear in the form of tooth buds beneath his gum line.

They say I've probably gained between 5.5kg and 7kg (I've actually put on 6.8kg). But apparently, starting now, I'll begin to put on weight more steadily, averaging about 225g (1/2lb) per week. (oh joy!). Set's me a challenge though, 18 weeks, 9lbs. That's a final weight of 11st 5lbs....We'll see.