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!

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:

1. Prep questions for your next provider visit.
2. Track anything weird and call your provider if needed.
3. Observe baby’s movements - get curious, no formal kick counts yet.
4. Start your postpartum support plan (it’s not too early!).
5. 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:

• Listen to Episode 105: Here’s How to Understand Real Labor vs False Labor Contractions
• Trish’s Amazon Shop for pregnancy pillows and second-trimester must-haves

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• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 20-22: Halfway There, But Still In It | 178
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 18-20: Anatomy Scan & The Truth About Bonding | 176
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 16-18: Baby Bumps, Tests, &...