22 weeks

Baby hasn't any fat under his skin just yet so it appears wrinkled. It also looks red due to blood vessels being close to the surface of the skin. Fine hair called lanugo covers the skin and is mostly shed before baby is born if he/she  arrives full term.

Iron is essential especially at this time when you are carrying a growing baby.  Now your needs for iron will increase. Iron is neccessary for healthy red blood cell production. If you have started the pregnancy with poor iron stores, this may present a problem as the baby  takes from you leaving you feel lethargic and tired. This is definitely an issue for me as I am vegetarian and I have  to take care to keep up my iron levels ideally through my diet. You can also try supplements. I found the tablets such as Ferro Grad C, though inexpensive, can leave you more constipated and uncomfortable than you want to be in this stage of pregnancy. You can try liquid supplements such as Floradix and maintain a diet high in iron and fibre. Foods that are ideal other than red meat include whole grain cereals, green leafy vegetables and legumes. Consuming Vitamin C at the same time may help your body to absorb the iron. This could mean drinking orange juice with your meal or even tomatoes.

You may feel hungry often. Make healthy choices where possible to obtain all the nutrients you and your baby will need. You may experience cravings, which is fine. They may be telling you something. For example, if you crave icecream or cheesecake, your body may need more calcium rich foods. Special treats are fine, just try balance it with good foods with plenty of nutrients.

So far I have put on about 2-3 kgs at most. I don't weigh myself often but I weigh the same as I did about 6 months ago. I am sure I lost a few kilos before I fall pregnant. The average weight gain is 10-15kgs during pregnancy but this can vary immensely. Try not to worry too much about weight gain as long as you and baby are healthy.

I have felt as if the baby is having growth spurts as I feel greater hunger then stretching across my belly. Baby is very active through the day and its wonderful to feel those little kicks and movement.