Day 155 of 280, second trimester
You are 22 weeks and 1 day
If your emotions are all over the place, have a good cry, ideally on someone's shoulder. You'll feel much better.
125 days until your due date
It's normal to feel up and down emotionally. The best way to cope is to give yourself some time out, and the low points will soon pass. If you find yourself crying at a TV commercial yet again, try to see the funny side! Sharing it with someone, especially a pregnant friend or new mom, may help too, because she'll understand and reassure you.
The good news is that your occasional mood swings won't affect your baby. But getting too stressed might, because stress makes your body produce more cortisol, a hormone that can harm your baby. So when you feel stressed, make time to relax and look after yourself, for your baby's sake.
Ask a Doctor
I think I have food poisoning. Will it harm my baby?
Some food-borne illnesses, such as salmonella, campylobacter, and E. coli, won't directly harm your baby but can make you very ill, with severe vomiting and diarrhea that could lead to serious dehydration. Keep drinking to flush out the bugs and stay hydrated, and if you can't keep any fluid down, ask for an emergency appointment.
Listeria is the most serious, because it can infect the baby and may cause miscarriage or premature labor. Contact your doctor if you think you've eaten contaminated food, so you can be checked and treated if needed.
Always choose food carefully, follow hygiene rules when preparing it, and avoid foods commonly linked to food poisoning.
Focus on
Twins: Maternity matters
If you're having twins, now is the time to talk to your employer about maternity leave. Some women start leave toward the end of pregnancy, while others wait until the babies are born; ask your doctor for advice.
You may want as much time off as possible after the birth, and your partner will want the maximum leave he's eligible for. As well as help from family and friends, which will be essential, think about what extra child care you can afford.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
Read the full 22 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.