Being 22 weeks pregnant marks a significant milestone in your journey. Welcome to the heart of the second trimester, a period many expecting parents describe as the "honeymoon phase" of pregnancy. Your baby is now roughly the size of a papaya, and their senses are developing at an incredible pace, making their world inside the womb more interactive with each passing day.

Your Mid-Pregnancy Journey at 22 Weeks in Italy

This stage of pregnancy often brings a unique and welcome balance. While your baby is growing rapidly, you have likely regained the energy that was missing during the first trimester. For most, the intense morning sickness and fatigue have subsided, and the physical demands of the third trimester are still in the distance. It is a time of visible change, a deepening connection with your baby, and quiet preparation for the future.

Navigating pregnancy as an expat in Italy adds a distinct layer of complexity and emotion. You are immersed in a culture that deeply values family and children, which can be wonderfully supportive. However, you may also be navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system, communicating in a new language, and feeling the emotional distance from your support network back home.

Problem: The excitement of being 22 weeks pregnant can be overshadowed by the unique anxieties of expat life, such as cultural isolation and navigating a foreign healthcare system without familiar support.

Insight: This phase is a psychological turning point. The pregnancy feels undeniably real, but for expats, this reality is compounded by the challenge of building a new life for a growing family in a different country. This requires not just medical guidance but also emotional and intercultural support.

Solution: Therapsy offers specialised mental health support for expats in Italy. Our licensed, multilingual therapists understand the intercultural challenges of pregnancy abroad and provide a safe, empathetic space to help you navigate this transformative time with confidence.

This guide is designed to walk you through what to expect at 22 weeks pregnant, offering the reassurance and practical advice needed for your specific experience in Italy.

Your Pregnancy at 22 Weeks: A Quick Overview

This table provides a helpful overview, but let's explore what each of these points truly means for you and your baby during this pivotal week.

Key Developments and Feelings This Week

At this stage, a great deal is happening simultaneously. Internally, your baby is becoming more active and responsive, while your own body continues to adapt in incredible ways to support this growth.

Here is a closer look at what this week often holds:

• Your Baby’s Growth: Your baby’s features are becoming much more defined. Their eyes have formed (though the irises lack pigment), and their lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are far more distinct. They are starting to resemble a miniature newborn.
• Your Body’s Changes: Your baby bump is likely making its presence known, and you may notice minor changes like your belly button popping out to become an "outie." As your skin stretches, you might also see the first signs of stretch marks on your abdomen, hips, or thighs.
• Your Emotional World: It is entirely normal to experience a mix of excitement and anxiety. The reality of becoming a parent is beginning to set in, and for expats, this can be amplified by cultural and logistical challenges.

Being 22 weeks pregnant is not just a medical marker; it is an emotional and psychological turning point. It is when the pregnancy starts to feel undeniably real, both in your body and in your thoughts about the future.

This period is the perfect time to focus on both your physical health and your mental preparation. Understanding the milestones of week 22 is the first step toward feeling empowered and ready for the road ahead, especially while building a new life for your growing family here in Italy.

How Your Baby Is Developing at 22 Weeks

At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby is truly beginning to look like a miniature newborn. This week is dedicated to refinement, as they transition from a tiny foetus into the little person you will soon be holding.

Currently, they are about the size of a papaya or a small spaghetti squash, measuring around 28 centimetres (11 inches) from head to heel. Their weight is also increasing, reaching approximately 450 grams (nearly one pound).

Although their skin remains translucent and reddish—allowing you to see their blood vessels—they are actively building a layer of fat. This is not just for creating chubby cheeks; it is essential for regulating their body temperature once they are born.

The Development of Senses

One of the most remarkable developments this week is the fine-tuning of your baby's senses. Their hearing is now well-established. They can clearly distinguish your voice, the rhythmic sound of your heartbeat, and even the rumbles of your digestion. Sounds from the outside world, such as music or the familiar voices of your partner and family, are now part of their daily experience.

Their eyes are fully formed, and while the irises do not yet have pigment, they can perceive light and dark. If you shine a bright torch on your belly, you might feel a slight squirm as they turn away from the sudden brightness. This is the very beginning of their visual journey.

Your baby's senses are becoming a bridge between their world and yours. Speaking, singing, or reading to your belly is more than just a sweet gesture; it's one of the first ways you connect and bond with your child.

Unique Fingerprints and Coordinated Movements

Here is another amazing milestone for week 22: your baby’s fingerprints and footprints are now completely formed. Those tiny, unique ridges on their fingertips and toes are set for life—a personal signature they will carry forever.

You have likely also noticed that their movements are becoming stronger and more purposeful. Those initial, gentle flutters are evolving into more definite kicks, punches, and even the occasional somersault. This is not random wiggling; your baby is actively exploring their space, stretching their limbs, and building crucial muscle tone.

• Refined Motor Skills: Their grip is strengthening, and they can now make a proper fist.
• Sleep Cycles: They are beginning to settle into regular sleep-wake cycles, although do not be surprised if their active time does not align with your bedtime.
• Vernix Caseosa: A creamy, protective layer called vernix caseosa is forming on their skin. Think of it as a natural moisturiser and barrier, shielding them from the amniotic fluid.

Every kick and wriggle is a reassuring sign of a healthy, active baby preparing for life on the outside. These moments make being 22 weeks pregnant feel profoundly real, strengthening the incredible connection with the little person growing inside you.

Your Changing Body and Mind: An Expat Perspective

At 22 weeks, your body is deeply engaged in the work of growing a baby, bringing a host of physical and emotional shifts. It is a time of very visible growth and quiet internal adjustments, so it is completely normal to feel a mix of wonder and exhaustion as you navigate it.

The most obvious change is your growing bump. As your uterus continues to expand upward, you may have noticed your belly button has suddenly popped, becoming an 'outie'. This is a common and temporary change, but it is one of those small physical milestones that reminds you of how much your body is accomplishing. This rapid stretching can also lead to stretch marks on your stomach, hips, or thighs.

Common Physical Sensations This Week

The sudden increase in appetite you are experiencing is your body's way of demanding more fuel for your baby's latest growth spurt. You may also be becoming better acquainted with backaches, as your centre of gravity shifts and the hormone relaxin works to loosen your ligaments.

To manage these new physical realities, it helps to draw inspiration from the balanced Italian lifestyle:

• Embrace Gentle Movement: A slow passeggiata (walk) after dinner is not just a lovely tradition; it can also aid digestion and ease a sore back. Prenatal yoga or a gentle swim can also feel incredible at this time.
• Listen to Your Body: When cravings arise, lean into them with nutritious and delicious options inspired by the Mediterranean diet. Think fresh fruits, handfuls of nuts, and satisfying whole grains.
• Prioritise Rest: The afternoon riposo is a cultural institution in Italy for a reason. Do not feel guilty for taking a nap when your body signals it is tired.

Pregnancy is so much more than a physical journey—it's a profound emotional one, too. The hormonal shifts and massive life changes you're going through can bring on waves of pure joy, deep anxiety, and everything in between.

Your Mental and Emotional Wellbeing as an Expat

Even though the second trimester is often called the "honeymoon phase," it can also be a time when perinatal anxiety and mood swings surface. It is natural to find yourself worrying about childbirth, your baby’s health, or how you will cope as a new parent. For expats, these emotions can feel particularly intense. Being far from your usual support system—your family, close friends, and the comfort of your home culture—can amplify feelings of isolation and stress. You are not just preparing for a baby; you are doing so in a different cultural and linguistic landscape. This unique combination of pressures can feel overwhelming.

Problem: Standard pregnancy advice often fails to address the specific emotional challenges faced by expats, such as loneliness, cultural adjustment stress, and anxiety about parenting far from home.

Insight: For an expat, emotional wellbeing during pregnancy is deeply tied to a sense of belonging and understanding. Feeling like an outsider can heighten anxiety and detract from the joy of this special time. A changing body can also bring up complex feelings; you can learn more about navigating body image issues during pregnancy in our dedicated article.

Solution: Therapsy provides a safe and understanding space to explore these feelings. Our therapists are experts in intercultural psychology and support expats in developing coping strategies that are relevant to their lives in Italy, helping to transform anxiety into empowerment.

It is crucial to recognise that needing extra support is not a sign of weakness. It is a reflection of the enormous life transition you are navigating.

Getting to Grips with Prenatal Care in Italy

Navigating healthcare in a new country, especially during pregnancy, can feel like a significant challenge. By 22 weeks, you are likely becoming more familiar with the Italian system. It is an excellent system, but it has its own unique processes.

Understanding how it works is key to feeling confident and in control of your health journey.

In Italy, your prenatal care will likely be managed by either a ginecologo (gynaecologist) or an ostetrica (midwife), through the public health service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, or SSN) or via private care. As you consider your options, it is helpful to understand the difference between a midwife and an obstetrician to determine which approach best fits you and your growing family.

Your appointments will settle into a rhythm of routine checks: blood pressure, urine tests, and measuring your belly's growth. This is the perfect time to build a relationship with your provider and ask all your questions. For expats, navigating the system itself is often the first hurdle. Our guide on how to start therapy in Italy offers practical tips that can be applied to finding any healthcare professional here.

The Anatomy Scan: Ecografia Morfologica

Around week 22, you will have one of the most important appointments of your pregnancy: the anatomy scan, known here as the ecografia morfologica. This is a highly detailed ultrasound that provides an incredible, in-depth look at your baby's development.

The purpose of this scan is to ensure that all of your baby’s organs and structures are growing as they should. The sonographer will carefully examine everything.

• Brain, heart, spine, and stomach will all be checked to see that they are forming correctly.
• They will look at the face and limbs for any visible abnormalities.
• Your placenta's position and amniotic fluid levels are also checked, as they are essential for a healthy pregnancy.
• The sonographer will take numerous measurements to ensure your baby is on track for their gestational age.

The ecografia morfologica is such a reassuring milestone. It gives you the clearest picture you've had so far of your baby’s health, turning all those abstract feelings into something you can actually see.

It is completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves before this scan. Remember, it is a standard and incredibly valuable part of your prenatal care.

Eating Well and Staying Active

Looking after yourself at 22 weeks is also about what you eat and how you move. The great news is that you are in Italy, where the Mediterranean diet is all around you, naturally packed with the nutrients you and your baby need.

Try to fill your plate with plenty of:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables for essential vitamins.
• Lean proteins from sources like fish and legumes.
• Healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil and nuts.
• Whole grains for sustained energy and important fibre.

Gentle movement is still crucial for keeping backaches at bay, improving sleep, and boosting your mood. Activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga are all fantastic choices. The golden rule is to always listen to your body and consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

When to Call Your Doctor

Knowing when to seek medical advice is crucial. Do not hesitate to contact your ginecologo or ostetrica immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Any vaginal bleeding or leaking of fluid.
• Severe or constant pain or cramping in your abdomen.
• A noticeable change or decrease in your baby's movements.
• Signs of pre-eclampsia, such as severe headaches, changes in your vision, or sudden swelling.

Always trust your instincts. If something does not feel right, it is always better to get it checked out.

Managing Your Mental Wellbeing as an Expat

Being pregnant abroad, even in a beautiful country like Italy, adds another layer to the emotional rollercoaster. By 22 weeks pregnant, the baby kicks are getting stronger and excitement is building, but so is the potential for stress and anxiety, especially when your usual support system is a plane ride away.

Feeling this way is completely normal. You are not just navigating pregnancy; you are doing it while adapting to a new culture, a different language, and an unfamiliar healthcare system. The comfort of home, family traditions, and familiar faces is missing, which can amplify usual pregnancy worries and lead to feelings of isolation or being overwhelmed.

Finding Support That Truly Understands

This is where finding specialised mental health support becomes so important. You need someone who understands your unique intercultural context—a professional who not only has clinical expertise but also gets the specific pressures of being an expat in Italy.

At Therapsy, this is exactly what we do. Our team is composed of carefully selected, licensed therapists who are multilingual and have deep, first-hand experience working with the international community here. They understand the nuances of culture shock, the stress of Italian bureaucracy, and the profound feeling of homesickness, all while you are preparing for one of life's biggest changes.

"Pregnancy is as much a psychological journey as a physical one. For expats, this journey includes navigating a new culture and system without a familiar map. The right support provides that map, helping you feel grounded and understood."

Why Specialised Therapy Matters

Generic advice often misses the mark because it does not account for the complex layers you are dealing with. A therapist who specialises in intercultural psychology can offer strategies that are genuinely relevant to your life right now. If you are curious, our article on the common mental health challenges faced by expats explores these issues in more detail.

Our approach focuses on:

• Validating Your Experience: We create a safe space where your feelings of being an outsider are heard and understood without judgment.
• Building Coping Strategies: We work with you to develop practical tools for managing anxiety around healthcare, language barriers, and building a new support network from scratch.
• Strengthening Your Resilience: Our goal is to empower you, helping you build confidence and find your footing as you prepare to welcome your baby in Italy.

Feeling supported is not a luxury; it is a crucial part of a healthy, happy pregnancy. You do not have to navigate this journey alone.

How to Prepare for Your Growing Family in Italy

As you settle into week 22, the reality of a new baby starts to feel much more tangible. Your focus will naturally begin shifting from simply being pregnant to actively preparing for your little one’s arrival. This phase is about much more than just painting a nursery; it is about laying a solid, supportive foundation for your growing family, especially here in Italy.

Getting the practical things in order is a great place to start. As you move through the second trimester, getting a clearer picture of how to prepare for a new baby can feel incredibly reassuring. This is also the perfect time to have those bigger conversations with your partner about things like finances, parenting philosophies, and what you both expect from this new chapter—topics that become even more vital in an intercultural relationship. Tackling these subjects early helps you get on the same page and builds a real sense of teamwork. We offer more guidance on this in our article about navigating co-parenting issues.

Just as important, however, is building your "chosen family." For expats, creating a strong local support system is absolutely essential for your emotional wellbeing.

Building a community is an active process of turning a foreign country into a home. Your support system here in Italy will become your anchor during the beautiful, demanding journey of parenthood.

Try connecting with other international parents through local meet-ups or online forums. These connections can offer immense comfort and genuinely practical advice from people who get it. They help normalise the challenges you are facing while also celebrating the unique joys of raising a child abroad. Building this network now is a powerful step toward ensuring you feel grounded, understood, and truly ready for the incredible adventure ahead.

Common Questions About Pregnancy in Italy

Moving to a new country is a huge life change. Being pregnant in that new country brings up a whole new set of questions. Here are some clear, reassuring answers to the queries we hear most often from expats who are 22 weeks pregnant and navigating the Italian system.

Is It Still Normal to Have Mood Swings at 22 Weeks?

Yes, absolutely. While the second trimester is often called the "honeymoon phase," your hormones are still fluctuating. On top of that, you are dealing with the extra layers of expat life—a new language, a different culture, and being far from your usual support system. It is completely understandable if that intensifies your feelings. The most important first step is to acknowledge that what you are feeling is valid.

What Should I Bring to My Prenatal Appointments in Italy?

Always have your tessera sanitaria (health card) and your libretto di gravidanza (pregnancy booklet) with you. Make sure to bring along any recent test results as well. It is also helpful to jot down a list of questions beforehand, especially if you are still getting comfortable with Italian. Never hesitate to ask for clarification until you feel you completely understand.

Feeling organised and informed is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety. It puts you back in the driver's seat of your own healthcare journey, which is so important when you're 22 weeks pregnant in a system that's new to you.

How Can I Build a Support Network as an Expat?

Start by looking for local and online parent groups for expats. These communities are invaluable for sharing practical tips and real-world experiences. For deeper emotional support, professional help is key. Many people find that getting reliable mental health guidance, grounded in both obstetric and psychological research, makes all the difference. You can discover more insights about fertility trends and family support in Italy to understand the broader context.

We have gathered more answers to common questions on our dedicated Therapsy FAQ page.

Feeling supported is everything during pregnancy. The Therapsy team is here to help you walk this incredible path with confidence.

Book your first free assessment call.