How about a "baby shower" event where you and your baby`s needs are met, you meet your friends and have a good time, and on top of that, you celebrate the arrival of your baby? We think you`ll love this idea. Start preparing the list of materials you need! You are slowly approaching the day when you will meet your little bundle of joy. At the 21st week, you will be able to feel your baby more than usual. You will also begin to experience a few more symptoms for which you will need some relief. Here is a list of questions you might have about your 21-week pregnancy and their answers!
Baby Growth
At the 21-week, your baby will start to taste its food as taste buds begin to form. Even if the baby is fed by swallowing amniotic fluid, what you eat will add flavor to the fluid itself. Some studies have shown that babies prefer the foods their mothers ate during pregnancy. In addition to taste, your baby has now developed its limbs proportionally. It has coordinated control over movements that you will begin to experience as kicking or pushing. Because the fetus is still quite small, you won`t know which part of its body is pressing on your belly. Developing senses like sight and sound keeps your baby aware of your daily habits and may even recognize your voice. Although the irises have not yet taken their color, eyebrows, eyelashes and eyelids have formed.
From the 21st week of pregnancy, you can now feel your baby`s movements. These first movements are a source of relaxation and fun for most women. You can feel that it kicks, punches, fidgets, hiccups and even somersaults in weeks 20-21.
But at this stage of pregnancy, it`s normal to feel the baby`s movements one day and not the next. You don`t need to worry about that. Fetal movements become more stable from the 28th week. Then it would be wise to follow the movements on a daily basis and watch the situation.
Baby Size
At the 21st week of pregnancy, the baby is 26.7 cm long from head to toe and is about the same size as a large carrot. It weighs about 360 grams and is slowly pushing your organs.
Common Body Changes
There will be somebody changes to expect in week 21:
- Varicose veins: As your baby grows, the veins in your legs feel more and more pressure. This in turn worsens due to the level of progesterone in your blood, leading to varicose veins.
- Skin cracks: Your abdomen, thighs and buttocks carry the weight of your expanding pregnancy belly and can therefore create stretch marks. These cracks appear as dark lines caused by the tearing of the supporting tissue under the skin. The fairer you are, the more likely it is to be obvious. They usually do not disappear after birth, but become much less visible.
- Spider veins: Small veins with a radial pattern, such as tree branches, may appear on the feet, hands, or face. Fortunately, they usually disappear after giving birth.
- Acne: The rising hormonal flow in your body damages the oil levels in your skin, causing acne to appear. However, do not use oral or topical acne medications as they can cause complications for you and your baby.
Pregnancy Signs
The symptoms you will experience in your 21st week may indicate how you will feel during the last trimester. Some of them:
- Braxton Hicks contractions: These are contractions your body experiences before birth as a rehearsal for labor. If they begin to cause discomfort, contact your doctor immediately.
- Discharge from breasts: As the milk ducts are fully functional at this point, milk or yellowish colostrum will leak from your breasts. This is not painful. However, it may cause embarrassment, so carry a few wipes or wet wipes with you.
- Irritated skin: Your tense stomach tends to be drier than normal and may even crack. Using a moisturizer or oil for cracks can solve your problem.
- Cramps in the legs: This is a very common symptom, most likely due to your legs carrying more weight each week than they are used to. Do stretching exercises or a leg massage for relief.
- Inflamed gums: Your gums will be much more sensitive than normal, so be sure to brush your teeth gently.
Abdomen
Carrying your 21-week-old baby in your womb will strain your entire body. As the belly continues to grow, in some cases you may notice that the belly button is flattening or protruding.
You will be 5-6 kg heavier than normal. This includes the weight of the baby, amniotic fluid, placenta, uterus, increased blood and other fluids, fat and protein storage in the breasts, etc. You can strengthen your uterus and pelvic muscles by doing Kegel exercises.
Ultrasound
If you do an ultrasound scan in the middle of your pregnancy this week, you`ll be able to see intricate details of your baby`s body such as the heart chambers and brain hemispheres. Details of your little one`s limbs, sense organs, and hair will also be visible.
At this stage you should try to have a fetal echocardiogram to rule out any congenital heart disease.
What to Eat?
Your iron needs are higher than ever at this point, as you`re producing more red blood cells and providing your baby with everything it needs. If your iron reserves are low, you may become anemic, which can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and even unconsciousness. The best 21st week pregnancy foods are iron-rich foods like spinach, red meat, legumes, and fish. Iron supplements are also often prescribed to deal with the condition. Avoiding caffeine will increase the absorption of iron.
Consume foods that contain plenty of vitamin C, such as lemons, grapes, watermelon. Maintaining your diet to include whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables, and avoiding processed foods and refined sugar will be the right choice.
First of all, remember to consume at least 2 to 3 liters of water per day.
Tips and Care
You may need to learn how to deal with the most common problems like heartburn, hemorrhoids, back pain. Visit your doctor regularly to learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and your baby.
- Stretch and relax your leg muscles to prevent cramps. If necessary, visit a physical therapist for support.
- Talk or sing to your baby for at least a few hours each day. Baby will learn to recognize and connect with your voice. Playing baby music will also help it rest better.
- If you need professional support during pregnancy and childbirth, you can apply for childbirth preparation courses, a doula or a midwife.
Don’ts
- Remember to exercise regularly, sleep on the left side of your body and keep your lower limbs upright.
- Pregnant women are strongly advised to get vaccinated for pertussis at this point, so be sure to consult your doctor for further advice.
Shopping
The most important thing you should spend money on is maternity clothes. These garments are comfortable and supportive for anyone being in the middle of her pregnancy. It can also be a good idea to invest in accessories, pregnancy books, bras for your baby`s room.
Early preparation for an effortless pregnancy and birth is key to reducing the many stressors that come with it!