Pregnancy

Pregnancy Week 21

Baby Development

By this week, your baby will be the size of a large banana at 10.5 inches in length and 11-12 ounces in weight. The baby’s legs and arms are now adequately formed and can make a few coordinated moves. Along with the liver and spleen, bone marrow also helps produce blood cells.

Though the placenta is still the baby’s primary source of nourishment, amniotic fluid has also become a food source for the baby. The baby might start to feel cramped even though there’s ample space in the womb for the baby to twist and turn. The baby has developed taste buds so that the baby can taste the food. So, whatever the mother eats influences the taste and flavor of the amniotic fluid that the baby takes in.

Some researchers say that your child’s food preference after birth is influenced by what you eat now. Baby now has reasonable control over the well-proportioned arms and legs that have developed recently. It would explain the kicks, twists, and turns that you would begin to feel from now on.

Changes in mother

There would most likely be stretch marks over the breast, hips, stomach, thighs, and butt by this week. Stretch occurs in 50% of mothers during pregnancy, and chances increase if the pregnant woman’s mother also has stretch marks. Another factor influencing the stretch mark is rapid weight gain in most women during pregnancy. Hence it’s better to consult a doctor for a diet and exercise regime to gain weight steadily. There might be some anxiety as the reality of pregnancy typically kicks in around this time. Talking with other women, family, and your spouse is a good idea to relieve some of your anxiety.

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Pregnancy Week 21 symptoms

A few symptoms that a mother experiences this week are listed below

The rapid growth of Hair and Nails: Your hair and nail will grow quickly due to pregnancy hormones. Your hair will also turn shinier and strong though this effect would sadly last only through the pregnancy period and fade after delivery.
Bleeding gums:- Your gums would bleed during this time. It can irritate while brushing and can turn the toothbrush pink.
Backaches. It is due to a shift in your center of gravity and excess production of the hormone relaxin- which relaxes the body.
Gas:- your ever-increasing uterus would put undue pressure on the rectum, and it would cause you to feel bloated and gaseous.
Movements:- you could feel the kick, twist, turn, or any activity from your little one.

Important Tips

What to do

Take a prenatal massage from a trained professional
Have nuts, dry fruits, and bars ready if you crave food
Do some low-impact exercises like walk

What to avoid

Avoid eating any sweet stuff as it would be challenging to brush due to your bleeding gums
Avoid food with empty calories and caffeine.

When to Consult a Doctor

If there’s no kick or movement.
For diet and exercise regime.

Takeaway

At 21st weeks, the baby would be 10.5 inches long, weigh 11-12 ounces and move a lot inside the belly. The mother would have bleeding gum, long hair, and feel bloated. Cut down on junk food and do light exercises.

Reference