21 weeks pregnant means you've reached the second half of pregnancy. From staying fit to body & fetal changes, you'll read it all here. Happy reading!
Baby Development:
Your baby is now size of a carrot
21 weeks pregnant baby size is that of a carrot. 21 weeks pregnant baby weight is around 360g. Your baby has been breathing amniotic fluid and now drinking it too. The baby at 21 weeks pregnancy is capable of moving around in the belly and when slight pressure is applied to the belly, the baby moves away. Baby position at 21 weeks in the womb 20 weeks is constantly changing and you could feel it too. The baby has developed taste buds already. Your baby has sleep and wake cycles now. 21-week ultrasound can detect heartbeats, view heart & lung tissue.
Body Changes
A 21 weeks pregnant belly is noticeable and you’ve started developing stretch marks. The uterus is expanding and moving to make less room for heart and lungs which makes you feel breathless. All the extra fluid retained by your body due to pregnancy is causing swelling of limbs. Most women notice a protruding belly button. Hormones are raging which causes fast growth of hair and nails, in some women even inducing snoring.
Find your due date/Calculating your due date:
Unless you've been tracking your ovulation, for a health practitioner to exactly know when you ovulated and conceived is hard to say. Most women ovulate about two weeks after the first day of their period. So, to calculate a standard timing, most health practitioners calculate the due date from the first day of your last menstrual period.
21 weeks pregnant symptoms:
Here are a few number of common symptoms a woman may notice throughout her Pregnancy Symptoms Week 21.- Inflamed and bleeding gums
- Stretch marks & itchy abdomen
- Increased vaginal discharge
- fetal movements
- Increased cravings
- Sore & leaky breasts
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen hands and feet
- Headaches
- Feeling energised
- Bloating and constipation
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Leg cramps & backaches
- Darkened facial skin called 'mask of pregnancy'
- Thicker and shinier hair
- A heightened sense of smell
Tips for You This Week
You can support your body to prepare for pregnancy by following the tips below:Elevate your feet slightly when you sit. Use "non-comedogenic" and "unscented" skincare products to tackle oily skin and stretchmarks. Always stand slowly after prolonged sitting or sleeping position as the blood pressure of the body is low at this stage. Try sleeping on your left side with a pillow between your knees and ankles. Sleep on a firm mattress. Avoid heavy lifting and sitting with legs crossed. Take prenatal vitamins. Wear loose fit breathable clothing to tackle the hot flushes. Stay away from skin or hair treatments involving harsh chemicals. Visit a dentist if you are experiencing bleeding gums. Stay away from X-rays. Avoid taking hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas.