21 Weeks Pregnant

WHAT’S GOING ON WITH BABY?

Your Baby at 21 Weeks Pregnant

Baby’s growth and size

Baby had a big growth spurt last week to this week, adding about 4 inches to their length. Now about 10.5 inches and weighing 12 ounces, you can expect this growth to continue for the remainder of your pregnancy.

What’s new developmentally? 

Around this time, baby’s fingers and toes are completely formed, fingerprints and all! Baby has reflexes. If you gently press your palm against your belly, you just might be a little push (or kick) back from baby. 

Another reflex baby is attempting to master is the swallow reflex, which is done by swallowing amniotic fluid. While the placenta remains the main source of nutrition for baby, amniotic fluid is providing some nutrition and hydration as well.

Fun facts about your week 21 baby

• Baby’s heartbeat is loud enough to hear with a stethoscope
• Arms and legs are finally in proportion
• Baby currently sleeps as much as a newborn (even though it might not feel like it to you)

WHAT’S GOING ON WITH MAMA?

Week 21 of Pregnancy 

Week 21 pregnancy symptoms 

• Breast changes – areola and nipple get darker and larger
• Skin changes – linea nigra 
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Round ligament pain
• Leg cramps
• Hemorrhoids
• Backaches
• Heartburn 
• Swelling in feet and ankles (make sure to familiarize yourself with signs of preeclampsia so    you can differentiate between what’s normal and what’s not)
• Pregnancy brain
• Stretch marks

How should I be feeling at 21 weeks pregnant?

You might be feeling lots of things this week! We’ve talked a lot about how you might be feeling physically, but let’s dive into the emotional and psychological symptoms you might be experiencing. Pregnancy doesn’t only take a physical toll on a body but an emotional one as well. 

Now that you are over halfway through your pregnancy, things might start feeling very real for you. And as things begin to feel more real and you get a bit closer to your due date, you might be on an emotional rollercoaster. It’s not uncommon for women at this stage of pregnancy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, excited, and stressed, among other things! 

I would be lying if I said hormones weren’t playing a role in this rollercoaster of emotions but there are definitely some things you can start doing to help work through the emotions.

I’m all about education and preparation as a way to help decrease anxiety and increase confidence. Two of my tips for this week are to start planning your nursery, if you haven’t already, and to start your baby registry. I have found that these are two big things that spark a lot of anxiety but can also be very exciting at the same time! Make sure to check out my resources below for some very helpful information and tips! 

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