Week 21 of pregnancy
What's Happening with Baby
Your baby is becoming even more active, moving from side to side and sometimes turning completely. A fun new development is that your baby can now swallow and may even get the hiccups from time to time! You might feel these as regular, jerky movements in your belly. The fetal heartbeat is strong, and you might even catch them sucking their thumb on an ultrasound.
Your baby is now about 10 1/2 inches long (the size of a large carrot) and weighs around 12 3/4 ounces. Their fingers and toes are fully formed, now complete with their own unique fingerprints and toe prints. If you have an ultrasound, the sex of the baby is often clearly visible by this stage.
What You Might Experience
You may notice continued changes in your breasts as they prepare for feeding. They will likely feel larger and heavier, and may be more sensitive to the touch. This is due to an increase in fat deposits and the development of new milk ducts.
Visually, you might see that the areola (the area around the nipples) has become darker, and small, harmless nodules called Montgomery's glands may appear there. These glands produce a substance that helps to lubricate and protect the nipples.
Key Things to Keep in Mind
Since you're already halfway through your pregnancy, this is a great time to start looking into a childbirth preparation course. Learning as much as you can about labor, delivery, and newborn care will help you feel more prepared and at ease, which is especially helpful if you are a first-time parent.
You may be experiencing constipation around this time. To help manage it, be sure to drink more water or fruit juice, eat more high-fiber foods (like whole-grain cereals and oatmeal), and try to incorporate gentle exercise into your daily routine.
Week 21 Photos
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