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You are entering your sixth month of pregnancy. With the belly starting to show and the baby kicking away, many expectant moms find their pregnancy becomes more of a reality at this point.
This Week’s Highlights
Your baby is now bigger than the placenta
Your baby has more control over his or her limbs
Your centre of gravity changes as your belly grows
Your Baby at 21 Weeks
Your baby is the length of a carrot, measuring about 10.5 inches (26.7 centimeters) long and weighing in at about 12.7 ounces (360 grams).
Baby Development at Week 21
Your baby is starting to establish a sleep-awake pattern this week, so you will notice phases where there is a burst of activity followed by a lull. With the arms and legs now in proportion, your baby will be kicking, stretching and moving a lot more until space becomes limited later on in pregnancy.
Your baby can now taste what you eat. Your little one is now swallowing more amniotic fluid each day, and the taste of the amniotic fluid depends on what you eat. Studies show that babies exposed to certain tastes in the amniotic fluid may prefer foods with similar tastes after birth.
Your little one is now bigger than the placenta, which still remains the ultimate source of nutrition. The bone marrow is now making some red blood cells. Soon the bone marrow will take over the job the liver and the spleen have been fulfilling so far and become the soul producer of red blood cells.
If you are having a late anatomy scan this week, you will see your baby in action. The technician will measure the size of your little ones organs and may be able to tell you the gender.
Pregancy Tip
Babies are not picky about colour, and they outgrow clothing in a flash. We recommend buying baby items on sale! Don’t worry too much about matching or colours. Save all that spending and matching for the toddler years, because you will need it!
Your Bump at 21 Weeks
Your adorable bump is growing every week. Are you in love with your new-found curves? Remember the weight you gain during pregnancy is made up of the baby, the placenta, the amniotic fluid and even breast tissue.
Have Your Started Shopping for Your Baby Yet?
How Your Body is Changing
In the coming weeks, you will find it more and more difficult to be graceful. Now that you are carrying extra weight, your center of gravity has shifted, which will make you feel clumsier.
Pregnancy hormones are loosening your joints. The bones in your toes and fingers are also shifting. You will want to give up your high heels, and be cautious when exercising to avoid falls.
At 21 weeks, you have probably experienced quickening or felt your baby move. You will notice that your little one is very active now and can even respond to external cues. Try gently pushing on your belly and you may feel a push back!
How Far Along are You?
21 weeks in, 19 weeks to go! You are more than halfway through your pregnancy. Even though pregnancy is measured in weeks this means you are entering your sixth month of pregnancy.
Diet and Exercise at Week 21
You may be eating for two, but that does not mean you should be packing in calories.
Your healthcare provider will be tracking your weight throughout the pregnancy and will warn you if you are gaining more weight than recommended.
Moderate your weight gain by eating healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. Swap out your potato chips for nuts, try grilling your meat rather than frying, substitute your muffin with fresh fruit. Small changes like these can go a long way!
Top off your healthy eating habits by staying active. Go for a walk, do some yoga or take a dip in the pool. Just 30 minutes of activity a day will also help with your weight management. Physical activity can ease some of the pesky digestive symptoms associated with pregnancy such as constipation.
Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 21
Bleeding gums – You may notice that your gums bleed more often when you brush or floss right now, which results from increased circulation. You are also at higher risk of gum diseases such as gingivitis during pregnancy. Make sure you talk to your dentist about practicing good dental hygiene, since gum disease is linked to preterm birth.
Hot flashes – Fluctuating hormone levels are behind pregnancy hot flashes. Your metabolism is in high gear, producing the energy essential for you and for maintaining your growing baby, which can sometimes leave you feeling hot and extremely sweaty. Loose comfortable clothing, cool baths and a fan can help. Also, don’t forget to stay hydrated.
Stretch marks – Stretch marks (striae distensae) are tears that occur in the dermis, the inner layer of your skin. Some moms are proud of them, while others do not want to even talk about them. Rapid weight gain is one of the top culprits behind stretch marks. Watch your weight gain and make sure your skin remains hydrated.
Back pain – If your back is starting to hurt at this stage of pregnancy there are a few things you can do to ease the pain. Stretching, low-heeled (not completely flat) shoes, exercises that strengthen your back and wearing a bellyband can help.
Dry, itchy skin – As your belly and breasts grow, the stretching skin can often cause itchiness. Staying hydrated and applying moisturizer can help minimize the dryness and the itchiness.
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