How Many Months Are 21 Weeks Of Pregnancy?
At 21 weeks, you are in the fifth month of pregnancy. By now, you would’ve felt your baby move a little, although these movements are infrequent and feel like you have butterflies in the stomach. Here, MomJunction tells you more about how your body changes and your baby grows in the 21st week.
How Big Is Your Baby At 21 Weeks?
In the 21st week, your baby is about the size of a carrot and measures 10.51in (26.7cm) in length and weighs 12.7oz (360g) (1) (2).
What Is The Baby’s Development At 21 Weeks?
Here is how your baby’s body is developing in this week: As the baby grows and develops new functions, you will experience certain symptoms. Read about that next.
What Symptoms Do You Experience In The 21st Week Of Pregnancy?
Here are some common symptoms you might experience during this week: Tip: Keep the legs elevated and avoid standing for long hours. Maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy and add more fiber to your diet to avoid constipation.
Pain or burning sensation while passing urine Fever Chills Urinating more frequently than before Pain or cramps in the pubic area Foul smelling or turbid urine
Tip: Drink plenty of water. Avoid holding urine for long as it promotes bacterial growth in the urinary tract.
What Changes Occur In The Body At 21 Weeks Of Pregnancy?
Tips: Clean the face with lukewarm water and use oil-free creams and cosmetics. Wash your hair daily or as often as needed to remove the excess oil. The symptoms you experience now are not all pleasant. But if they are making you uneasy, talk to your doctor about them during the regular prenatal visit.
What Is Your OB/GYN Visit Like?
In this week, the doctor will check the:
Blood pressure Weight gain Fundal height Fetal heart rate
The doctor may also recommend a urine test, besides other tests, to determine the protein and sugar levels.
What Tests Are Done In The 21st Week?
Open spina bifida Anencephaly Diaphragmatic hernia Cleft lip Exomphalos Gastroschisis Cardiac abnormalities Lethal skeletal dysplasia Bilateral renal agenesis Patau’s syndrome or T13 Edwards’ syndrome or T18
All anomalies cannot be detected by this scan; the detection rate is 80%. Make sure you get all the recommended tests done and follow a healthy lifestyle. Next, we have a few tips on how to stay healthy this week.
What Are Some Tips For Moms-To-Be?
Here are some tips for you to follow during this week:
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Eat small meals at regular intervals and have home cooked food.
Add fruits, vegetables, dairy products, beans, and meat in the diet. Some recipes you can add to your diet include celeriac and watercress soup, and sweet apple lamb.
Exercise moderately; walking is ideal to keep up your energy level.
Maintain oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.
Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illicit drugs, as it can affect the growth of the fetus.
Keep stress at bay.
Wear loose, breathable clothes.
Give your body enough rest.
Do not take any medicines without the doctor’s permission.
Avoid sitting with your legs crossed as it can cause a backache.
Avoid oily and fatty foods and add more fiber to your diet. It helps reduce constipation.
Wear comfortable footwear.
Avoid sitting for long hours if you are working. Try to get up and walk around the office as often as you can.
Enroll in childbirth classes to prepare for labor and delivery.
Spend time with family and friends.
Whenever needed, seek your partner’s help and support.
What Are Some Tips For Dads-To-Be?
Here are some tips for the dad-to-be:
Share the household chores to lessen your burden.
Create a pleasant environment at home.
Accompany you to all prenatal visits.
Go for maternal shopping or plan a romantic date.
Give you a good neck or foot massage to ease your discomfort.
Round ligaments pain caused on the sides of your bump due to the expanding uterus Breast pain Sharp pain in the abdomen that may travel to your thighs Back pain Pain due to hemorrhoids Sharp pain in the legs
Another cause of tightness in the stomach may be a condition called polyhydramnios, where the excess amniotic fluid collects in the uterus. This makes the uterus larger than normal, leading to a tight stomach (14).
