21 Weeks Pregnant

At 21 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a banana. He or she will weigh about 10.7 ounces and measure about 12 inches in length. All of this has happened in five months but the next four months will mean a lot more growing!

Your Baby’s Development at Pregnancy Week 21

Your baby’s lungs are getting ready for the outside world already. Your baby is learning more about breathing by breathing in the amniotic fluid. Your baby will also digest this fluid, which helps the gastrointestinal tract develop ready for the outside world. He or she will then urinate the fluid and the cycle continues. Hiccups are common while your baby learns how to breathe – if you haven’t felt the rhythmic movements yet, you will likely feel them from 21 weeks pregnant.

The fingernails and toenails are now forming. While they are not hard yet, they will grow long and hard by the time your baby arrives. Make sure you buy scratch mits or babygrows with mits attached to stop him or her from scratch you and the face.

Your baby has absolutely no control over movement at pregnancy week 20 but this will change very soon. The nerve pathways are now maturing so movement will happen when he or she wants it to.

Expecting twins or more? The babies will become aware that they are sharing a space. Babies will start to try and grab at or kick each other by this time. This is a great way for them to bond before birth.

Changes in You at 21 Weeks Pregnant

Feeling movement? If you haven’t already then you likely will now. The movements may even be strong enough for your partner to feel. Whenever you feel movement, have dad place a hand on your stomach and feel the kicks. This is a great time to share in the miracle of life.

It is likely that you will become attached to the little thing growing inside of you. As you feel the kicks more and see him or her on the ultrasound, you will realise that it is a real person. Regularly rub your hand on your belly and talk to your little one so he or she can create a bond with you.

You will not need to worry about tracking movements yet. This is recommended from week 24. Women who are overweight or have the placenta lying far back may not feel movement for another couple of weeks.

Symptoms at Pregnancy Week 21

Stretch marks are a common problem by 21 weeks pregnant. The middle layers of the skin lose their elasticity and break, which causes the purple and red marks to appear. You can help prevent this by drinking plenty of water and moisturising regularly. The marks may appear on the stomach, thighs, buttocks and breasts.

Backache continues to be a problem at pregnancy week 21. The centre of gravity is still switching and it is likely that you are still putting a lot of pressure on your back muscles. However, a low backache can also be a sign of labour so you need to look out for it now. Babies can attempt to be born at this time but this is dangerous as very few survive. If you suffer from a low, dull backache, talk to your healthcare provider to find the root of the problem.