Pregnancy Week 21

Your 21th Week of Pregnancy
The Second Trimester

Your Baby - 21 Weeks Pregnant

Pregnancy Week 21 Your baby is still pretty active and continues to move all over in the amniotic fluid. However, towards the end of this trimester the baby will begin to settle, usually in a head down position. Your baby is beginning to show evidence of eyebrows and eyelashes and the hair on his scalp is much more visible. He wakes and sleeps in regular intervals, similar to what a newborn would do. This may be apparent to you by his movement patterns. He regularly ingests and absorbs large quantities of the amniotic fluid and excretes urine. Your baby is approximately 27-30 cm (11 inches) and weighs about three quarters of a pound.

Your Body - 21 Weeks Pregnant

Pregnancy Week 21 You are probably much more emotionally stable now, as your hormone levels have stabilized. You are probably showing now, so be sure to invest in some comfortable maternity clothes. Your uterus is about one-half inch above your belly button so don't be surprised if your "inny" becomes an "outy." Average weight gain is about 10 - 15 pounds; but again, don't be concerned if you are a little off. As long as you are eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water, don't pay too much attention to the calories or numbers on the scale. Your ankles and feet may be swelling or be swollen by the end of the day. The water you drink will help so be sure to get plenty. Also, plan to rest for at least 30 minutes with your feet up in the evening.

Sex is something that many pregnant couples don't feel comfortable discussing at length. However, sexuality can change a lot during pregnancy. While in the first trimester you may not have any interest in sex (usually from being nauseated, having sore breasts, or you are just too tired), in the second trimester libido is usually increased.

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Common Pregnancy Symptoms in Week 21

Breast Changes: tenderness, fullness, darkening of the areola
Frequent Urination
Constipation
Heartburn or Indigestion
Headaches
Stretch Marks
Itching
Round Ligament Pains

Early Pregnancy Questions

Babies Online Members in their 21th week of pregnancy have commonly asked the following questions:

Of Special Interest

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Your pregnancy is determined from the date of last menstral period, not date of conception. Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It is not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may recieve from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.