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Week 21
How Big is the Baby at 21
Weeks Pregnant?
By pregnancy week 21 your baby now weighs over 10
ounces and is a little larger than 7 inches long or about the length of a full
banana by now! Your baby will continue to grow at a remarkable pace as you
continue your pregnancy week by week.
Your Baby's Growth and Development
By
pregnancy 21 weeks your baby's growth has now slowed somewhat though your baby
is still growing and developing at a remarkable pace. At pregnancy week 21 your
baby's organs and central nervous system are still developing and maturing. Your
baby's skin continues to develop and mature as well.
Though not fully
matured or developed, your baby's digestive system is also working minimally at
pregnancy 21 weeks. The intestines are slowly starting to contract and relax
during pregnancy at 21 weeks, and your baby is able to swallow and absorb fluids
through the amniotic fluid at 21 weeks pregnant.
Though it seems unusual
that your baby may swallow amniotic fluid, this actually helps mature the
digestive system.
At some point in your pregnancy, you might actually
start noticing that your baby has started hiccupping. Believe it or not,
hiccupping in utero is actually quite common, and typically not a sign that your
baby is in distress. Fetal hiccups typically begin sometime during the second
trimester. You may notice hiccups as a small, repetitive and rhythmic movement
that occurs for a few minutes at a time in your belly. Many women actually enjoy
the sensation of their baby's hiccups because it reminds them that all is well
with their newborn baby.
Some babies will hiccup more than others.
Whereas one mom might only notice her baby hiccup on occasion, another might
notice their baby hiccup more than 5 times a day.
Your Growth and
Development
While you are growing during pregnancy week 21, your
abdomen is still a size that is quite manageable and allows a great deal of
movement and freedom. Many women enjoy the second trimester and consider it the
honeymoon of pregnancy.
Changes in
You
You may be noticing aches and pains in your leg during or
after 21 weeks pregnant. Just as with varicose veins, discussed in previous
weeks, support stockings can help alleviate leg heaviness and aches during
pregnancy. Try putting your maternity support hose on first thing in the morning
before you get out of bed. This will help alleviate unnecessary swelling and
discomfort in your legs.
Also consider propping your feet up when
sitting if you don't already do so. Another way to alleviate aches and pains is
regular exercise and stretching. Consider a 15-minute stretch and walk during
your lunch break or once in the morning and once during the afternoon. This will
go a long way toward alleviating aches and pains.
Typically more than
half of all women will get stretch marks during their pregnancy anytime during
pregnancy at 22 weeks, before or after. They may form on the breasts, inner
thighs, waist and abdomen as your body expands to accommodate your growing baby.
Typically stretch marks vary in color from white, to pink or purple and even
dark brown depending on your skin color. Many women believe that religious
application of lotion will prevent stretch marks from forming, but even the most
enthusiastic moisturizer may find themselves laden with stretch marks.
Whether or not you develop stretch marks is largely genetically
determined. Check out your mother's belly. If she has a lot of stretch marks,
chances are you may too. The good news is most stretch marks do fade in the
months following delivery. Even the most intense stretch marks become lighter
after birth. Many women wear their stretch marks with pride, as a sign of the
amazing feat the accomplished creating and carrying life for nine
months.
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