Baby development at 21 weeks
Exploring Taste Sensation: Your Baby’s Palate at Work
Witness the remarkable development of your baby’s taste buds, actively discerning the flavors of your diet through the ingestion of amniotic fluid.
Sucking Reflex Unveiled: A Thumb-Sucking Symphony
Embark on the journey of your baby’s developing sucking reflex, as they gracefully engage in the act of thumb-sucking—a captivating spectacle often glimpsed during ultrasound examinations.
Skin Chronicles: From Wrinkles to Radiance
Anticipate the future allure of smooth, flawless skin as your baby’s current state boasts wrinkled, translucent charm, accompanied by a reddish tint emanating from visible blood vessels.
Your baby is about the size of a carrot
Pregnancy symptoms during week 21
Varicose Veins:
As your pregnancy progresses, the increasing weight of your uterus exerts additional pressure on the veins in your legs, making you more susceptible to varicose veins. Elevated progesterone levels can exacerbate the issue by causing the walls of your veins to relax. To minimize the risk of varicose veins, incorporate daily exercise, maintain a healthy pregnancy weight, elevate your feet to heart level or higher, avoid crossing your legs or ankles while sitting, and refrain from prolonged periods of standing or sitting without movement. Wearing compression socks can also aid in improving blood flow from your legs.
Bleeding Gums:
Approximately half of expecting mothers experience pregnancy gingivitis, characterized by inflamed gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. While unlikely to harm your baby, severe gum disease has been linked to complications. Ensure good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. Dental visits during pregnancy are safe and essential for regular checkups, cleanings, and any necessary treatments.
Clumsiness:
As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts, occasionally causing a feeling of unsteadiness. Minimize the risk of falling by slowing down, avoiding precarious tasks, opting for low-heeled shoes, and walking cautiously on uneven or slippery surfaces.
Braxton Hicks Contractions:
Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic, painless uterine contractions often noticed around 21 weeks. They may occur more frequently at the end of the day, when dehydrated, or after physical activities. Although harmless, distinguishing them from preterm labor can be challenging. If you experience regular contractions or signs of preterm labor, promptly contact your doctor or midwife.
Heartburn:
Common during pregnancy due to hormonal and physical changes, heartburn manifests as a burning sensation from the breastbone to the lower throat. While generally harmless, it can be uncomfortable. Explore strategies to prevent and alleviate heartburn during pregnancy.
Weight Gain:
At this stage of pregnancy, a typical weight gain is approximately one pound per week. Consult with your doctor or midwife to determine a healthy weight gain based on your individual needs. Customized approaches are crucial, especially for those who are overweight, obese, or underweight. Use our Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator for guidance.
Pregnancy checklist at 21 weeks pregnant
Check the fit of your rings
It’s common to experience swelling in your fingers during pregnancy. If your rings feel tight, take them off to prevent getting them stuck. Consider wearing them on a chain close to your heart. Note: If you notice significant swelling in your hands, contact your healthcare provider.
Avoid risky activities
As your belly grows, steer clear of activities with a high risk of falling or other hazards. This includes activities like scuba diving, contact sports, snowboarding, downhill skiing, hot yoga, horseback riding, hot tubbing, four-wheelers, water slides, and certain amusement park rides.
Assess your finances
Welcoming a new family member alters your financial landscape. Taking the time to adjust your budget for the baby can reduce stress and enhance your financial security. While it may not be the most exciting task, addressing major financial aspects such as insurance, taxes, wills, and childcare sooner rather than later is wise.
Set up your baby registry
If you haven’t created a baby registry yet, now is a good time to do so. Since you’ll need a variety of baby products, having friends and family contribute can be a great help. Unsure where to begin? Our Baby Registry Builder simplifies the process, helping you choose the best registries for your needs and decide what to include.
Manage stress
While everyone experiences some stress, persistent or overwhelming stress can lead to issues during pregnancy, such as premature birth, preeclampsia, and low birth weight. To alleviate stress, try incorporating exercise, seeking support from friends and family, and practicing mindfulness techniques. If stress becomes overwhelming, consult your healthcare provider and consider seeking assistance from a therapist.
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