Your baby is developing in leaps and bounds in week 21. It is still moving a lot and doing gymnastics in your belly. It continues to suck its thumb and swallow amniotic fluid. In this week of your pregnancy, your baby also develops a sleep-wake rhythm that is influenced by various factors.
In our pregnancy calendar, we summarize for you which developmental steps your baby goes through this week and show you how big and heavy it is by now. We also explain how your body develops in week 21 and which symptoms you might have. We also summarize what to expect at the second major ultrasound examination and why you should take a look at our automatic baby hammock now.
How your baby develops in the 21st week of pregnancy
In the 21st week of pregnancy, you are in the first week of the sixth month of your pregnancy. In the last few months, a small baby has grown in your belly, which is already lively doing gymnastics and getting bigger from week to week. Perhaps you have already found out in the past few weeks whether you are having a boy or a girl.
Your baby also goes through some important stages in its development in the 21st week of pregnancy:
Your baby develops a sleep rhythm
Your baby develops a sleep-wake rhythm in week 21. It now perceives noise and light, so that external factors also influence your baby's sleep. Your bowel sounds can also keep your baby awake.
Your baby moves a lot
Your baby kicks in your uterus and turns around. It also pulls on the umbilical cord and sucks its thumb. In this way, your baby is training for its later life outside your belly. You may already be able to feel the baby's movements.
Grooves form on the skull
This week, the grooves on your baby's bony skull develop. They remain for a lifetime and only close when your baby is a teenager.
Your baby develops a preferred sleeping position
Your baby now has active phases and hours in which it sleeps. Babies take up different sleeping positions and even develop a preferred position. You may be able to see on the ultrasound how your baby prefers to sleep.
Many expectant mothers particularly enjoy this phase of pregnancy. Your baby can now hear you and can recognize your voice after birth. It also reacts to warmth and your daily rhythm. You may also notice how your connection to your baby is becoming even closer now. The first movements feel like a slight tingling or bubbling.
Size & weight of your baby in week 21
Your baby is approximately 23 to 25 centimeters tall in week 21. It is slowly becoming clear whether your baby is growing faster or slower compared to others. Growth is influenced by a wide variety of factors and is regularly checked by your doctor. This also applies to your baby's weight.
Your baby currently weighs 280 to 350 grams. In a few weeks of pregnancy, your baby will already weigh half a kilo. It is currently as big as an eggplant or a large banana. Its legs are even quite a bit longer than its arms.
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Belly & kicks: How your body develops in the 21st week of pregnancy
You are now six months pregnant and probably can't hide your belly anymore. It continues to grow from week to week so that your baby has enough space. As a result, you will notice a significant weight gain. Most women have gained about 4 to 7 kilograms by week 21. By the time of birth, it will be around 12 kilograms.
This is already leading to back pain. Especially the lower back hurts for many pregnant women. Your uterus is getting bigger and bigger and your center of gravity is moving forward. This also pulls the lower back forward, which can lead to pain. Therefore, avoid standing for long periods and ideally get a footrest that relieves your lower back.
You may already be feeling your baby's first movements. However, it is also normal for it to take a few more weeks. In this case, you just have to be a little patient.
Your body has to supply not only you but also your baby. As a result, you have an increased need for nutrients and should eat a balanced diet. Magnesium can prevent cramps in the calves, while many pregnant women also have to take iron supplements.
Symptoms & complaints in the 21st week of pregnancy
Your pregnancy is progressing in big steps: For many women, this is associated with new symptoms and complaints. However, not all pregnant women suffer from the same strains. So it is quite normal if you feel different from other women and do not have all the symptoms. Every pregnancy is individual and every body is different.
We summarize common symptoms of the 21st week of pregnancy for you:
Muscle cramps
Due to your pregnancy, you have an increased need for magnesium. Therefore, sudden cramps in the legs, especially in the calves, can occur. Therefore, try to eat magnesium-rich foods specifically.
Constipation
Your growing uterus is now also pressing on your intestines. This can lead to constipation and painful bloating. You can try pregnancy teas or go for a walk after meals.
Headaches
Due to your hormonal fluctuations, you may suffer from headaches. However, it could also be that you are under a lot of stress or your neck is tense. Try to relax and find some peace.
Bladder infection
Your pelvis is now widening to prepare for the upcoming birth. Your mucous membranes are also becoming more sensitive, which means bacteria can enter your urethra more quickly. Therefore, go to the toilet regularly and keep your pelvis warm.
Shiny hair
During your pregnancy, the hormone progesterone ensures that your hair gets a special shine. The same hormone also makes your fingernails stronger. Enjoy your pregnancy glow and show yourself off with pretty maternity fashion.
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Second major ultrasound in week 21
Between the 19th and the 22nd week of pregnancy, your gynecologist will perform the second major ultrasound examination. The third major ultrasound examination will then take place between the 29th and 32nd week of pregnancy.
Your baby will be examined and scrutinized in detail on the ultrasound. The doctor checks various parameters:
Size & weight
The doctor will accurately determine and record your baby's size and weight. He will check whether your baby is developing according to its age. The organs are also closely examined on the ultrasound to detect possible malformations at an early stage.
Gestational age
As part of the ultrasound examination, your doctor also estimates the gestational age of the fetus. This indicates how old the baby is since the day of conception. Based on this data, the expected date of birth is then determined or adjusted.
Heart activity
Your doctor measures your baby's heartbeat and also takes a look at the heart activity via ultrasound. If babies have a heart defect, this can be recognized before birth and appropriate measures can be initiated.
Position of the placenta
The placenta can be located in different places in your uterus. For example, there is a posterior placenta, an anterior placenta, and lateral placentas. The position is noted in your maternity record.
You will also be examined at the doctor's appointment. For example, your blood pressure will be measured, blood will be taken, and a urine sample will be examined. This extensive check ensures that you and your baby are doing well.
