21 weeks pregnant: how the fetus develops and what happens in the body

In the twenty-first week, many women celebrate how their pregnancy paints them. Their hair becomes lush and grows quickly, and the appearance of the skin improves. Gives attractiveness and plump breasts.

21 weeks pregnant - sensations

The second half of pregnancy is now approaching, and there is less and less time left before childbirth. The tummy can no longer be hidden under clothes, it has noticeably rounded. In this regard, the posture has also changed.

This week, many women celebrate the emergence of new sensations:

• The child's development has entered the phase when he begins to gain weight rapidly. This is reflected in the future mom's appetite.
• The enlarged uterus forces to shift the center of gravity of the body back. In this regard, the load on the lower back increases.
• The child at this time moves in all women. Its movements can be seen even with the naked eye.
• The enlarged uterus presses on the lungs. Therefore, some women experience shortness of breath.
• The pressure of the uterus on the stomach can cause heartburn. It is felt especially strongly in the supine position.
• A growing child takes a lot of nutrients from the mother's body. Their lack affects well-being. Bleeding of the gums may appear.
• Periodically, women have a stuffy nose and nosebleeds.
• A drop in blood pressure causes dizziness and weakness.
• Some women are prone to mood swings. They feel unnecessary and empty.

Changes occur not only in the sensations of a pregnant woman. Her body continues to change. The uterus continues to grow, now its bottom can be felt slightly above the navel. Breasts are poured, some women even have colostrum. If all of these changes occur too quickly, stretch marks in the form of pink streaks may appear on the abdomen, thighs, or chest. So try not gain weight fast. Use special creams or olive oil to moisturize your skin and prevent stretch marks.

During this period, pay attention to the nature of possible pain, especially if you have a stomach ache. Cramping pain in the lower abdomen is a reason to see a doctor. Such pains are especially dangerous in combination with bloody discharge from the genitals. This could be a sign of starting premature birth... You should know that at this time your baby is not yet viable, and in case of premature birth, he will almost certainly die.

Allocations at this time, they should have a normal character - a scant amount, a light color, a subtle sour smell. Any deviation from this norm is a reason for a visit to the doctor.

If you are feeling well at this time, then you can quite fearlessly engage in having sex... However, remember that everything is fine in moderation. You should not use sophisticated positions, deep and rough penetrations. If you have a threat of pregnancy or you do not feel well, then it is better to abstain from sex.

21 weeks pregnant - what happens to the baby

Now your baby has gained weight up to 300 grams and has grown up to 18 centimeters. Now his development is focused on growth and weight gain. The proportions of his body are close to the proportions of a newborn baby. At this time, the hair on the head of the crumbs continues to grow. He already has eyebrow and eyelash branches. Now the child is busy with training - he is improving the movements that will be useful to him in the first place.

The baby swallows about half a liter of amniotic fluid every day. Thus, he trains the swallowing and sucking reflex. At the same time, the intestines and the kidneys are also trained. In moments of activity, the child often moves his arms or legs. To train breathing, the fetus raises and lowers the chest.

Now the fetus is improving the blood composition. He already has red blood cells, and now it is the turn of the formation of whites. They will provide the child's immunity in conjunction with other systems. At this time, taste receptors will continue to form on the baby's tongue. Now, when swallowing amniotic fluid, he is already able to distinguish their taste.

There is still enough room in the uterus, so the baby often rolls over without assuming a certain position.

21 weeks pregnant: video

Now some mothers are expecting a second ultrasound examination. Do not worry if, for some reason, an unscheduled ultrasound is prescribed for you. Modern medicine allows you to carry out any number of such procedures without harming your health or the well-being of your baby.

Ultrasound for such a period will probably show floor the unborn child, if, of course, he is turned in a comfortable way and wants to demonstrate his genitals. In addition, the doctor assesses the development of the fetus: its internal organs, physical activity, the state of the amniotic fluid, how pregnancy develops in general are studied in detail. If you decide to do a three-dimensional ultrasound, you yourself can observe the behavior of the baby in your womb.

Watch a short video where your doctor will tell you about the developmental characteristics of the fetus in the twenty-first week, as well as give some recommendations regarding your well-being and behavior.