Child development at 21 weeks of pregnancy. Discharge in pregnant women

The 21st obstetric week of pregnancy is half of the entire waiting period for the baby. In this article we will talk about how the child develops, how the mother feels and how to correctly count movements.

How does a baby develop at 21 weeks of pregnancy and what special happens during this period in the womb?

21 weeks of pregnancy - fetal development, photos of how the baby develops and feels

This week the skin of the unborn baby becomes denser and smoother, acquiring a natural shade. He grew up up to 26 cm, weighs approximately 370 g, which corresponds to the size of a coconut, or a large grapefruit.

The diameter of the child's head is 49.9 mm, tummy - 50.5 mm, chest - 50 mm.

Starting this week, its growth rate will begin to slow down a little. Now the baby begins to actively gain weight, which causes an exorbitant appetite in the mother.

What has formed, what is happening, what does it look like?

What changes happen to the baby at 21 weeks:

The correct outlines of the lips are formed.
The eyebrows and eyelashes have finally formed, but they are still colorless.
The fingertips formed swirls that would later become unique fingerprints.
The spleen begins its work.
Subcutaneous fat continues to accumulate.
The legs have become significantly longer.
Taste buds on the tongue can detect the taste of amniotic fluid.
The stomach begins to separate water, sugar, and other nutrients from amniotic fluid.

What can be seen on an ultrasound?

It is at 21 weeks that the mother will be able to last time see your baby on the screen in full height. Later he will grow so big that he will no longer fit on the screen.

During the ultrasound procedure, the following parameters of the fetus are studied:

Size between the temporal bones.
Fronto-occipital size.
Head circumference.
Abdominal circumference.
Limb sizes.

Important! Modern equipment does not provide ultrasound examination harmful effects for woman and child. Therefore, ultrasound can be performed as many times as needed without worrying about the consequences.

Video: 21 weeks pregnant

Fetal heart rate at 21 weeks

Throughout pregnancy, the baby's heart rate changes. The baby's heart beats fastest at 10 weeks. From the second trimester, the frequency of contractions gradually decreases. This week it should average 150 hits in a minute.

Considering the fact that during sleep the baby’s heartbeat and breathing slow down, slight deviations in the values are allowed.

What happens in a woman's body?

A pregnant mother may notice the following changes:

The skin of the face becomes more oily and greasy.
The appearance of unwanted hair in various places.
It's hard to take a deep breath and exhale.

Due to the intense growth of the fetus, the spine, lower back and knee joints experience enormous stress.

Due to an increase in circulating blood, it can develop anemia. This causes dizziness and drowsiness.

An expectant mother may be surprised to discover that she is snoring.

This not very pleasant phenomenon can be caused by several reasons:

An increased level of progesterone in the blood relaxes the muscles of the body and reduces the tone of the pharyngeal muscles.
Intensive weight gain. Fatty deposits that accumulate in the tissue spaces of the neck cause a narrowing of the respiratory canal.
Rhinitis during pregnancy (hormonal runny nose). Nasal breathing disorders contribute to the appearance of snoring.

After childbirth, snoring most often disappears without a trace.

Changes in a woman’s body at 21 obstetric weeks of pregnancy

Chest and abdomen of a woman at 21 weeks of pregnancy

With a large weight gain, the expectant mother's breasts may become even larger. As in previous periods, a woman may experience minor discomfort associated with itching of the skin in the chest area.

By the middle of pregnancy, the tummy is already quite large and from time to time it may ache. All this is the result of an enlarging uterus.

During pregnancy, a woman's uterus increases almost 500 times! Some time after giving birth, she returns to her normal size.

First movements during pregnancy

At this stage, a very small percentage of women do not feel any movement. Basically, at 21 weeks, mothers already feel well how the baby is giving signals from the inside. In addition, the baby can respond to his mother’s touch. This forms a kind of dialogue between mother and child.

If the baby's movements occur regularly, the mother can begin to count them. Normally, within 12 hours a woman should feel at least 10 movements.

Moving too often may mean that he is not getting enough air. In this case, the mother should avoid being in a stuffy room and try to move more.

What can and cannot be done for a woman during pregnancy?

Now the main rule for all mothers is to avoid too much weight gain. It must be remembered that daily norm calories for a woman this period equal to 2800 – 3000 kcal. This is on average 300-400 more than usual. This means that eating a chocolate bar doubles your calorie intake. And if mommy eats three of these chocolates a week, this may already lead to excess weight gain.

It is very important to ensure that your diet contains essential vitamins and microelements. Special attention At this time you need to give calcium. However, you should not get carried away with it either; it must be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor.

The fact is that excess calcium in a baby’s body can lead to equally unpleasant consequences: for example, premature overgrowth of the fontanel, which will make natural childbirth impossible.

All movements should be unhurried. Because due to high level progesterone muscles are very relaxed during pregnancy. If a woman has to go shopping herself, she should try to evenly distribute the load on both hands.

At this stage, it will be useful to master breathing techniques for pregnant women. Firstly, it alleviates the woman’s condition, and secondly, such skills will greatly help during the birth of a baby. Proper breathing will help reduce pain during contractions.

21 weeks pregnant - how to understand that everything is fine

Experiences are common to every pregnant woman. But the longer the period, the more opportunities there are to determine how well the pregnancy is going.

The main signs that everything is fine with the baby:

Constant increase in body weight.
Enlarged belly.
Regular movements.
Normal discharge.

Mommy should always monitor these indicators, and if there is the slightest deviation, consult a doctor.

Uterus

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus continues to grow and put pressure on the intestines. This may cause a woman to experience constipation. The pressure on various organs becomes noticeable and causes discomfort. The bladder also suffers due to the growth of the uterus, so the expectant mother feels a frequent urge to urinate. The growing uterus displaces the stomach: it is now located above and behind. The pressure in this organ increases, and the angle between the intestines and the stomach changes.

Fetus

The baby's eyes gradually open slightly, he hears his mother well. The baby still remains thin, but is already beginning to gain weight. His body is covered with lubricant and original fluff. Often, the fetus moves actively at 21 weeks of pregnancy, and the mother feels movements in the lower abdomen.

The position of the fetus may change - there is a lot of amniotic fluid, and the baby feels spacious. The child sleeps about 20 hours a day and even dreams.

The baby continues to accumulate fats for muscle development and weight gain, which is why the expectant mother is so hungry during this period.

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s digestive system improves: part of the food is absorbed by the body, and the other part passes into the rectum. Enzymes support intestinal function hydrochloric acid, which are produced in the body in small quantities.

Muscle and bone tissue continue to strengthen. The endocrine glands are working fully, and the spleen has recently started working. The production of white blood cells responsible for suppressing infections occurs. Improves bone marrow. The size of the fetus at 21 weeks of gestation is already 26 cm.

The taste buds on the baby's tongue are almost developed, and very soon the baby will fully appreciate the taste of amniotic fluid. The placental layer gradually thickens, at 21 weeks it is 22.81 cm. The baby’s heartbeat is now listened to using a small tube called a stethoscope.

Stomach

The belly at 21 weeks of pregnancy is quite large: the baby inside is constantly growing and takes up everything more space. This is why the movements and impacts become more pronounced. Outsiders may be able to see the baby's movements. The most observant ones notice the protrusion of an arm, leg or butt. At this stage, pain occurs due to tension in the abdominal muscles.

Feelings at 21 weeks of pregnancy

If a woman is thin, then her tummy may still be small now. The pregnant woman continues to experience pain in the lower back, abdomen and sides. They are caused by severe pressure from the uterus on the body and do not pose a danger to mother and baby.

The expectant mother's legs may swell: this is caused by a large accumulation of fluid in her body. Colostrum may be released from the breast.

Most expectant mothers feel movements in the lower abdomen at 21 weeks of pregnancy, which give them great pleasure. However, if the mother still does not feel the baby’s movements, then this may happen a little later - some women begin to feel movements at 24 weeks. Can a specialist easily listen to a child’s heartbeat? This means that the expectant mother has no reason to worry.

Pain

Pain at 21 weeks of pregnancy can be of a very different nature: tingling in the navel, pain in the lumbosacral area, back and legs. Unpleasant sensations arise due to the ever-increasing load on the spinal column. The child puts pressure on the pelvic area, which is especially felt after sitting or standing for a long time.

But pulling or cramping pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the lumbar region, is not the norm. It may appear with uterine tone.

Muscle cramps of the lower extremities can be a consequence of calcium deficiency.

Weight

The weight gain is about 6.5 kg. Weekly weight at 21 weeks of pregnancy increases by 0.3 kg. Appetite at this stage is good, but you should not overeat. You need to eat a balanced diet; there is no need for extra calories.

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, all the baby’s organs are almost formed. But this does not mean that the expectant mother should neglect certain recommendations.

Nutrition

Nutrition at 21 weeks of pregnancy should be correct. The fetus grows rapidly, so the woman experiences constant hunger. In this regard, you can gain unwanted kilograms, which are dangerous for her and the baby.

In order for the birth to go smoothly, she should eat vegetables and fruits, boiled or baked beef and fish in small portions. If a woman really wants something sweet, she can replace it with figs, dates or dried fruits in small quantities.

Vitamins

The expectant mother continues to take the vitamin and mineral complex recommended by the doctor. If necessary, the gynecologist will recommend taking medications.

If you eat fruits and berries in large quantities, you can do without taking synthetic vitamins.

Sex

If you have uterine tone, are pregnant with twins, or have certain health problems, it is better for the expectant mother to abstain from sex at 21 weeks of pregnancy and beyond.

Physical activity

Sports activities are still not contraindicated; they should be moderate, without heavy loads.

With proper physical activity, the baby receives oxygen, and the mother’s body becomes stronger. Doctors recommend choosing swimming. In the normal course of pregnancy, it can be continued until birth.

Also suitable for a woman are water aerobics, exercise machines or home gymnastic exercises that do not put strain on the back and stomach at 21 weeks of pregnancy. But they should be done only after consultation with a specialist. Dangerous sports should be abandoned for a while.

Medicines and medical procedures

The expectant mother should be wary of medications during the 21st week of pregnancy until birth. She can only start using certain medications if prescribed by a doctor.

Surely the woman has already studied her body, and with a common cold at 21 obstetric weeks of pregnancy, she can limit herself to traditional methods treatment. If you have an acute respiratory viral infection, you should still consult a specialist and rule out serious consequences.

Today, every pharmacy has safe homeopathic remedies that improve immunity and help you recover faster. If the expectant mother has a fever, then it should be brought down only after 38 degrees.

Possible problems

You need to worry about the fact that the expectant mother does not feel the baby’s movements if the specialist does not listen to the baby’s heartbeat. In this case, the doctor will refer the woman at 21 weeks of pregnancy for an ultrasound. The study will clarify the situation, exclude or confirm a frozen pregnancy.

Discharge

A woman needs to pay attention to the discharge at 21 weeks of pregnancy: normally it is transparent, white or yellowish. If green, foul-smelling discharge occurs in large quantities, you should consult a specialist. If there is bleeding, call ambulance. If there is bloody discharge, the expectant mother should also not hesitate, but immediately see a gynecologist.

Ultrasound and tests

thigh length – 37 mm;
chest diameter – 50 mm;
abdominal circumference – 144 mm.

In addition to the ultrasound, the specialist will prescribe tests at 21 weeks of pregnancy. If a woman has recently donated blood, the doctor will limit herself to a general urine test.

Features of IVF pregnancy

At the 21st obstetric week of IVF pregnancy, the doctor will refer the expectant mother for an ultrasound to see or rule out problems in the development of the baby.

If pregnancy does not have any abnormalities, then the woman can go to a regular antenatal clinic. However, if a specialist sees a certain threat, then observations must be extended to 28 weeks.

Multiple pregnancy

With multiple gestations at 21 weeks, more than half of the term is already left behind, because such babies are born faster: birth occurs at approximately 37 weeks.

The rest of the pregnancy is uneventful. The only thing that worries the expectant mother is the rapid growth of the abdomen and the pressure of the uterus on internal organs.

Video of the twenty-first week of pregnancy

The 21st week of pregnancy is already the second half of the entire period of gestation. Many things are happening now important changes, thanks to which the baby will be able to live a full life after birth. In our article you can find out what happens to the baby and mother at this stage, what tests are needed in the second trimester, and also see the baby on an ultrasound.

Baby development

The 21st week of pregnancy is a particularly important period, since it is now that the baby’s endocrine system begins to function. The child’s pituitary gland, thyroid and pancreas, pineal gland and adrenal glands begin to work. Thanks to this, the baby's growth becomes rapid. Internal organs are actively improving, the body’s passive defense is functioning (immune cells still come from the mother through the placenta).

What else happens to the baby:

The baby drinks about a liter of amniotic fluid, after which it is excreted by the urinary system.
The digestive system is functioning. The baby absorbs everything the woman eats.
The spleen takes an active part in hematopoiesis. The tiny body is already producing white blood cells and red blood cells. At 21 weeks of pregnancy, it is already possible to determine the baby’s blood type and its Rh factor.
Thanks to developed taste buds, the baby begins to distinguish tastes. Already now he knows when mom eats sour, salty, sweet. Some experts believe that at this stage the child is already developing taste preferences, for example, a love for sweet or spicy foods.
The vestibular apparatus of a little man at 21 weeks of pregnancy is quite well developed. While awake, the toddler tumbles, turns, plays with his legs, tries to grab the umbilical cord, and puts his fingers in his mouth. Most of the time the baby sleeps.
A layer of fat begins to appear under thin skin. Thanks to this, the dermis acquires a lighter shade. The subcutaneous glands are actively functioning. They now produce the lubricant that the baby needs to protect himself from harmful factors environment.

By the 21st week of pregnancy, the baby's weight is approximately 300-350 grams and his height is about 28 centimeters.

The baby's eyes are still closed with eyelids, but under them they are actively developing. From now on, the little one begins to hear.

Baby movements at 21 weeks of pregnancy

At this stage, many mothers have already felt the first movements of their baby, but many are becoming acquainted with them only now. There is still enough space in the womb for the fetus, so it moves freely, tumbles, bends and unbends its arms and legs.

Most babies already develop a certain pattern of wakefulness and sleep. It often happens that the little one gives mother no rest at night, but sleeps soundly during the day. Don't worry about this. Later the regime returns to normal. If this happens, experts recommend talking to the baby in the evening, turning on calm music or singing a lullaby. This will help restore the correct mode.

How often should a baby move at 21 weeks of pregnancy? The movement test is carried out from 28 weeks. For all mothers, the number of kicks per day is individual, but if they are not present at a given time, you should definitely inform your doctor about it.

As already mentioned, at 21 weeks of pregnancy, most mothers are already familiar with movements. The baby's muscular and skeletal system becomes stronger every day, so the tremors are felt more and more clearly. The toddler hears your voice and surrounding sounds. Try to avoid too noisy places, talk to your child more often, tell him fairy tales, turn on calm music.

What worries a pregnant woman at this stage:

Painful sensations in the lower abdomen and lumbar region. The lower abdomen pulls due to the increase in size of the uterus, because every day the muscle fibers of the organ stretch, causing discomfort. Lower back pain may appear due to a shift in the center of gravity, which is caused by an increase in the size of the abdomen.
Shortness of breath appears. Breathing disturbance is pronounced during walking or other physical activity. All internal organs, including the lungs, are compressed by the growing uterus, which causes shortness of breath.
Often girls have pain on the right or left side. This is due to indigestion, flatulence and other changes. If pain occurs frequently, it is important to undergo an examination to exclude possible pathologies from the internal organs.
Many girls are worried about swelling. They develop due to an increase in fluid in the body, increased load on the lower limbs and under the influence of some other factors.
Although toxicosis, vomiting and nausea are receding, some eating disorders are still observed. Heartburn, flatulence, and diarrhea appear. To cope with these unpleasant symptoms of a pregnant woman at 21 weeks, it is recommended to reconsider her diet, fill the menu with vegetables, fruits, and dairy products.
Often women suffer from sleep disorders. This is due to the fact that babies are often active at night. In addition, many mothers experience quite strong emotions and fears about the upcoming birth.

By the way, a few words should be said separately about the emotional state.

Many mothers lose confidence in themselves, become withdrawn, panic, and worry about whether they will be able to properly care for their baby.

In the twenty-first week of pregnancy, the fetus descends slightly into the pelvic area, and appetite increases greatly. During this period, you must not forget to monitor your diet, because you can gain a lot of extra pounds.

Discharge

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, as well as at more early stages, the discharge should normally have a mucous, transparent consistency. Odor in the absence various diseases absent. If yellow, beige, brown, or greenish spots appear on the laundry, this is a reason for immediate examination.

Brown, brown or reddish discharge, accompanied by pain, fever, headache and other alarming signs, is considered especially dangerous. This shade of secretion often indicates the beginning of bleeding, which often acts as a symptom of miscarriage or missed pregnancy.

Belly at 21 weeks

The size of the abdomen at this stage depends on many factors. This includes the rate of weight gain of the pregnant woman, body constitution, position of the fetus in the womb and some others. individual characteristics.

Below you can see a photo of the belly in the twenty-first week of pregnancy.

The photo shows that all mothers’ tummy has a different shape and volume at 21 weeks of pregnancy.

Breast

At this time, the mammary glands are actively preparing for the upcoming lactation. Breasts noticeably increase in size, so it is extremely important to take care of soft, natural underwear. Some doctors believe that already at this stage Mom should start preparing her nipples for breastfeeding. This will help to avoid such unpleasant consequences as cracks, because they give the girl severe pain when putting the baby to the breast.

Mom can prepare the nipples using simple actions:

Perform a general massage of the glands using a terry towel. To do this, stroke your breasts clockwise 10-15 times.
Preparation of the nipples is carried out with light pulling movements. You can also massage them with a rough towel.
At the end of the session, rinse the glands with cool water and apply any oil (aloe, apricot, sea buckthorn).

When performing a massage, remember that applying pressure to the nipples can increase the tone of the uterus.

Be extremely careful. If discomfort of any intensity occurs, stop the procedure.

21 weeks of pregnancy is how many months?

The twenty-first obstetric week of pregnancy is the fifth month. Obstetric period is calculated from the first day of the last menstruation. The embryonic period differs from it by 1-2 weeks, which depends on the number of cycle days (days of the cycle) in the girl. This period is calculated from the day the child is conceived. The twenty-first obstetric week is 19-20 embryonic weeks, or exactly five months.

Examinations during this period

As planned, at 20-22 weeks, an ultrasound examination of the fetus is performed and general analysis blood and urine. If there are various abnormalities in mother and baby, additional research may be needed:

if anemia is suspected, a blood test may be needed;
if varicose veins develop in the legs, a coagulogram is performed;
in the presence of pathological discharge, a smear is taken from the vagina for pathogenic microflora:
if bleeding and vascular disorders are suspected, a D Dimer test is prescribed.

The decision about what tests a particular patient needs is made by the leading physician based on previous tests.

Mommy is required to attend all scheduled examinations and take the necessary tests. This is necessary for her safety and to exclude pathologies in the baby at 21 weeks of pregnancy.

Do you want to know about this important indicators how to use hCG during pregnancy? Then read.

What do they look for on an ultrasound?

An ultrasound examination of the baby allows one to evaluate important criteria indicating normal fetal development at 21 weeks of pregnancy. What the doctor evaluates during an ultrasound:

size and location of the fetus;
how much does the child weigh;
placenta attachment site;
baby's heart rate;
baby activity;
condition of the placenta and amniotic fluid;
cervical length and more.

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's heartbeat is 130-140 beats per minute. The doctor monitors this indicator throughout the entire period. Minor physiological deviations are allowed due to the psychological state of the mother or the position of the pregnant woman’s body.

Table of ultrasound norms:

Minor fluctuations up or down are allowed.

Photo of the fetus on ultrasound

You can see what a toddler looks like at this stage in the photo:

Here's a twin pregnancy:

Boys and girls look the same in the womb; the sex of the child can be distinguished by the genitals. In the twenty-first week, this is not particularly difficult for an experienced specialist.

Risks for mother and baby

Twenty-one weeks of pregnancy is already the beginning of the sixth month. Now mother and child face various dangers. Let's look at what problems a girl may face.

The placenta acts as an important link between the woman and the fetus. Thanks to this organ, the child receives oxygen and other nutrients. With the successful development of pregnancy, the “baby seat” is attached according to back wall reproductive organ, 6-7 cm higher from the uterine pharynx. If the placenta is lower, we are talking about low placentation in a woman.

Reasons for rejection:

heart and vascular diseases in the mother;
inflammatory diseases genitals;
fibroids, uterine underdevelopment;
endometrial pathology due to infection;
previous abortions and miscarriages;
multiple pregnancy and so on.

What is the danger of this condition for mother and child? The fact is that in the lower part of the uterus there is a smaller amount blood vessels. Due to this, the fetus receives less oxygen. In addition, due to the baby's increase in size, there is a risk of bleeding and placental abruption.

To prevent dangerous complications, a woman at 21 weeks of pregnancy with low placentation is recommended to adhere to the following tips:

limit physical activity;
try to minimize stress;
relax more, walk in the fresh air;
refuse intimacy;
Visit your doctor regularly and take the necessary tests.

There is no specific treatment for low placentation during pregnancy. For women with this pathology, doctors prescribe sedatives and limit physical activity. The type of delivery depends on the location of the placenta. If it is located 5-6 cm above the uterine pharynx, complications, as a rule, do not arise. When the baby's place is located too close to the exit of the uterus, a Caesarean section is often performed.

Breech presentation of the fetus

For a normal birth process, the baby in the womb should be positioned head down. Sometimes it happens that the baby takes the wrong position, for example, butt down. In this case we are talking about breech presentation of the fetus. Why is this happening?

Causes related to maternal factors:

Congenital or acquired pathologies of the structure of the uterus, as a result of which there is not enough space for the baby to turn over.
Myoma in the area of the reproductive organ.
Benign or malignant formations.
The presence of scars in the uterine area due to previous abortions, Caesarean sections.
Congenital weakness of the muscle fibers of the uterus and peritoneum.

Fetal factors of presentation include:

Congenital pathologies in a child.
Hypotrophy or poor development of certain organs and systems in the baby.
Diseases of muscle, bone tissue and central nervous system in the fetus.
Multiple pregnancy.

In addition, there are reasons for placenta previa. These include oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios, premature aging of the “children’s place”, a short umbilical cord or entanglement and some other factors.

If at 21 weeks of pregnancy the above factors are absent, then by the time of birth the baby, as a rule, independently takes the correct position.

There is no drug treatment for breech presentation of the fetus. In most cases, the mother is prescribed special gymnastics. Exercises help the baby turn in the right direction in 70% of cases. You can see how to perform physical therapy in this video.

You are on the threshold of the sixth month of pregnancy, which belongs to the most prosperous period - the second trimester. The 21st week of pregnancy is a relatively calm time, the tummy has not yet grown so much as to limit your movements, and toxicosis, as a rule, is not a concern at this stage.

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, it is easy to find out what is happening to the baby. It is at this time that a routine ultrasound is most often carried out, in addition, tactile contact with the child, through pushes, will also give you an idea of his well-being and mood.

Baby development at 21 weeks

Your baby has gained weight by 21 weeks: standard weight is around 360 grams, while the baby’s height is 26-27 cm;
Please note that from week 20, growth is measured along the entire length of the body, and not, as before, from the crown to the tailbone. These sizes still allow the fetus at 21 weeks of gestation to actively move in the tummy, which you clearly feel;
The force of the pushes increases somewhat, the child’s skeletal system has simply become stronger, and he actively pushes away or pounds the walls with his fists;
The child’s nutritional activity only intensifies, he often swallows amniotic fluid with useful substances trapped in it, the fluid is removed from his body when he pees, but undigested microscopic particles are deposited in the intestines and form feces;
Just imagine that the child already distinguishes tastes, so he may get angry if you eat something sour or bitter (current article on the topic of nutrition during this period: What not to eat during pregnancy?>>>);
IN gastrointestinal tract Enzymes and gastric juice are already present in the baby, although in minimal doses;
At the 21st week of pregnancy, the spleen begins to work (learn about how the baby grows and develops throughout pregnancy from the article Development of a child in the womb >>>);
At 21 weeks of pregnancy, fetal development is aimed at improving the functioning of internal organs, so the endocrine and immune systems are actively involved in the work, and the lungs develop.

Mom's well-being

Your well-being and sensations at 21 weeks of pregnancy are characterized positively, both physically and psychologically. This perfect time to prepare the house for the arrival of the baby and purchase the necessary things, unless, of course, you are superstitious (read about what exactly you need to take in the article: What to buy for a newborn for the first time?>>>). Your belly is noticeable, but it doesn’t yet restrict your movements too much.

Uterus size

Your baby needs space to grow and thrive, and your body does a great job of providing that. The uterus at 21 weeks of pregnancy can be felt at the level of the navel, or even a centimeter above it.

The total height of the uterus is 21 cm. And, if the baby is spacious in such a house, then for you these parameters are fraught with compression of the internal organs, problems with urination or heartburn. Don't worry, all these symptoms are temporary.

Pain at 21 weeks

You may experience some soreness during the 21st week of pregnancy. It's time to decide which of them are considered normal and which signal dangerous conditions:

Pain in the lower abdomen. Unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen may be a consequence of the growth of the uterus and the preparation of the pelvis for the birth process. It is important to ensure that the pain does not become acute and is not accompanied by bloody discharge, since in this case this is a signal of a threat of miscarriage. When your stomach hurts acutely at 21 weeks of pregnancy, you need the help of a specialist;

Chest pain. You may feel pain when you touch your breasts, and this is not surprising, they increase in size, become fuller, and the first colostrum is already released from the mammary glands (read on the topic: When do breasts begin to hurt during pregnancy?>>>).
Back pain. These sensations most often appear after walking for a long time or being in a static position. Pain can occur due to a shift in the center of gravity and bending forward, wearing uncomfortable shoes, or sitting for a long time. Don't forget about rest;
Pain in the navel area. You may feel sharp or throbbing pain in the navel area, they are caused by the internal pressure of the uterus, the bottom of which is located at this level at 21 weeks of pregnancy;
Leg pain. You may feel heaviness and pain in your legs, cramps, due to an increase in your weight and swelling, especially if you have been on your feet all day. Cramps occur due to vitamin deficiency; you may have to take a vitamin complex or balance your diet;

How to do it safely and get greatest benefit, I tell you in the book Secrets of proper nutrition for an expectant mother >>>.

Headache. Dizziness in the morning or when jumping up suddenly is a common occurrence in mid-pregnancy. Your circulatory system works in enhanced mode, and it does not need additional stress. Migraines may occur, especially if you are overexcited. You need to relax, drink warm mint tea and take a walk in the fresh air.

Any painful sensations can be alleviated or reduced to zero using massages, water procedures using special support bandages.

Bleeding. Discharge

Standard normal discharge at 21 weeks of pregnancy is characterized as clear, moderate, and without a distinct odor. All others will indicate certain problems:

The curd consistency of the discharge, accompanied by itching or burning, indicates infection with Candida fungi or thrush (read on the topic: Thrush during pregnancy >>>).
Abundant opaque discharge with yellow or green purulent clots is a signal of an inflammatory process, consult a doctor;
Brown discharge at 21 weeks of pregnancy is nothing more than splashes of blood. Small amounts of bleeding are possible with cervical erosions. If the discharge is profuse and there is a strong tug in the stomach at 21 weeks of pregnancy, then there is a risk of miscarriage or missed abortion.

Please note that bloody marks on your underwear may appear due to constipation or inflammation of hemorrhoids.

Feelings at 21 weeks

At the start of the 21st week of pregnancy, what happens to the mother is felt by your baby. And his mood is clear from the tremors, which during this period are becoming stronger and more noticeable. From light tickling to persistent buzzing – these are the results of your tête-à-tête with your child.

You've probably noticed that the baby's peak activity and movements at 21 weeks of pregnancy begin in the evening. Try to calm your baby down, sing him a lullaby or just stroke his belly. In total, the child spends only 4 hours in an active state, and when you lie down, these movements are most noticeable;
At 21 weeks of pregnancy, the belly gradually increases, and the waist circumference becomes larger. Accurate measurements are an individual matter, they depend on the weight of the mother and baby, and heredity also plays a role. But even small sizes are already becoming a cause of insomnia, since it is difficult to find a comfortable position for rest;

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, you constantly feel the urge to go to the toilet, and this is not surprising given the pressure of the uterus on the bladder. Don't forget to visit the ladies' room more often, and it's good to lean forward a little to completely empty the bladder. In addition, regulate the amount of liquid you drink at night, then nothing will interfere with your sleep;
Unpleasant symptoms of week 21 include shortness of breath and heartburn. But you can fight them - with proper breathing, which will be useful to you during childbirth and split meals (what other ways can help alleviate heartburn, read the article Remedy for heartburn during pregnancy >>>);
Another feature of this period is the increased growth rate of hair and nails. Please note that their condition has improved, their skin is cleaner, this is due to a change in hormonal levels;
At 21 weeks of pregnancy, you can also notice an increase in appetite. Firstly, the baby requires more from you, in addition, your body needs vitamins and microelements. Eat enough, but low-calorie foods, so that your scale does not upset you.

Narrow issues of pregnancy

You need to remember that now you are responsible not only for yourself and your health, but also for your baby under your heart. Diseases and colds pose a particular danger.

Temperature

Given your condition, expecting the traditional 36.6 on a thermometer is not logical; constant hormonal and physical changes affect your body temperature, often setting it at 37 and 37.5 degrees.

Cold at 21 weeks of pregnancy

Although the second trimester is considered the most favorable in terms of protecting the baby from external irritants and viruses, do not forget that at 21 weeks of pregnancy, what happens to the mother also affects the child. Believe me, if you have a headache and body aches when you have a cold, your baby will suffer too.

The main risks of a cold:

High temperature at 21 weeks of pregnancy, spasmodic cough can cause placental abruption or bleeding;
Dehydration, which accompanies most diseases, can cause constipation, metabolic disorders (more about constipation during pregnancy >>>);
The limited list of medications does not allow drastic measures to be taken during treatment, so the recovery process is often delayed (for information on what can be treated, read the article Colds during pregnancy >>>);
Violation thermal regime at elevated temperatures it can lead to overheating of the baby.

During pregnancy, they will become relevant folk remedies and drinking plenty of fluids, it is better to refuse medications, even with conditional permission for some.

Sex

Sex at 21 weeks of pregnancy is allowed and encouraged, but with certain reservations: choosing gentle positions, shallow penetration, personal hygiene.

Alcohol at 21 weeks

It’s not difficult to guess that all bad habits during pregnancy are taboo. As for alcohol, when you pour a glass for yourself, you give this drink to your baby. Alcohol easily enters the child’s body, poisoning it from the inside, loading the still immature kidneys and liver.

You may be recommended red wine, as good remedy to raise hemoglobin. The drink may help you fight anemia, but at the same time it will wash out a lot of useful substances from the body. In addition, industrial alcohol contains a lot of preservatives and dyes, which are very difficult for your liver to cope with.

Examination of mother and child

In the second trimester, which is the 21st week of pregnancy, you are advised to visit the gynecologist at least once a month. At the appointment, the height of the uterus is measured, the specialist listens to the baby’s heartbeat, and asks a question about the frequency of movements.

By the way, you may ask, at 21 weeks of pregnancy, how often the baby should move. Watch for yourself: he sleeps about 20 hours a day, therefore, he communicates with you for 4 hours.

A specialist may examine you in a chair. He will be interested in the condition of the vagina and cervix. During pregnancy at 21 weeks, untreated diseases may worsen, so gentle therapy may be needed.

By this time, you may already have the results of the second screening for the presence of congenital pathologies. Whatever the result, do not rush to conclusions. It is important to take into account age, weight, week of pregnancy, number of fetuses, and heredity. Without ultrasound results, the numbers on paper won't show you anything.

Baby's condition

The first question that worries all pregnant women during an ultrasound scan is who is there? Indeed, the sex can be determined at 21 weeks of pregnancy unless the baby shyly covers himself with his hands.

During the examination, measurements are taken:

So at 21 weeks of pregnancy, the size of the fetus will be 26 cm, measured from the crown to the heels;
The ultrasound specialist will examine all the baby’s internal organs and correlate their sizes with tabular standards;
Another exciting moment is that you will hear the child’s heart beating. The norm is considered to be up to 170 beats per minute.

During the study, you can see how your baby swallows water or sucks a finger, or maybe he will perform acrobatic performances just at this moment. You can ask a specialist to take a photo for you as a souvenir.

Condition of the placenta and presentation

During an ultrasound, the placenta is attached to the uterus is determined. Ideally, it is attached in the middle of the back wall. When the placenta is low, closer to the os of the uterus, there is a risk of miscarriage.

Another parameter of concern to the specialist is fetal presentation. At 21 weeks of pregnancy, even if the baby is lying bottom down, this is not considered critical. The child at this stage is mobile and can roll over several more times.

There is such a term as the age of the placenta. The placenta at 21 weeks of pregnancy should be at stage 0 of maturity, that is, in the process of growth. Its surface is uniform, and it should remain that way until week 30. Stages 1 and further indicate an excessive load on the placenta, which could be a disease of the pregnant woman or bad habits.

Water quantity

During an ultrasound, the amount of water and its transparency are determined. Measurements are taken of the distance of the baby to the walls of the placenta, and the estimated volume of amniotic fluid is calculated.

Lifestyle at 21 weeks of pregnancy

A healthy lifestyle is in trend, especially during pregnancy. If you have been actively involved in sports before, do not rush to give up exercise. There is always an alternative - fitness for pregnant women, swimming. It's time to enroll in childbirth school, don't forget to take your partner with you.

Don't forget about moments of rest, even if you're still at work. Take five minutes to breathe fresh air or walk down the corridor.

21 weeks of pregnancy is not a time for stress, watch only positive programs and films, walk in the park more often, visit museums and theaters.

Nutrition

Your weight and the health of you and your baby depend on your diet. To prevent extra pounds from scaring you when you weigh yourself, remove quickly digestible fats and carbohydrates, baked goods and sweets from your diet. Please note that the normal weight at 21 weeks of pregnancy is plus 6-7 kg of your initial weight.

Vegetables and fruits should be the basis of your diet. If you notice increased gas formation after eating fruits or vegetables, remove them for a while or take them in heat-treated form. Read the article to find out which fruits are good for pregnancy?>>>;
Proteins must be on the table; you can replace animal proteins with vegetable ones;
Calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, iodine, folic acid, vitamin C - you really need all these microelements, you will find them all in the same vegetables and fruits;
Please note that you need to drink enough water. Can green tea and even coffee, but without sugar. By the way, to prevent fluid from retaining in the body, reduce salt intake to zero;
In the taboo zone: smoked meats, canned food, fried and salted foods, dried fish or meat, animal products without heat treatment.

A contrast shower will help relieve tension and fatigue, especially since baths and saunas are contraindicated at week 21;
Don't forget about your skin: it needs extra care and hydration. You can lubricate the skin of the abdomen with baby oil, this is a good prevention of stretch marks. Read more in the article Stretch marks during pregnancy >>>;
Your clothes should be made of natural fabrics and loose fit, shoes should be comfortable and without heels;
When going outside, take a light snack and water with you.

And remember that you are now in the golden mean, relax, walk, and be healthy!

The 21st week of pregnancy is the sixth obstetric month. If you look at it by week, 141-147 days have passed since conception. The 21st week of pregnancy marks the second half of the gestation period. The second trimester is considered the most calm and pleasant period throughout pregnancy, since toxicosis, as a rule, has already been left behind, and the tummy has not yet grown so much as to cause discomfort and inconvenience, and therefore mothers begin to experience an unprecedented surge of strength and vigor.

Development and size of the fetus at 21 weeks of gestation

What happens to the baby at 21 weeks of pregnancy? Almost all organs and internal systems are formed in him. It is at the 21st week of pregnancy that an active supply of subcutaneous fat begins, due to which the body becomes round, and although the skin retains its wrinkles, it is no longer so red, and the blood vessels become less and less visible every day. The baby is still very thin and can be compared to a small grapefruit or orange. The average weight is approximately 300 grams, and height can reach 25 cm. However, a slight deviation in size to a smaller or larger direction is not considered a pathology, since each pregnancy always proceeds individually.

At the 21st week of pregnancy, white cells begin to form in the blood, which are responsible for the development of immunity in the fetus. After their formation, most of the mother’s diseases become less dangerous for the baby, since he is already able to protect himself. At the 21st week of pregnancy, taste buds continue to improve, thanks to which the baby can already distinguish the taste of amniotic fluid very well, drinking it during the day in an amount of at least half a liter. The eyes begin to open slightly, and the hearing is already sufficiently developed for the baby to hear sounds coming from outside. He is already able to distinguish his mother’s voice, which is why it is recommended, starting from the 21st week, to talk to the baby as often as possible.

Belly photo. What does the belly look like at 21 weeks of pregnancy?

Movements at 21 weeks of pregnancy

The 21st week of pregnancy is the period when the fetus is actively moving and makes at least 200 movements per day. However, of the total number of movements, the mother is able to feel only a part, since the baby is still too small and has plenty of space in the uterus. In addition, at 21 weeks of pregnancy, the duration of fetal sleep is about 20 hours, and sometimes the sleep and wakefulness patterns of mother and fetus may simply not coincide. Movements at the 21st week of pregnancy should be daily, and the pregnant woman should normally feel at least 10 movements per day; their absence or, on the contrary, a significant increase may indicate deviations in the development of the baby, or even his death.

Video: Baby movements at 21 weeks of pregnancy

Ultrasound at 21 weeks of pregnancy

21 weeks of pregnancy is the most appropriate time to undergo a second screening ultrasound. If at the first screening one could only assume the presence of pathologies in the baby, then at the second ultrasound examination their presence can already be confirmed or refuted with confidence.

In addition, at the 21st week of pregnancy, all organs of the fetus are fully formed and they have taken their permanent location. That is why any deviations in the development of these organs or their complete or partial absence are clearly visible on an ultrasound machine.

No less important is ultrasound at 21 weeks of pregnancy to assess the condition of the placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid, the number of vessels in the umbilical cord and their correspondence to the gestational age. This will help not only to identify in time any deviations or complications in its course, but also to take measures to preserve the pregnancy and restore its correct course.

Ultrasound photo at 21 weeks of pregnancy

Weight gain at 21 weeks of pregnancy

Weight gain at 21 weeks of pregnancy is about 4.8-5.8 kg. This figure can vary by 1-1.5 kg, both up and down. The norm and deviation in weight gain depends on: age, height and weight before pregnancy, physique, tendency to be overweight, characteristics of the body, early and late toxicosis.

21 weeks of pregnancy - sensations

What happens to the mother at 21 weeks of pregnancy? This is a happy time for the expectant mother in terms of well-being. Her mood is cheerful and upbeat, since many disturbing symptoms, such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and frequent mood swings, are far behind her, and the baby’s first movements, which are already felt quite clearly, cannot but rejoice, which has a positive effect not only on the pregnant woman’s mood, but also on her general mood. In addition, although the tummy has become slightly rounded, it is still not very noticeable to others and does not cause any discomfort for the expectant mother.

Despite the fact that the general health of the pregnant woman at 21 weeks is very good, there is still a possibility of pain that can cause severe discomfort to the mother.

Pain and cramps in the legs at 21 weeks of pregnancy

The 21st week of pregnancy is the period when more and more mothers begin to complain of increasing leg cramps, especially in the evening, which cannot but interfere with the normal flow of sleep. Cramps are a sign that a pregnant woman’s body does not have sufficient amounts of calcium and potassium, which must be reported to your doctor, who will prescribe additional vitamin complexes.

Pains in the legs that appear during this period, as a rule, indicate problems with blood vessels, as well as possible start varicose veins. This may be due to the fact that the enlarged uterus puts significant pressure on the vena cava, thereby complicating venous outflow. Periodically resting throughout the day, wearing compression stockings, and avoiding long, long walks can help relieve this pain.

Uterine tone at 21 weeks of pregnancy

Normally, there should be no pain in the abdominal area at 21 weeks of pregnancy. If these are small nagging pains on the sides, then it’s okay, since this is associated with sprained ligaments, and as a result, the growth of the uterus. But if these pains become cramping in nature, and the stomach seems to turn to stone and is compressed in a vice, then this indicates the emergence of tone, which can provoke premature birth. It is important to understand that despite the fact that all the internal organs of the fetus have already completed their formation, at birth at 21 weeks of gestation, it has no chance of survival. That is why, if you observe similar symptoms and do not go away even after a long rest, you should immediately seek medical help.

Gastrointestinal disorder

The 21st week of pregnancy is a period when mothers experience an unprecedented increase in appetite; they want to eat everything at once. At 21 weeks of pregnancy, it is recommended to eat small portions, since overeating is fraught with heartburn, pain in the stomach and intestines, as well as.