21 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is now the size of a banana. Learn what's going on with you and your baby-to-be while 21 weeks pregnant.

Previous weekNext week

Read about...

• Your Baby
• You
• 6th Month of Pregnancy Video
• Diary of a Daughter

Your Baby

At 10.5 inches long,the size of a banana, your little bundle of joy is about 0.5 of a pound now and although your baby's growth rate is starting to slow down, the organ systems continue to mature preparing them for life outside.

The umbilical cord is thickening in size and growing in length as it travels blood from you to your baby and the placenta is almost the same size as your baby.

The digestive system matures enough so that the intestines will contract and relax as your baby absorbs small amounts of amniotic fluid that is swallowed as it travels through to the large bowel.

The continuation of maturing organs, tissues and body parts are apparent during this time, and you may notice if you could see inside that the legs have reached their relative proportions now.

The heart is growing stronger during this time as well, while the teeth buds are forming in the gums, perfect for chewing later.

The brown fat deposits that your little one began to form in the 4th month of pregnancy are building up in areas such as the chest, crotch and neck which all contribute to maintaining an overall consistent body temperature outside of the womb.

You

As your baby gains weight and fat, you will notice that you will also follow along suit. Your uterus should measure about 0.5 inch above your navel and your pregnancy should be quite apparent even to strangers.

Some women find that maternity support belts, like this one help avoid edema or discomfort in the ankles and legs through the rest of pregnancy.

Maternity support hoses can also aid in reducing the swelling and varicose veins problems that can occur for many women due to the increase of weight and pressure put on the legs when standing. Your balance may also be off so be sure to watch your footing and keep your shoes at a lower heel for the latter part of your pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids can also appear for many mothers-to-be during this time of pregnancy due to the extra pressure of the uterus pressing up against the rectum.

Gum sensitivity is another pregnancy symptom that can vary from woman to woman. (Yet another symptom, will the list ever end...)

Constipation can occur as your body produces progesterone, which causes the muscles to relax; therefore things moving through the bowel will take more time and will absorb more water.

Do not feel worried if you experience one or more of these symptoms, since each pregnancy is different and each woman's body will handle pregnancies differently.

Some women find that light exercise will help ease the aches and pains of pregnancy in many areas. The legs, back and even pelvic regions can benefit from stretching and improved circulation due to a brisk walk or a pregnancy yoga class.

Many local fitness centers will offer these classes, or contact your health care provider for any referrals for pregnancy nutrition and fitness centers in your area.

Expectant mothers groups and local community organizations are also a great place to look for prenatal fitness classes for mothers-to-be at any stage in pregnancy.

If you can't find any classes or simply want to exercise at home, check out this Prenatal Yoga DVD with Shiva Rea.

6th Month of Pregnancy Video

Instructions: When watching the video clips, start the videos by clicking the small arrow down to the left, not the large one in the middle of the screen. If you're using Internet Explorer as your browser and the video doesn't start, try clicking twice on the small arrow.

Diary of a Daughter

What baby info are you looking for?

Did you like what you just read? Share your love: