Congratulations! You're at 21 weeks pregnant, and you're more than halfway through your pregnancy. Along with the many physical changes to your body, you may be feeling out of breath due to your expanding uterus. You should also expect your baby to grow more rapidly. And now might be a good time to start preparing for your baby's arrival by gathering essential supplies. Let's dive into what you can expect at 21 weeks pregnant.
Key Points of 21 Weeks Pregnancy
- At this stage, you are at the halfway mark of your pregnancy.
- You can expect to experience various pregnancy symptoms such as weight gain and a changing center of gravity, which can lead to balance issues and clumsiness.
- Your healthcare provider will measure the height of the uterus to monitor the baby's growth.
- Your baby should be developing eyebrows, eyelids, and fingernails, and is more active at this time.
- Start to prepare for your baby's arrival by gathering essential supplies.
Pregnancy Body Changes at 21 Weeks Pregnant
As your pregnancy progresses, you're carrying more weight. Because this is pregnancy weight, it changes your center of gravity. You may feel clumsier, and lose your balance much easier. Be careful! Take extra precautions to make sure your steps are sure and steady. This is the time you start taking things slower, for your and your baby's safety.
At your prenatal appointment, your healthcare provider has probably been measuring the height of your uterus (fundal height) since it appeared above your pubic bone. After about 20 weeks pregnant, this measurement generally correlates with your due date. An ultrasound would be performed for any inconsistency in fundal height. After about 36 weeks the measurement for fundal height becomes less accurate as your baby settles into your pelvis.
Weight gain during pregnancy is on many pregnant women's minds; make sure you discuss this with your doctor. While you don't want to obsess, you also don't want to let your weight get out of control, risking complications. Weight gain is also a way for your doctor to decide if you are measuring right for your due date, and can monitor your baby's growth.
You may be finding yourself out of breath more often; this is caused by your uterus pushing against your diaphragm, leaving less space for your lungs.
Your Baby's Growth at Week 21
Your baby could measure about 10 inches from head to toe and weighs about three-quarters of a pound. The eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed and the fingernails cover the fingertips. Babies are more active at this stage, as they still have lots of room to move around. You'll feel a lot more movement from your little one.
You may want to start preparing for your baby's birth, by getting baby essentials together a little at a time. Our Baby Needs Checklist is a complete printable list of baby gear you'll need to have on hand for your new baby. By starting now, you'll be able to take advantage of coupons and freebies that manufacturer's give away.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©lrpizarro/Shutterstock.com.