21 Weeks Pregnant
Hey there, moms and dads-to-be! Welcome to Week 21! As you progress through your pregnancy, so much is changing, but some things do remain constant. For me, one constant annoyance has been spider and varicose veins. During my previous pregnancies, I developed these veins yet they were not so painful. During recent days, especially during the late afternoon, I have barely been able to stand up due to the pressure from these veins. Which pregnancy symptom has been your kryptonite? Let’s think positive, shall we, and dive into the details of your 21st week of pregnancy!
21 Weeks Pregnant: Recurring Symptoms
21 Weeks Pregnant: Common Symptoms
Nail Growth
Have you noticed that your nails are growing faster recently? More nutrients are making their way to your nails due to increased blood flow, allowing them to grow faster and stronger. Nail and hair growth acceleration during pregnancy is common, so don’t fret if you have to make more frequent trips to the nail or beauty salon.
Frida Mom Pregnancy Skincare Body Relief Set for Stretch Marks, Dry Skin, Swelling & Chafing - 4 count
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Pregnancy Skin Care Kit for Stretch Marks and Scars, Dermatologist Approved, Gift for Mom to Be, 4 Piece Full Size Set
KeaBabies 3 in 1 Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap – After Birth Brace, Slimming Girdles, Body Shaper Waist Shapewear, Post Surgery Pregnancy Belly Support Band (Midnight Black, M/L)
Master Your Emotions: A Practical Guide to Overcome Negativity and Better Manage Your Feelings (Mastery Series)
NeoTech Care Belly Band Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt | Pregnancy Must Haves for Pregnant Women | Supporting Abdomen, Waist, Pelvis & Back (Size L, Black Color)
Pet Honesty Cat Multivitamin Chews - Supports Overall Immune Health, Joints, Skin & Coat, and Digestion | Omega 3s, Lysine for Cats, Probiotics, Cat Supplements & Vitamins - Chicken (30-Day Supply)
Homemade Bath Bombs, Salts and Scrubs: 300 Natural Recipes for Luxurious Soaks
BELLA B 3-Piece Gift Set - Pregnancy Gifts For First Time Moms - Pregnant Mom Gifts - Mom To Be Gifts - Pregnancy Gift Basket - Sitz Bath Soak - Honey Tummy Butter - Silk And Honey Moisturizing Cream
TiRain 3 in 1 Postpartum Belly Band Post Pregnancy postpartum belt for women after birth Support Belly Band Recovery Waist/Pelvis Wrap Postnatal Shapewear,One Size fit US 4-12
Stages of Fetal Development: Baby Growth & Size at 21 Weeks
At week 21, your baby weighs 11.5 ounces and is 10.5 inches long, about the size of a pomegranate. Wow! Did your baby just have a massive growth spurt? This huge leap from approximately 6.5 inches to 10.5 inches is not solely due to an increase in size. It also ensues from a new way of measuring your baby’s length. In previous weeks, your baby was measured from the top of the head (the crown) to their bottom, since measuring to the feet is difficult (your baby has been in the fetal position). Beginning this week, your baby will be measured from the top of their head to their heels.
Your baby is getting tons of rest — up to 14 hours a day. That’s about as much as they’ll be sleeping after their birth. I, for one, wish I could sleep that long. Your baby’s waking moments will be spent using their new muscles to kick and stretch. As the weeks progress, these movements will get stronger (thanks to stronger bones and muscles), so most women at this point begin to feel their baby’s movements more consistently. I personally am not feeling my baby kick much; and the amount of kicks I’m noticing mirrors what I observed during prior pregnancies. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns. At this stage, your baby’s bone marrow also begins making red blood cells along with the liver and spleen.
|
Fun Fact About Pregnancy The gestation period of a hippo is shorter than that of a human — only 8 months! |
My Pregnant Belly Progression
Check out my 5 months pregnant belly! How’s your bump at at 21 weeks? Just as I expected, my belly growth is picking up speed now that I’m a bit later into my pregnancy.
Varicose Vein Treatment While Pregnant
My legs and inner thighs throb right now due to varicose veins. The pain is so intense that it actually hurts to stand still (walking is less painful, since I’m moving), especially in the late afternoon. The pain has been messing with my sleep. Let me know in the comments if you’re going through the same. The good news is that there are some easy methods you can employ to help reduce the pain. Below is a list of methods I’ve found to be helpful in reducing the swelling, pain, and less than pretty look of my varicose veins.
MGANG Compression Socks, 15-20 mmHg Graduated Knee High Compression Stockings for Unisex, Class I, Open Toe, Opaque, Support Hose for DVT, Pregnancy, Varicose Veins, Relief Shin Splints, Beige M
ABSOLUTE SUPPORT Maternity Compression UnderDress Leggings 20-30mmHg Footless for Pregnant Blood Circulation - Pregnancy Compression Pantyhose 20-30mmHg Varicose Veins Swelling Black, Small
TOFLY® Thigh High Compression Stocking for Women & Men (Pair), Open Toe, Opaque, Firm Support 20-30mmHg Graduated Compression with Silicone Band, Varicose Veins, Swelling, Edema, DVT Black L
Doc Miller Thigh High Compression Socks Women and Men 20-30mmHg for Varicose Veins, Pregnancy Support Compression Stockings for Women, 1 Pair Black Small
CASMON 15-20mmHg Zipper Compression Socks for Women and Men, Knee High Compression Stockings, Medical Open Toe Support Socks for Varicose Veins, Post-surgery, Swelling, Nurses, Pregnancy (1 Pair)
Beister Closed Toe Knee High Calf Compression Socks for Women & Men, Firm 20-30 mmHg Graduated Support for Varicose Veins, Edema, Flight, Pregnancy,Black, Small
Compression Socks, 20-30 mmHg Graduated Knee-Hi Compression Stockings for Unisex, Open Toe, Opaque, Support Hose for DVT, Pregnancy, Varicose Veins, Relief Shin Splints, Edema, Beige X-Large
Thigh High Compression Socks, Firm Support 20-30 mmHg Gradient Compression Stockings with Silicone Band. Treatment for Running, Edema, Varicose Veins, Pregnancy, Nursing.(Nude-Close,XL)
Doc Miller Thigh High Open Toe Compression Stockings 30-40mmHg for Varicose Veins, Improved Circulation, Pregnancy Support Open Toe Thigh High Compression Socks for Women and Men - 1 Pair Black Large
BLITZU Compression Socks Men - Footless Compression Socks for Women. Treatment for legs, Shin Splint, Varicose Vein & Leg Pain Relief. Great Support for Running, Cycling, Maternity, Travel White S-M
Your Pregnancy at 21 Weeks: Prenatal Appointments
Here are the prenatal tests that are available at 21 weeks of pregnancy:
Cell-Free DNA Screening (cfDNA)
Cordocentesis
Second Trimester Quadruple Screening (Quad Screen)
The Mid-Pregnancy Ultrasound
This week I had my mid-pregnancy ultrasound. This exam usually takes place at 20 weeks but I had mine at 21 weeks. During the scan, the doctor encouraged the baby to move around by gently putting pressure on my abdomen. She measured the baby and examined their spine, liver, brain, heart, hands, and feet. She also shot some 3D photos. During the ultrasound, I marveled at the definition of the in utero photos, which were more high res and complex than what I witnessed with my last baby ten years ago. Check out this week’s video for photos of my little one.
Week by Week Pregnancy Food Guide
For a comprehensive list of what to eat and not eat while pregnant, refer to Week 4 and Week 5. Also, check back in each week for a healthy pregnancy food recipe.
|
Quick, Healthy Meal Caprese Salad: cut up a roma tomato and combine with 1 oz of mozzarella and 2 ½ leaves of chopped, fresh basil. Mix in one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. (snacknation) Folic Acid Folic Acid is one of the most essential pregnancy vitamins that your baby needs. Folic acid is vital in helping ensure the correct formation of your baby’s neural tube. To get lots of folic acid in your diet (besides taking a prenatal vitamin), aim to eat these foods regularly: legumes, beets, eggs, asparagus, and other leafy greens. |
Glow Prenatal Vitamins for Women – 25-in-1 Vital Nutrients for Healthy Pregnancy and Fetal Development – Folic Acid & Vegan DHA For Baby's Growth & A Comfortable Pregnancy – 60 Nourishing Capsules
High Absorption Methylated Prenatal Multivitamin, Clean Label with Gentle Iron and Folic Acid As Folate, Choline, Natural Calcium & Magnesium, Vegan Vitamins for Pregnancy, 60 Tablets, by Igennus
Prenatal Multivitamin with Folic Acid & DHA, Prenatal Vitamin Supplement, Folate, Omega 3, Vitamins D3, B6, B12 & Iron, Women's Pregnancy Support Prenatal Vitamins, Non-GMO Gluten Free - 60 Softgels
Prenatal Vitamin Gummies with DHA and Folic Acid - Vegan, Gluten Free- Fertility Gummies for Women Alt. to Pills, Liquid (120 Gummies)
Prenatal Multivitamin Gummy w/ Folic Acid + DHA, Prenatal Vitamins with Omega 3, Vitamins B6, B12, C, D3 & Folate for Pregnancy Support, Prenatal Gummies for Women, Non-GMO Gluten Free - 120 Gummies
Prenatal Vitamins with DHA and Folic Acid - Fetal Development and Pregnancy Support - High-Potency Prenatal Vitamins For Women DHA and EPA Omega-3s D3 Prenatal DHA Fish Oil - 90 Strawberry Softgels
Future Kind Vegan Prenatal Vitamin (60ct) - Prenatal Vitamins with DHA & Folate - Glass Bottle Prenatal Vitamins for Women - Citrus Scented Prenatal Folate Supplement for Women - Gluten-Free, Non-GMO
Greenfield Nutritions Halal Prenatal Vitamins with DHA and Folic Acid - Essential Prenatal Pregnancy Multivitamin with Iron - Contains 17 Vitamins for Mom to Be - Easy to Swallow 90 Liquid Softgels
Nature Made Prenatal with Folic Acid + DHA, Prenatal Vitamin and Mineral Supplement for Daily Nutritional Support, 110 Softgels, 110 Day Supply
Mama's Select Prenatal Vitamins for Women with Iron, Vitamin D, DHA, and Folic Acid for Pregnant Women, Methyl Folate Safe for MTHFR - Slow-Release Supplement, Gentle on Stomach, 60 Veggie Capsules
How Many Months Is 21 Weeks?
Months vary in terms of the number of days and weeks, rendering measuring by month imprecise. For this reason, doctors calculate the duration of your pregnancy using weeks. That said, 21 weeks in months means that you are approximately 5 months pregnant.
Week 21 Pregnancy Checklist
- Continue your exercise routine or try a prenatal yoga or pilates class
- Continue writing in your pregnancy journal
- Research and consider taking a glucose challenge test
- Go on a date with your partner!
- Research side snap t-shirts
Resources
- What to Expect & What to Expect When You’re Expecting – 5th Edition (2016)
- The Bump
- Baby List
- Parents.com
- Healthline.com
- WebMD
- The Mama Natural Week to Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth (2017)
- Mayo Clinic’s Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy – Second Edition (2018)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Comments