21 weeks of pregnancy: what happens to the baby and the mother

Pregnancy consists of several periods during which the development of the baby and changes in the mother's body occur. In the early stages, often a woman feels discomfort due to toxicosis. And in the last months of pregnancy, the fetus increases, which leads to discomfort for the mother. When the 21st week begins, however, the most comfortable period comes. This is approximately the sixth month from conception. Gynecologists call it the “honeymoon of pregnancy”. What is special about this period?

What happens to the baby at 21 weeks of pregnancy

By this time, the baby grows to 26-27 cm, weighs about 350 g. All the internal organs of the baby have formed. They continue to develop:

• The glands of internal secretion work.
• In the bone marrow, cells are created.
• In the intestines, meconium is formed - primordial feces. The kidneys are already filtering urine.
• The baby begins to taste by swallowing amniotic fluid. It contains the flavors of what the mother eats. This is already forming food habits and desires of the baby.
• The baby actively moves, turns over. He sleeps for 16-20 hours. Often during the day, when the woman is mobile, the baby is rocked, and falls asleep. When the mother lies down to rest, the baby wakes up and his period of wakefulness begins.

What happens in the mother's body at 21 weeks of pregnancy

Compared to the beginning of pregnancy, the woman feels much better. Toxicosis is no longer present, weakness, sleepiness goes away. The woman feels a surge of strength. Normalizes her sleep and appetite. A woman wants to be active, meet with friends, go for walks, do other things.Therefore, it is better to plan especially important cases, travel and events at the end of the second trimester.

Starting from 21 weeks, a woman can significantly gain weight. Fatty tissue accumulates on the thighs. Of course, weight gain is affected by nutrition and metabolism, the level of physical activity.

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, a woman begins to feel the first pushes of the baby, not just light vibrations. By this time he is already quite strong. The peculiarity of the activity of the fetus in this period is that it moves during the entire waking period. Especially in the evening and at night. If the baby does not move for four or more hours, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

What is important for a woman to pay attention to during this period:

• Swelling may appear first on the feet, then all higher up the body. If at the same time the woman's blood pressure is normal and there is no protein in the urine, then the swelling is safe. This is normal for the period of pregnancy. However, it is worth informing the doctor about it.
• A pulling pain appears in the lower abdomen and in the perineum. This is a natural sign that the size of the uterus is increasing and the ligaments are being stretched.
• The enlarging uterus can squeeze the GI tract. This can cause heartburn. The doctor will recommend how to eat properly and what medications to use to eliminate it.
• At night, there can be cramps in the legs due to increased strain during the day and magnesium deficiency. To determine how to eliminate this condition, a gynecologist is consulted.

Starting from 21 weeks, a woman is recommended to visit the doctor at least once or twice a month. He conducts an examination, listens to the heartbeat, measures the blood pressure of the mother, the volume of the abdomen and the height of the bottom of the uterus. This helps to determine if the pregnancy is normal. Any discomfort should be reported to the doctor.