Your baby has made some progress throughout the previous weeks and it is now ten and a half inches long form the head to the feet and weighs around twelve point seven ounces at 21 weeks pregnant. The baby’s skin at 21 weeks pregnant is becoming less transparent as more fats are being deposited beneath it. These fats will serve as insulation for the baby after it is born and also provide the baby with energy after birth.
The digestive system of the baby at 21 weeks pregnant is also practicing to perform its function with the help of the amniotic fluid the baby swallows. The baby swallows the amniotic fluid which goes into the digestive system, into the baby’s kidneys for excretion as urine. At this week the baby begins to grow nails. The nails are usually very soft so do not have to worry about the baby scratching his or herself.
At 21 weeks pregnant the nervous system of the baby is maturing, and in a matter of weeks the baby will begin to have control over its movements in the womb. If you are very keen you will also notice that the baby is beginning to have hiccups at 21 weeks pregnant. This is very normal during pregnancy and you may feel them more often and sometimes less. Feeling the baby’s hiccups may vary from one expectant mother to another.
At 21 weeks pregnant another amazing development that takes place if you are carrying twins is that they begin to feel one another and are conscious of each other. They can even start grabbing each other inside your womb. It is now very obvious to the rest of the world that you are pregnant. The ‘bump’ on your belly is bigger and you may want to start showing off your pregnant body by putting on stylish clothing. Your belly may be big but not big enough to restrict you from moving around.
At 21 weeks pregnant is the best time to begin preparing for a baby shower if you are going to have one. You can spend time with your partner during this time and help increase his excitement about the baby. You can place his hand over your belly and let him feel when the baby moves and kicks. This way you will be bonding with him and he will be bonding with the coming baby.
If you have not felt your baby’s movement at 21 weeks pregnant, it is normal. You may have to wait a few more weeks to feel them. Overweight women often feel the baby’s movements later on into the pregnancy; and so do those who have the placenta in front of the uterus. You are also going to experience pain and aches in your body due to the belly that is growing so fast.
At 21 weeks pregnant this is the time you are likely going to have varicose veins which are due to the increased pressure of the extra blood in the blood vessels. They can also be caused by the high levels of progesterone hormone in the blood which makes the walls of the veins relax.
