Week 21 of Pregnancy
Second trimester
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
Baby is
about the size of a banana
10.5 inches · 12.7 oz
Baby this week
- •Baby can now swallow and is beginning to practice digestion with amniotic fluid
- •Eyebrows and eyelids are fully formed; eyes are still sealed shut
- •Baby's movements are becoming more coordinated and purposeful
- •Tiny fingernails are beginning to form
- •Baby's heart is pumping about 40-60 gallons of blood per day
You this week
- •Increased appetite as your baby grows and your metabolism shifts
- •Possible leg cramps, especially at night
- •Backaches from shifting posture and weight distribution
- •Occasional dizziness or lightheadedness
- •Skin changes including possible dark spots (melasma) or linea nigra
- •Occasional Braxton-Hicks contractions (painless tightening)
This week's tips
- •Stay hydrated and increase calcium intake to support both you and baby's growing skeletal system
- •Practice prenatal stretches and safe exercises to help with back pain and prepare for labor
- •Invest in supportive, comfortable shoes as your center of gravity continues to shift
- •Start thinking about birthing options and birth plan preferences
- •Schedule your mid-pregnancy ultrasound (anatomy scan) if you haven't already—it's often done around weeks 18-22
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
You're officially past the halfway point! Your baby's rapid growth will continue over the coming weeks, and you'll likely feel more pronounced movements. Around week 24, you'll have another important milestone: the viability threshold, when babies born early have a significantly better chance of survival.
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For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and baby is different. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for guidance specific to your situation.
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