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 carrot
10.5 inches · 12.7 oz
Baby this week
- •Eyebrows and eyelids are fully formed
- •Baby can hear your voice and respond to sounds
- •Swallowing and digestion practice begins
- •Fingerprints are developing on fingertips and toes
You this week
- •Increased appetite and food cravings
- •Visible stretch marks appearing on belly, breasts, and thighs
- •Occasional sharp pains (round ligament pain) as your uterus expands
- •Darkening of skin on face (melasma or 'chloasma')
- •Continued lower back discomfort
This week's tips
- •Schedule your mid-pregnancy ultrasound (anatomy scan) if you haven't already—this is an exciting milestone to see baby's development
- •Invest in supportive, flat shoes to ease back pain and improve your center of gravity as your belly grows
- •Apply sunscreen daily to help prevent melasma; the sun can darken these patches
- •Start pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to prepare for labor and reduce incontinence risks later
- •Stay hydrated and eat regular meals to manage hunger and energy levels
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! The second half of pregnancy brings rapid weight gain for baby and increasing physical changes for you. Many people find they can feel more pronounced movements now.
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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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