Week 21 of Pregnancy
Second trimester
Baby is
about the size of a carrot
10.5 inches · 12.7 oz
Baby this week
- •Eyebrows and eyelids are fully formed
- •Swallowing amniotic fluid and producing meconium (first poop)
- •Hair on scalp is starting to grow in
- •Toenails and fingerprints are becoming visible
You this week
- •Increased appetite as energy demands grow
- •Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions) may start
- •Continued back pain from shifting center of gravity
- •Possible constipation and hemorrhoids
- •Darkened skin patches on face (melasma or 'mask of pregnancy')
This week's tips
- •Schedule your anatomy ultrasound if you haven't already—this is typically done between weeks 18-22
- •Invest in supportive shoes and consider a maternity support belt to ease back strain
- •Stay hydrated and eat fiber-rich foods to manage digestive changes
- •Start pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to prepare for labor and prevent incontinence
- •Listen to your body's signals for rest; fatigue is still normal at this stage
Looking ahead
You're officially past the halfway mark, and your baby is gaining weight rapidly. In the coming weeks, you'll likely notice more distinct movement patterns and may start thinking seriously about birth preferences and classes.
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