Pregnancy Week 21
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Inside Pregnancy Week 21
Baby’s measurements once were crown to rump, now they are measured crown to heel. Baby’s eyelids are now formed, but eyes are still closed. The leukocytes, or white blood cells are being produced, and will help fight off infections and disease. The tongue is developed and often baby will be practicing moving it about. Swallowing has increased, helping to prepare the system for digestion. Baby’s sleep schedule is being set, by your hours as well as taking cues from light and sounds. Baby now measures around 9" to 10” in length and weighs is about 12 ounces.
Pregnancy Symptoms You May Feel During Week 21
Another troublesome symptom of pregnancy appears in the second trimester. Varicose veins are problematic for the majority of pregnant women. They generally appear in the legs, however they can pop up in other places, such as the vulva and rectum. The swelling associated with them will disappear after childbirth, however the varicose veins themselves may not. Talk to your physician about them and see what is recommended for yours. Often taking a regular time to rest with feet elevated will be advised.
Visit With the Obstetrician
Gestational diabetes can appear most likely during the second trimester. It’s a fairly common pregnancy complication occurring in approximately 4% of pregnancies, and needs monitoring, but can be managed. It is diagnosed by a glucose tolerance test, which is given around 24th week of pregnancy unless symptoms or history indicate a need for earlier testing. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your will need to keep monitoring your blood sugar levels, follow a diet, monitor your weight, exercise, and if those don’t manage the condition adequately, take insulin. Having gestational diabetes does put you at higher risk for diabetes following pregnancy, but does not insure the diagnosis. Those with GD are at risk for having larger babies, which might precipitate a Cesarean birth.
Preparing for Baby
Now is the time, if you haven’t already, to start getting serious about that birth plan,
especially if you want a special birth assistant, such as a doula or midwife involved.
Interview potential assistants, talk to people who have used their services, educate
yourself on your options and speak to your physician for recommendations, too. Different states have different licensing standards, but check yours to make sure your
birth assistant is in good standing. Someone might be properly endorsed and recommended, but still not a good match for you. Ask questions that will reveal how
well you would work together. Then make certain that all the people involved in the
birth will work well together also.
Pregnancy Lifestyle
Now that you’re in the middle of your pregnancy, you might reconsider your caffeine intake. Many women give up caffeine entirely in their pregnancies, while others cut it out totally in the first trimester, and limit it for the rest of the pregnancy. The best move of course is to cut out all caffeine all nine months, but if you do partake, keep it within the recommended amount of 150-300 mg. a day (about one to two cups of coffee). More than that and you risk not just yours, but your baby’s health, as caffeine does cross the placenta into baby’s system. Caffeine is both a stimulant and a diuretic, and as such brings with it a variety of known risks, as well as some possible complications suspected but not yet proven through conclusive studies. It is best to simply avoid it if you can.
Personalized Pregnancy Week by Week Calendar
Comments
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I'm 21 weeks and i've gained 8 lbs. i'm 5'8" and have started "showing" within the last 2 weeks. i'm having a boy! congrats to all the moms and moms to be out there.
I'm 21 weeks today. we've decided to keep the sex a surprise! so excited! i've gained about 15 pounds, my doctor says it's a little much and that i need to be careful. :-( i have to admit, i'm sure there's a lot of that that's in my breasts! apart from the weight gain, little person is moving around! started about a week ago! more in the morning and night.
I'm 21 wks n 2 days . baby num 1 a little boy duein july can't wait to see him. i've only gained 6 pounds so far but i was overweight before i got pregnant . i haven't felt him kick yet n kind of worried. i feel find only out of breath a lot and i've noticed i cant be on my feet a lot they swell up and hurt but i can't wait to see my little boy .... hope the months go by soon!,,
Im 21 weeks and alrdy feeling babys movements its such a nice feeling can i hav some names suggestions ...please i have a feeling thats its a boy though havent scanned..
21 weeks pregnant and gained 5 pounds so far which is a huge difference from my last 2 pregnancies. with my last 2 boys i had gained 55 pounds at the time of delivery. i had an ultrasound done at 12 weeks and was told i was having a girl but im not too sure if i should trust that ultrasound since it was pretty early to determine. we'll find out for sure next week
So i'm 20 weeks and 5 days the ultra sound technician said that the baby is measuring right at 21 weeks. can anyone tell me how that is even possible?
I am 21 weeks pregnant and not gained weight.this is my first baby and i am enjoing kicking amd moving around loads. i was upset about no weight gain but the doctor said the baby is growing and fine.please pray for my child and for normal delivery. thanks
Im 21+2 weeks due on 20th july 2012 and im feling good feeling plenty of kicks and have found out im having a girl this will be my 5th child :-)))))
I'm 21 weeks pregnant and now that the vomiting has stopped i am feeling really good. gained 14 pounds so far not bad with my son i gained 50 all together. changed up my eating habits 70 % less junk food packing in the veggies and fruit. due jan 20 2012. on ya! found out last week another boy now jonathan will have a baby brother james.
I am 21 weeks pregnant and i feel awesome! i haven't been sleeping but i still have tons of energy! i definitely can't complain.
Im 21 weeks with a baby boy and i have actually lost 7 lbs!!! this is my 2nd pregnacy and i still am a lil over weight from pregnacy #1, but the doctor says the baby is fine and tells me not to worry the weight will come :)
I am 21 weeks pregnant due in december and i lost weight the first 3 months and am maintaining now. i went for my 20 week ultrasound and they couldnt tell the gender. this will make baby number 4 for me i have 3 boys
Hi im 21 weeks pregnant having my scan tomo and cant wait to find out what we are having, i have a little girl who is 20 months old and cant wait for her to meet her little brother or sister, so far i have gained 15 pounds. i gained a total of 3 and 1/2 stone first time round, so pleased with the 14 pounds so far lol!
I am 21 weeks pregnant and feel great!!! found out i am having a little boy, really happy about that cause we already have a 3 year old girl. so far i put on 7 lbs. little man is kicking and moving around. i am going to enjoy this pregnancy and charish it, because i have my girl and getting my boy, so i am finished. no more babies. im 32 years old, i am getting too old now.
I am wondering if this is normal? im 21 weeks, and ive gotten sick ac couple times today, i called the nurse, and they said that to call if i still feel bad, someone said it could be acid refulx:/
Hey there i'm 21 weeks and 2 days today. i'm due end of september. i've gained about 23 lbs so far :( i feel movements all of the time but mainly in the morning and at night. i hope the next few months fly by as i can wait to meet my bambino :)
I am 21 weeks pregnant today and have gained 0lbs! this is my third pregnancy and baby is kicking and moving around loads. was anxious about no weight gain but i know baby growing fine and is healthy. suppose i should be glad i have not piled on the pounds!
I am 21weeks pregnant and also due i june 2011,i find out in 2days what the sex is and im so excited,iv gained around 10pounds is this normal?
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21 weeks and four days 3 baby well ultrasound techn dais iit iooks like a girl so its another princeses os there any chance there wrong or should i wait anothe month yo make dure so i wont go krazy buying stuff
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