21 gestational week

21 gestational week corresponds to the 5th month of pregnancy and falls in the second trimester. There are 4 months until delivery, and there is so much to prepare for. Many women by the twenty-first week of pregnancy have already gained about 4 kg. From now on the weight will pile on faster. The expectant mother looks good and enjoys the condition of her skin, hair and nails.

Fetal size and development in the twenty-first gestational week

• Height – 26.7 cm.
• Weight – 360 g.
• Head circumference – 17.6 cm.
• Abdominal circumference – 16.4 cm.

According to the doctors at this stage of pregnancy, the child is fully viable and can live if birth occurs.

However, there is plenty of time until the due date. It is nice to know that all the internal organs and systems of the child are almost fully formed. It is now almost 26 cm long and weighs almost 400 grams.

The diameter of the head has reached is 17.6 cm. The chest continues to grow. The abdominal circumference is 16.4 cm.

The child is gradually assuming rounder and rounder forms, and subcutaneous fat is keeping him warm.

At this stage of pregnancy, almost every movement of the baby is felt. His brain continues to develop. Observing the activity of the fetus, the expectant mother can notice that it is changing more and more.

When observing with a special apparatus, it is noticed that the child becomes quieter during sleep, and even his heartbeat slows down. During the 21st gestational week, the fetus spends up to 18 hours sleeping every day.

If you notice too much increased fetal activity, it could be a problem, doctors warn. The baby may have become twisted in the umbilical cord. During labor, this can be a cause of complications.

The exciting news is that from next week the fetus will be able to distinguish tastes. Receptors in the tongue are responsible for this. Their active formation begins. In addition, additional protection against infections appears in the body of the child itself – it’s about leukocytes.

The placenta is already about 22.81 mm thick.

What does a pregnant woman feel during the twenty-first gestational week?

The pregnant woman already feels the movements of the baby more and more often. It is probably more than 10 times a day, considering that it makes more than 200 movements in 24 hours.

Some doctors recommend counting fetal movements within an hour. In this case, you should catch at least 4 as a minimum. Too little activity of the baby is a reason to consult a doctor.

Sometimes in the twenty-first gestational week, some women begin to feel a pulsation inside the abdomen. This may be the baby’s heartbeat.

As for personal sensations, it is still normal to feel a tightening of the ligaments on both sides of the abdomen. The tension on the organs is clearly palpable and sometimes uncomfortable. It is due to the baby’s growth.

The uterus squeezes the bowels and you may suffer from constipation from time to time. This discomfort can be influenced by adjustments in the food menu.

There are ongoing changes in a woman’s body. The mammary glands develop and begin to secrete. This can also happen earlier than the twenty-first gestational week.

There are women who already notice stretch marks appearing on the skin of the abdomen. Do not get unnecessarily upset. Take measures – consult what creams to apply. The belly will continue to grow.

The vaginal discharge should continue to have a slightly sour smell and be white or light in colour. The presence of pus, blood or other atypical characteristics is a reason to see a doctor. At this stage of pregnancy, the child is likely to survive if delivery occurs. However, you should not rush. It needs the nature-ordained nine-month development period.

If the vaginal discharge is watery, seek medical help immediately. This could be a sign of premature birth.

The menu of a pregnant woman in the twenty-first gestational week

If you were used to diets and calorie counting before pregnancy, now there is a high probability that the doctor will recommend a calorie-rich menu. A pregnant woman needs at least 3000 calories daily.

It is mandatory that the menu should be rich in protein and 4 times more carbohydrates.

Nutrients for key for the optimal development of the baby. Eat small portions of food, but often. Try to avoid eating food immediately before sleep.

What is seen on ultrasound?

During the examination, you can look at the tiny face of your future child, his hands and feet. The doctor will pay attention to the development of his intestines, brain and internal organs. Important is the location of the fetus in the mother’s womb. The sex of the child has long been clear.

Go to 20 gestational week or 22 gestational week