WeMoms
9 Apr 2024

My baby at 21 weeks of pregnancy

Pregnancy
Pregnancy week by week
Your Baby at 21 Weeks
As big as a carrot
Length
10.9
Weight
15.2
Your baby has achieved a big milestone: almost breaking the 1-pound mark 

Your baby is now about the size of a banana.
What's new this week?
Baby’s Changes Overview
Now baby weighs more than placenta
He/she should kick about 10 times every 2 hours or so
He/she practices the sucking reflex
Open 3D Baby to see all changes
  • Eye Development: Complete formation of the eyes, eyelids, and eyebrows has occurred, though the iris lacks pigment.

  • Light Perception: Your baby can distinguish between light and dark, and may react to a flashlight shone on your belly.

  • Physical Appearance: Resembling a newborn more each day, your baby's skin is still wrinkly, awaiting further weight gain to fill out.

  • Sensory Development: The inner ear is fully developed, allowing your baby to hear your voice and heartbeat. A sense of touch is explored through interactions with the umbilical cord.

  • Bone Marrow Function: Bone marrow is now producing essential blood cells, including red and white blood cells and platelets.

  • Digestive System: Preparation for the first bowel movement, meconium, is underway, composed of amniotic fluid, digestive secretions, and dead cells.
With about 60% of moms beginning to feel more regular movements, this period marks an increased connection between mother and baby.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
Helping baby's development
  • Stay Active: Light exercise, such as prenatal yoga or walking, can support both your mental and physical health, as well as your baby's brain development.

  • Monitor Weight Gain: Keep an eye on your BMI and aim for a healthy weight gain, as advised by your healthcare provider, to support your baby's development.

  • Prioritize Rest: Ensure you get at least 8-10 hours of sleep per day. Rest is crucial for your body as it works hard to support your growing baby.

  • Plan a Babymoon: Consider a relaxing getaway with your partner before your baby's arrival to enjoy some peaceful, quality time together.

  • Healthy Snacking: Experiment with homemade snacks that are nutritious and satisfying. Ingredients like oats, nuts, and fruits can make delicious, healthy alternatives to processed snacks.
Top Asked Questions
When can I start feeling more consistent and stronger kicks from my baby?

Many women start feeling stronger and more consistent kicks between weeks 24 and 28. It's a reassuring sign of your baby's well-being.

Is it normal to experience leg cramps during pregnancy?

Yes, leg cramps are common during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. Staying hydrated, gentle stretching, and a diet rich in potassium can help.

What is the purpose of the glucose tolerance test?

The glucose tolerance test, typically done between weeks 24 and 28, checks for gestational diabetes by measuring how your body processes sugar.

Can I continue to travel during the second trimester?

The second trimester is generally a safe time for travel. However, consult your healthcare provider before making travel plans, especially for long journeys.

Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
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D
Deon
19 Jan 2024

Dede 21 currently 27weeks pregnant with my baby girl🩷🩷🩷 Mommy to be updates ⬇️🫶🏼🩷💙 Comment your name age how may weeks you are and if your a girl mom🩷 or boy mom💙!!

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
9 comments
T
Tori
19years old 24 weeks and boy mom💙
27 Mar 2024

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D
Deon
Aww congrats girl 🫶🏼🎉
27 Mar 2024

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M
Maggie
2 Sep 2023

21 weeks tomorrow with my first baby! At my ultra sound yesterday they told me he’s measuring long 😂

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
1 comments
A
Alex
You look great!
27 Mar 2024

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B
BluDinero
14 Aug 2023

21 weeks today 💓🧸🥹, pray everything goes fine at the anomaly scan today at 10😮‍💨💓 GoodMorning Mommy’s 😘

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
2 comments
F
Faith
Today I turned 24 weeks and I also have an appointment today 🥰💙
27 Mar 2024

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W
Whitney
I had my 2nd anatomy scan today. I pray all went well 🙏🏾🙏🏾
27 Mar 2024

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D
Destiny
18 Feb 2023

Can being upset and crying for a long time make something wrong with your baby? Because yesterday I was crying and was upset so much i haven’t felt her move at all. But I’m also only 20 weeks almost 21 weeks what should I do

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
2 comments
K
Kashmirs Mommy ❤️
Babies can feel our moods when I’m Upset I try to calm down I have bad anxiety and depression
27 Mar 2024

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🍹
🍹Jenni
Your baby having the blues isn’t going to hurt her physically. She will move in due time! Eat something good and rub your belly, she will move. She might be waiting on you to go to sleep! They are sneaky!
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amber
5 Jan 2023

I'm curious as to when you all felt movement's from your baby. I'm 21 weeks and 3 days haven't really felt much. Thanks!!!

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
7 comments
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💕Shaunda💕
I say 20 weeks it feels weired to me. I sit back and eat something and i feels butterflies or pain but it mild no hard kicks yet
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rachel
I started feeling little things laying a certain way around 17 weeks. But I’m 22 weeks now and she literally hasn’t stopped the past few days. I’m even seeing movement
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tazay
22 Dec 2022

Okay I’m 21 weeks pregnant with baby girl now and she has been kicking so strong since 19 weeks but she really has been going in lately. Is anyone else’s baby really active at 21 weeks pregnant?

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
3 comments
M
Monique
Mine was but it'll only get stronger especially when the hearing really kicks in for the baby. Good luck my love lol I'll be 24 weeks tomorrow and he woke me up at 6am and was going ape shit til 8am lol I play slow jams and put headphones on my stomach for him to calm down a little...I guess he's a music head like his dad and his brother.
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shanikwa
Girl yes!!! This lil one can’t stop kicking!! It’s like every other min bean is kicking. I been feeling kicks since 16w they just been getting stronger and more consistent. I love feeling bean kick but sometimes bean can chill out but I rather feel these kicks then bean older sister cause her nickname in my stomach was thumper would kick just like thumper from Bambi!! This is just the beginning though n I can’t wait to feel everything!!!!
27 Mar 2024

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B
Beatriz
16 Nov 2022

Any mamas caring so low that your ultrasound tech was even suprised. Baby boy is sitting right above my bladder and is measuring 1 lb alreadly at 21 weeks 1 day but he’s measuring ahead by a week

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
4 comments
C
Cynthi King
That’s my little princess very low weighing 1lb 3oz
27 Mar 2024

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C
Chantel
Yesssss. I swear it feels like I have to go to the bathroom every 5 mins.
27 Mar 2024

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Rachelle
2 Nov 2022

Anybody else get worried that there baby doesn't move alot I'm almost 21 weeks and I don't feel it that often. I will be 21 weeks tomorrow.

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
9 comments
N
Nell
You’ll start to feel the baby more between 20-25wks
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rachelle
I have been but not as much as I think I should
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kari
23 Sep 2022

21 weeks today!!! Measuring at 23 weeks. Baby girl is sucking her thumb!!! #babygirl #myMJ #firstpregnancy #duefeb2023

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
1 comments
J
Joy
That is so cute
27 Mar 2024

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