Week 21 of Pregnancy
Your baby is about the size of a grapefruit
Your Baby This Week
Development milestones for week 21
At 21 weeks pregnant, your baby is approximately the size of a carrot, measuring about 10.5 inches from head to heel and weighing around 12-13 ounces. Your baby's hearing is now well-developed, and they can hear your voice, heartbeat, and sounds from the outside world. Many parents notice their baby responds to loud noises by startling or kicking. This is a wonderful time to read stories, play music, and talk to your baby. Your baby's movements are becoming stronger and more coordinated. They are practicing skills like grasping and punching. The eyebrows and eyelids are fully formed, and if you could see your baby, they would look like a tiny newborn, just thinner. The bone marrow is now the primary producer of blood cells. Your baby is establishing sleep and wake cycles, though they do not always match yours. Babies often become most active just as you are trying to fall asleep.
Your Body This Week
Changes you may experience
At 21 weeks pregnant, your belly is growing noticeably each week. Strangers might start commenting on your pregnancy or even trying to touch your bump uninvited. Baby movements are strong enough that others can feel them by placing a hand on your belly. You might feel kicks, rolls, and what feels like the baby doing somersaults. Some women describe feeling like their baby is "having a dance party" in there. Stretch marks may continue to appear on your belly, breasts, hips, and thighs. Varicose veins and spider veins can develop as blood volume increases. You might experience occasional Braxton Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions that feel like your belly tightening and then relaxing. These are normal and different from labor contractions. Your gums may bleed more easily when brushing due to increased blood flow, a condition called pregnancy gingivitis.
Tips & Advice for Week 21
Practical guidance from real moms
Since your baby can hear you now, make talking, singing, and reading aloud part of your daily routine. Studies suggest babies recognize voices they heard frequently in utero. Do not worry about sounding silly. Your baby loves your voice no matter what. For Braxton Hicks contractions, changing positions, drinking water, and resting usually helps them subside. If contractions become regular, painful, or do not stop with rest, contact your provider. Start moisturizing your belly, hips, and breasts daily to help with skin elasticity. Consider taking a childbirth class if you have not signed up yet. Begin thinking about your birth plan preferences and discuss them with your partner. If varicose veins are bothering you, wear compression stockings and elevate your legs when resting. Practice good dental hygiene and consider scheduling a dental cleaning during pregnancy.
Medical Guidance for Week 21
What to discuss with your healthcare provider
Routine prenatal visits typically occur every four weeks during the second trimester. Your provider will check your blood pressure, weight gain, fundal height, and fetal heart rate. If you have not had your anatomy scan yet, it should be scheduled soon. Report regular or painful contractions, decreased fetal movement, fluid leaking, or severe headaches with vision changes. Contact your provider immediately for bright red bleeding or severe abdominal pain.
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.