The 21st week of pregnancy corresponds to the second trimester of gestation and, specifically, to the fifth month of pregnancy. At this point, the pregnant woman will be in a better mood, the usual nausea and discomfort of the first trimester will have disappeared and she may feel full of energy. The mother's body has become accustomed to the different hormone levels that occur during gestation.
One of the most marked changes in the pregnant woman is that her belly will already be noticeable and it will not be easy to hide it. However, the woman still feels light and can make all kinds of movements. One of the basic tips for pregnant women is the use of moisturizing creams on the belly to prevent the appearance of stretch marks.
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Changes in the mother
The size of the pregnant woman's belly is already difficult to hide. The navel can become flat or protrude outward, depending on the body of each woman. In addition, the expectant mother will begin to feel her child's kicks, especially at night.
Other discomfort in pregnant women in week 21 is the feeling of a heavy back and dorsal muscles. A certain degree of muscle stiffness is frequent, due to the increase in weight and volume. If the woman was exercising before pregnancy, she can continue with her routine, as long as she adapts the exercise to her pregnant condition.
In the case of women who did not exercise before pregnancy, it is advisable to walk for at least 30 minutes so that their hands and feet do not swell. Swimming is also recommended because the pregnant woman does not have to endure stress in the water.
Women will notice that their skin is more luminous and smoother. However, some pregnant women show stretch marks in the belly area as a result of stretching. It is therefore advisable to use moisturizing creams.
Other symptoms in pregnant women
Although every woman and every pregnancy may be different, some of the most common symptoms in the 21st week of gestation are:
- Increased appetite.
- Gases
- Appearance of varicose veins in the legs.
- Gingivitis or bleeding gums.
- Changes in nails.
However, this does not mean that all pregnant women in week 21 will have these symptoms. There are women who have a pregnancy completely free of discomfort, while others have it a little worse. However, the second trimester of pregnancy is usually the best time of gestation because the discomfort is left behind.
Changes in the baby in the 21st week
In the 21st week of pregnancy, eyelashes are formed and the fetus already opens its eyes, although it only perceives light. The eye is fully developed, although the iris is not yet pigmented.
The baby can still move freely in the amniotic fluid since it still has room in the uterus to do so.
Another important change in the baby's body is the ability of its bone marrow to produce blood cells. Red blood cells are no longer synthesized in the fetal spleen and liver, but will be manufactured in the bone marrow.
In the case of female babies, the formation of the vagina will begin. In boys, on the other hand, testicular descent into the scrotum will occur when the 21st week of gestation is reached.
At the end of this week, the size of the baby is about 17-18 cm in length and weighs about 350 grams. In addition, at this time, the baby will be able to swallow amniotic fluid to aid in the maturation of its digestive system.
Recommendations for the 21st week of pregnancy
In the 21st week of pregnancy it is advisable to have a second trimester morphological ultrasound if the woman has not yet had one. Thanks to this ultrasound test, the fetal anatomy can be studied, as well as the position of the umbilical cord and placenta.
Other measures to follow in the 21st week of pregnancy that could be very useful for the pregnant woman are the following:
- Lymphatic drainage massages to limit the appearance of varicose veins in the legs and reduce leg fatigue.
- Elevate your feet on a pillow.
- Take foods rich in vitamin B to help fetal development.
- Wear flat, comfortable shoes.
Finally, the pregnant woman may also undergo an invasive prenatal test such as cordocentesis or funiculocentesis if there is suspicion of any fetal abnormality. However, an amniocentesis is usually chosen beforehand.
FAQs from users
Can amniocentesis be performed in the 21st week of pregnancy?
Amniocentesis is an invasive prenatal technique that is recommended to be performed between 15 and 21 weeks of gestation. However, amniocentesis is most commonly performed at 15-17 weeks of pregnancy.
Is threatened abortion possible at 21 weeks of pregnancy?
Normally, the threat of miscarriage occurs before the 20th week of pregnancy. Should this occur, the specialist will instruct the pregnant woman to avoid sexual intercourse and to rest for as long as possible. In addition, the woman should avoid eating raw meat and the administration of any type of medication, without prior consultation with the doctor.
What is the fundal height in the 21st week of pregnancy?
The measurement of the uterine height is usually performed from the 20th week of gestation. The most common is that the height of the uterus corresponds to the week of pregnancy in which the woman is. That is why the uterine height in the 21st week of pregnancy would be about 21 cm approximately.
Suggested for you
Perhaps you are impatient to learn about the changes that will take place in the next week of pregnancy. For this reason, you may be interested in reading the following article: What is the 22nd week of pregnancy like? What changes occur?
In addition, one of the tests that we have mentioned that can be performed in the 21st week of gestation is the morphological ultrasound. We invite you to read more about this test and others at this link: Prenatal pregnancy control: tests, analyses and ultrasound scans.
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References
Alcolea Flores, S., Mohamed Mohamed D. Guía de cuidados en el embarazo. Consejos de su matrona. Hospital Universitario de Ceuta (Dirección Territorial de Ceuta e Instituto Nacional de Gestión Sanitaria (ed.). Colección Editorial de Publicaciones del INGESA. ISBN: 978-84-351-0408-1
D Sirgant, C d'Ercole, J Blanc. Pregnancy outcomes in women with previous preterm cesarean delivery between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation. Gynecol Obstet Fertil Senol. 2021 Apr;49(4):282-287 (View)
Duyff, R.L. (2002). American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide (2nd Ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Eugene S, Bonapace MD, Robert S, Fisher MD. (1998). Constipation and diarrhea in pregnancy. Gastroenterol Clin North Am; 27: 197- 211 (View)
Gary F, Mc Donald P. (1996). Adaptación materna al embarazo. En: Gary F, MacDonald P, Grant N Lereso K, Gilstrap L, editores. Williams. Obstetricia (4.a ed.). Barcelona: Masson.
González Merlo J. (1992). Modificaciones fisiológicas producidas en el organismo materno por el embarazo. En: Williams. Obstetricia (4.a ed.). Barcelona: Masón (View)
Mohamed Nabih El-Gharib, Sherin Barakat Albehoty. Transvaginal cervical length measurement at 22- to 26-week pregnancy in prediction of preterm births in twin pregnancies. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2017 Mar;30(6):729-732 (View)
FAQs from users: 'Can amniocentesis be performed in the 21st week of pregnancy?', 'Is threatened abortion possible at 21 weeks of pregnancy?' and 'What is the fundal height in the 21st week of pregnancy?'.
