21 Weeks Pregnant

You’re now 21 weeks pregnant! Your baby is about the size of a Game Boy Color and developing eyelashes and eyebrows. Your bump probably feels like it’s getting bigger every day, and although you’re still in the honeymoon phase of pregnancy, it’s not without some symptoms like swelling or varicose veins, which can be challenging. Read on to find out what to expect from week 21 of pregnancy.

How Many Months Is 21 Weeks Pregnant?

21 weeks pregnant in months is just under five months pregnant, which is part of the second trimester of pregnancy. And if you’re unclear about your due date, you can use our due date calculator to figure it out.

Your Baby at 21 Weeks

Most of their internal organs are still developing, and distinctive details of the facial features, such as eyelashes and eyebrows, are beginning to appear. In other words, baby is starting to look like their parents.

Baby’s hearing is so developed that they can hear you when you talk or sing. At this time, baby is already kicking and moving intensely—making about 50 movements per hour, which helps with their physical and mental development. Girls already have a vagina at this time, which continues to form until childbirth, while boys’ testicles should already have descended into the scrotum.

How Big is a Baby at 21 Weeks?

At 21 weeks, baby weighs about 12.7 ounces and is around 6.9 inches long from crown to rump. Baby is about the size of a Game Boy Color.

If you haven’t already had your 20-week anatomy scan, it will happen around this point (between week 18 and week 22). This ultrasound assesses your baby’s growth and also takes a closer look at their development.

“We also obtain images of different organs and structures of the baby like the heart and brain to look for any anomalies that may be present,” says Dr. Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center’s William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. It’s a great opportunity for you to get a closer look at baby and get some glamour shots to take home!

21 Weeks Baby Movement

Regular movement is common now that baby’s central nervous system is developing. However, it’s not uncommon to experience periods of time when your baby doesn’t move much at all. Don’t panic if you go even a full day without the typical movement, such as flipping or kicking.

Your Body at 21 Weeks of Pregnancy

Weight gain, swelling and other symptoms greet you at week 21. But you’re over the hump now (or the bump, if you’ll pardon the pun)—you’re more than halfway through your pregnancy. Here are the other symptoms that mark week 21.

21 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Weight gain

You will continue to gain weight throughout this week, especially as your appetite remains high. Use it as an excuse to satisfy some interesting cravings. Pickles, anyone?

Swelling in the legs and varicose veins

While this symptom began weeks ago for many people, it could be new for some. And it may continue. “If you notice symptoms of varicose veins, be sure to consult your doctor about preventive measures,” says Dr. Rosmy Barrios.

Acne

Yep, this symptom is also one you’ve likely encountered in previous weeks, but it may have continued. Dr. Barrios explains that this increase in acne is due to increased activity of the sebaceous glands, which are producing more sebum, a waxy/oily substance, on the skin, leading to breakouts.

21 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms Not to Ignore

If you experience any bleeding with your cramps, contact your doctor. Similarly, you’ll want to be wary of persistent pelvic heaviness, especially if it’s accompanied by bloody, mucousy or watery discharge. “This could be a sign of the cervix opening too soon—called cervical insufficiency,” says Dr. Lauren Demosthenes, an ob-gyn and Senior Medical Director with Babyscripts.

“Risk factors for this include a past history of this [or] past surgery on the cervix,” she adds. “[Your] care team often routinely looks at the cervix during the 18-22 week ultrasound to look for this too. If this happens, a stitch called a cerclage may be placed to close the cervix.”

Also, any bleeding with cramps should be checked out.

Pregnancy Symptoms Coming Up In Week 22:

As your belly gets bigger, you may experience your belly button “popping” out! An “outie” belly button, hot flashes and bigger feet are some symptoms waiting for you in week 22 of pregnancy.

Commonly Asked Questions About 21 Week Pregnant

You’ve got your symptoms under control, and baby is more than halfway through development. Now, it’s time to start the planning for the actual birth. Before that, though, you might want professional photos taken. If so, scout a photographer.

Should I plan for a hospital birth?

Now’s the time to weigh your options for a hospital birth, birthing center or home birth. And do you want to hire a doula? These can be tough questions, so give yourself time to research and come to a choice that’s right for you.

What else should I be doing?

Start building your baby registry,and consider booking a maternity shoot now. Book your photoshoot for the middle of the third trimester when you’re fully pregnant and glowing.

To doula or not to doula? It’s usually a question that arises sometime during the second half of your pregnancy. Doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth, but unlike midwives and doctors, they don’t actually deliver your baby. Instead, doulas are there to provide you with whatever support you need during labor. They’ll often help you in your postpartum journey as well. You don’t have to decide today, but it can be helpful to start thinking about whether having a doula is something you want to pursue. You’ll need time to research local doulas in your area and build a relationship with whomever you choose.

Recommended Products for Week 21 of Pregnancy

As your pregnancy progresses, you’re probably thinking ahead to baby’s arrival. But you have some time! Here are some things you might want to think about at this stage.

• Book a maternity shoot (or don’t): If you want to schedule maternity photos, the best time to do so is usually between 30 to 36 weeks. Use the next few weeks to find and price-out nearby photographers. Not interested in a maternity shoot? That’s okay too!
• See a chiro: Back pain is extremely common during pregnancy. Chiropractic care or massage therapy can be hugely beneficial in treating and preventing both prenatal and postpartum back pain. Just make sure to look for someone specifically trained in prenatal or perinatal treatment.
• Let us help you with your registry: If you’ve spent any time researching baby gear online, then you know the options are practically endless. Want a changing table that doubles as a scale? No problem. How about a cradle that rocks your baby to sleep for you? Done and done. Despite the cool factor of these products, you really don’t need much when it comes time to bring baby home from the hospital. If you’re more of a minimalist, forgo the gadgetry in favor of the true must-haves. Here’s our list of essential baby gear.

Sources

• Dr. Rosmy Barrios, Medical Advisor at Health Reporter

This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and the Babylist Health Advisory Board.