Pregnancy And Baby Care Week By Week Pregnancy 21 Weeks Pregnant

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A few simple skin care measures like applying a suitable moisturizer over the entire area will help to reduce these marks. It is during this time, that the mother also develops a voracious appetite and may also find certain tastes more appealing than others. This week may also see an increase in backaches for many pregnant women and so it is important to get adequate sleep and rest.

Pregnancy Week 21 Symptoms

The increase in appetite as well as the growing child within her womb can cause significant weight gain. Pregnancy week 21 weight gain is just slightly more than the previous weeks and is just about 10 and 15 pounds. It is generally the third trimester that will record the most significant weight gain. As of this week, the average baby weighs between 11 and 13 ounces. The baby swallows amniotic fluid on a regular basis and derives additional nutrients from it. The baby also has developed taste buds at this time and can differentiate between different tastes. As her expanding belly becomes more apparent, the mother may start to have some anxiety and worries. It is very important to have a supportive circle of family and friends at this time to help the mother adjust to the changes in her body. Due to immense hormonal changes, she may also have severe mood swings and may even have bouts of depression. It is important for her to spend at least an hour a day engaged in hobbies and activities that she enjoys.

This is also a common time to opt for an ultrasound. A pregnancy week 21 ultrasound will clearly show the baby and the doctor will also be able to determine the sex of the baby at this time. In most cases, the baby is seen curled up contently sucking on a thumb. It is hardly a surprise when a pregnant woman has a lot of questions regarding her pregnancy. Most first time mothers are quite interested in learning about the different signs and symptoms that are associated with each week of pregnancy. At the same time, it is also important to pay attention to the normal growth and developmental aspects of the baby. The 21st week of pregnancy falls in the second trimester and therefore, by this time, the pregnancy is quite apparent in most women. As the symptoms of early pregnancy ease away, there are several 21 weeks pregnancy symptoms that can help you know if your pregnancy is following the right track and whether the baby is growing properly.

There may be certain irritating 21 weeks pregnant symptoms that you may experience, which include sensitive, swollen or bleeding gums, due to the increase in the flow of blood through your body as well as the levels of hormones. At times, aches and pains in the legs may be experienced during or after the 21st week; however, the discomfort caused by such symptoms can be alleviated, by mild stretching and exercising, on a regular basis. In case, you see the appearance of acne on your face, which could be one of the 21 weeks pregnant symptoms, it is best to cleanse your face often and drink plenty of water each day.

Most women have stated that 21 weeks pregnant symptoms are actually much better than the pregnancy symptoms that they experienced earlier. This is because compared to the previous weeks women do not experience any major concerns or complications during this period. However, one of the 21 weeks pregnant symptoms that can be experienced is uterine contractions. Although these contractions are absolutely normal, there are many women who panic. In general, women experience mild contractions in the uterus throughout their lives; however, due to the additional pressure on the muscles in the uterus during the 21st week of pregnancy, these contractions may seem much stronger. However, it is important to keep the doctor informed about any contractions felt during the course of the pregnancy. Moreover, if the contractions are accompanied by vaginal discharge, then the healthcare provider needs to be contacted immediately.

21 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound

For women who are 21 weeks pregnant ultrasound is usually recommended at this time, in order to determine if the height and weight of the baby are proper. During the 21 weeks pregnant ultrasound your baby should weight approximately three and a quarters of a pound (around 1.48 kilos) and should measure around ten and a half inches (27 cm). At this time, you may also feel a lot of activity taking place within, making you wonder exactly what your baby is up to. If the 21 weeks pregnant ultrasound takes place when the baby is awake and active, you will also be able to see exactly what your baby is doing.

There are several doctors who may also recommend a 21 weeks pregnant 3D ultrasound. Unlike, the conventional 2D ultrasound, which creates flat images of your baby, a 3D ultrasound can help you see your baby in great detail, as it allows you to view images of your baby, from three angles. Thus, through the 3D ultrasound you may be able to see your baby suck his thumb or play with his toes. However, the best time to go in for a 3D ultrasound is after 26 weeks, as then you can see your baby’s features too. Due to the cost factor involved, several experts state that a 3D ultrasound is not necessary. However, seeing your baby in such a lifelike manner can definitely have the benefit of early bonding. Although several parents prefer the element of surprise, a 21 weeks pregnancy ultrasound can also help determine the gender of the unborn baby.

Ultrasound technology has only been improving, making it easier for healthcare providers as well as parents to monitor the health and the growth of unborn babies. There have been reports of certain concerns about the safety of ultrasounds; however, ultrasounds have been used during pregnancies, for over 35 years now and there is no evidence to support that they could cause harm to either the mother or the baby.

21 Weeks Pregnant Weight Gain

The amount of weight gain during pregnancy depends on several factors. Moreover, the weight gain differs from one trimester of pregnancy, to the next. On average, most pregnant women are advised to try and gain approximately 1 pound per week. However, it is quite common for women to complain about their 21 weeks pregnant weight gain concern. Although this is not really a concern, it may appear so to a woman, who finds it difficult to move around, because of how heavy she feels. You may feel like your center of gravity has changed because of your growing uterus. Also, because of a surge in hormones during pregnancy, you may feel extra weight on your fingers, toes, legs and other joints. Due to 21 weeks baby weight gain, it is quite possible for you to experience severe backaches.

It is a well known fact that eating health and nutritious foods during pregnancy is absolutely essential. Your ideal diet plan should consist of mainly foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, carbs, protein and fiber, as these are the nutrients that are required for the proper growth of your baby’s cell tissues, organs and healthy bones. By choosing to eat the right foods during this phase, you can make sure that you monitor the 21 weeks baby weight gain. Studies also indicate that what a woman eats during her pregnancy affects her baby’s risks in the development of allergies or other chronic illnesses.

In case you notice a drastic 21 weeks pregnant weight gain or loss, it is best to inform your doctor or your midwife immediately.

21 Weeks Pregnant Bleeding

Though bleeding can be a cause for concern during any stage of pregnancy, it is not uncommon. It is quite possible for a woman to bleed during any week, including the 21st week of pregnancy. When you are 21 weeks pregnant bleeding may or may not indicate a serious complication. The gravity of the bleeding may depend on two factors – whether or not there is any pain felt as well as the heaviness of the flow.

The most common causes of 21 weeks pregnant bleeding are placenta previa, lack of fluid, infections or placenta abruption. Many women have complained of 21 weeks pregnant bleeding, after excessive exertion or even indulging in sexual activity. Several times, 21 weeks bleeding during pregnancy could also occur due to unknown causes. Almost all instances of bleeding during the 21 weeks pregnancy period need to be carefully monitored by a doctor.

Implantation bleeding refers to the bleeding that occurs when an egg, which has been fertilized, attaches itself, to the walls of the womb. This type of bleeding usually appears light pink or brown in color. It generally appears just before the menstrual cycle, lasts for 1 to 3 days and is intermittent. Since implantation bleeding is one of the symptoms of early pregnancy, it is usually only experienced during the first trimester. Therefore, if you suspect a case of 21 weeks implantation bleeding, it is important to notify your doctor, without any delay.