The 21st week of pregnancy – changes in the middle of pregnancy

In the 21st week of pregnancy, the baby’s brain develops very intensively and the baby becomes more and more aware of what he is doing. He also exercises a lot – he turns, twists his legs and arms. His movements become more noticeable to the future mother.

Your baby’s size and weight at 21 weeks of pregnancy

The 21st week of pregnancy – which month is it? In the 21st week of pregnancy, your baby already weighs about 330-360 g. However, it is important to remember that the baby is slowly beginning to acquire its individual characteristics, so it may be slightly lighter than the weight indicated. This should not worry the parents-to-be.

Week 21 of pregnancy – time for a mid-term ultrasound

You will have another ultrasound scan between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy. During the ultrasound, the baby’s movements can be observed as they become heavier and heavier. During the ultrasound examination, mothers of twins can also observe how the twins try to catch or kick each other. This is an expression of the babies’ acquired awareness of the existence of a sibling. You may also see that the foetus has developed fingernails, but they are still soft enough that there is no danger of them scratching the skin. It is important to note that until the 5th month the baby is usually very thin, around the 21st week it starts to put on weight more intensely. Slowly, the fatty tissue accumulates under the skin.

Weight and development of the baby after 21 weeks

The baby’s weight in the 21st week of pregnancy is about 360 grams, but if it is a little lower, there is no reason to worry. This is the moment when individual differences begin to show. However, the most important thing is the development of certain systems in the body:

• The sexual organs are already developed.
• The immune system develops slowly – the production of white blood cells begins.
• Swallowing large amounts of foetal water and excreting it through the kidneys promotes the development of the urinary and digestive systems.
• Digestion of sugars from the amniotic fluid begins (in addition to food fed directly through the umbilical cord).
• As the nervous system continues to develop, new connections form, the baby slowly becomes aware of its movements,the baby’s eyelids are still closed, but the well.
• Developed eyeballs begin to react to the change in light intensity (which does not mean that the foetus sleeps at night, because the rocking movement that occurs, for example, when the future mother walks, is of greater importance for its falling asleep).

Changes in the woman’s body in the 21st week of pregnancy

In the 21st week, the baby’s movements are increasingly felt by the expectant mother, but this is not the only sign of the changes taking place in her body. The body begins to prepare for labour: The girth of the hips increases, more and more relaxin is released, which is also responsible for back pain and pain in the pubic symphysis. The breasts and nipples continue to enlarge and the areolas become darker and darker. Discolouration of the skin may occur. All this is due to progesterone, oestrogen and prolactin. The hormones in the 21st week of pregnancy also contribute to reduced vision and swollen feet. The skin on the abdomen may become dry and itchy.