21 week of pregnancy from conception

What happens to the baby at 21 weeks

The baby in the womb continues to actively gain weight. Now it is already quite heavy – it weighs almost half a kilogram. The child’s head still seems to be somewhat enlarged compared to the body, but his face is already almost completely formed: there are cilia, eyebrows, hair on the top of his head.

Life is in full swing inside the baby – most of the glands work, the spleen is connected to the creation of blood. The brain is actively growing, the respiratory system is developing.

The baby’s heart beats in the same rhythm, since while he is mostly asleep. Almost 24 hours a day, the baby spends in a nap, waking up only for short periods. All the more valuable are these brief periods of activity. The movements of the crumbs at these moments become more noticeable, sharp. He studies the fetal bladder, the umbilical cord, the walls of the uterus, seeks to touch everything.

Fetal ultrasound

– Routinely, a woman undergoes ultrasound screening at 16-20 weeks from conception. It is better to do an ultrasound of the fetus from 17 weeks, since at 16 not all brain structures can be formed yet and then you will have to undergo an additional ultrasound in a week, the doctor explains obstetrician-gynecologist Ekaterina Tugai.

It is not necessary to do an ultrasound of the fetus at the 21st week of pregnancy from conception, but sometimes it makes sense in such a study.

– There are situations when additional ultrasound control may be required, for example, with twins, many recommendations prescribe ultrasound every two weeks / month. In addition, ultrasound of the fetus at 21 weeks of gestation can be indicated to control the length of the cervix (cervicometry is also performed at the second screening and, if necessary, it is advised to control the length of the cervix), and in threatened conditions (abdominal pain, spotting), the doctor clarifies. .

Photo life

At 21 weeks from conception, the weight of the baby can already “pass” over 500 grams. The growth of the child at this time is about 27-29 cm, and from the crown to the sacrum – about 20. With these parameters, the baby resembles an eggplant.

By the 21st week of pregnancy, the figure of the expectant mother is rounded. Doctors specify that the belly should not yet be large, but is already visible to others. A photo of the abdomen at 21 weeks later will be a reminder for a woman of a happy second trimester.

During this period, the uterus increases mainly due to the growth of the fetus and placenta, as well as due to an increase in the volume of amniotic fluid. It is located 4 cm above the navel. By week 21, many women already have time to gain 5-7 extra kilos.

What happens to mom at 21 weeks

Although most pregnant women in the second trimester do not have any special problems, some changes in the body can still be annoying.

Edema. They arise due to an increase in the level of hormones in the blood and changes in its chemical composition. Do not be surprised if during this period you sweat profusely and run to the toilet all the time, excess fluid should go away after childbirth. Doctors advise, as a prevention of edema, not to lean on sweet and salty – everything that makes us drink more.

Vein problems. In the second trimester, women may notice superficial varicose veins – the vascular network on the hips. The reason for this is all the same hormones. After childbirth, the vessels may become invisible again, if this does not happen, there are cosmetic procedures to solve problems with the veins.

Cramping of the calf muscles. They usually disturb in the late afternoon. Seizures occur due to failures of mineral metabolism in the body. Massage your feet frequently and make sure you have enough calcium in your diet. A contrast shower has a good effect on the muscles of the legs.

During this period, the baby’s brain is actively developing, so it needs to be provided with enough oxygen. Pregnant women will benefit from walking outdoors, doing relaxation exercises more often and avoiding stress and tension.

What sensations can you experience in 21 week

– During this period, the baby is actively growing, and the woman begins to noticeably gain weight. You may notice that your gait has begun to change. Due to fluctuating hormone levels, appetite can be lost, which in turn can lead to fatigue, this also explains the fact that most women become forgetful. Other changes that a pregnant woman may experience include dry skin, constipation, nasal congestion, increased sweating, explains obstetrician-gynecologist Ekaterina Tugay.

“Naughty” hormones can affect the mood of the expectant mother, causing her to get annoyed for no reason, then cry for any reason. This is a common reaction to changes in the hormonal background, so you just need to be patient.

There are also pleasant sensations! At the 21st week of pregnancy from conception, the baby is already actively “fidgeting” in the mother’s belly. From his movements, a woman can even wake up in the middle of the night. If the child is very violent, it is best to calm him down with a lullaby, you can also stroke his stomach or walk around the room.

Monthly

In fact, many pregnant women sometimes notice that on the usual days of the cycle they have small spotting. This can really be, but doctors advise to play it safe and tell the gynecologist about any spotting, because they can occur for a number of reasons:

• due to the low location of the placenta;
• due to a decidual polyp (cervical polyp that occurs during pregnancy);
• due to the onset of placental abruption, which can lead to the loss of a child.

– At the first symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. They often indicate the threat of termination of pregnancy. If you immediately help the expectant mother, then you can save the pregnancy and save the child, the doctors explain.

Stomach ache

Pregnant women often complain of abdominal pain. Should I be afraid of every spasm?

Pain is generally a very subjective sensation. It is difficult for a woman to determine on her own how dangerous these pains are. The origin of pain can also be different, they can be provoked by intestinal motility or renal colic, active fetal movements or osteochondrosis, it can be muscle pain or something else. It is better to come to the doctor, preferably in a multidisciplinary institution, so that doctors of various specialties can examine you, – explains obstetrician-gynecologist Ekaterina Tugay.

Brown discharge

Like any discharge with a hint of blood, a brownish discharge should be something to talk to your doctor about. At the end of the second trimester, where we are, in fact, there is no place for such secretions. They may indicate infections or more serious problems.

Light highlights

At the 21st week of pregnancy from conception, the uterus puts more and more pressure on the organs of the abdominal and pelvic region. Usually, due to pressure on the bladder, awkward situations occur when a small portion of urine is released involuntarily. There is nothing to worry about, the main thing is to use hygiene products.

Another thing is if you observe a constant release of a clear liquid from the genital tract or its outpouring in large quantities at a time. This may indicate a violation of the integrity of the amniotic membrane and leakage of amniotic fluid, which should be reported to the doctor immediately.

Leakage of amniotic fluid can lead to infection of the fetus and premature birth.

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