How Your Baby Grows During the Twenty-First Week
Your baby's crown-to-rump length is now over 17 inches and her weight is over 10 ounces.
She is swallowing amniotic fluid now and producing urine on a regular basis. It is thought that the act of drinking the amniotic fluid helps to prime the digestive tract.
She is very active now and still has plenty of room to move about in the uterus. She'll be practicing her dance moves for the next couple weeks until she gets so big she begins to run out of room.
This week she also begins to dream! Amazing to think that even before she is born, she is already dreaming. Scientists know this because they observe REM or Rapid Eye Movements during the fetal sleep times in the womb.
What the Mother Feels During the Twenty-First Week
At this point in the pregnancy your weight gain is probably around 10 to 15 pounds, but don't forget that this number can fluctuate a lot. As long as you are following a healthy pregnancy diet and your weight gain is steady, there is a wide variety of normal.
The increasing pressure of the uterus can increase your risk for blood clots. While these can occur at any time, especially after prolonged periods of inactivity, they are more frequent in pregnant women. To help decrease your risk of blood clots, try not to stress your circulatory system any more than necessary. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Do not sleep on your back - the weight of the uterus can put pressure on the internal blood vessels.
- Do aerobic exercise regularly - Swimming, walking or other activities will help keep the blood flowing in a healthy way through your body.
- Do not sit with your legs crossed.
You may also be experiencing the first heartburn of your pregnancy. As your uterus grows, your stomach will have less room than usual. You may find yourself feeling full after just half your normal portions. And you may well find yourself struggling with some heartburn as well. If not now, than likely soon.
Resources:
The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month by Dr. Sears
Your Pregnancy Week by Week by Lesley Regan
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
