Your baby at 21 weeks pregnant: Week-by-week guide to development

HerFamily

Welcome to week 21 of your pregnancy! This week, your baby is as big as a banana. Here’s what else you can expect this week.

Your baby

Your baby at 21 weeks is roughly the size of a banana, weighing around 360 grams and measuring about 26 centimetres. While their eyelids have been fused shut to protect their developing eyes, they will soon begin to open, allowing your baby to blink. Their taste buds are forming, so they can get a sense of the flavours from the amniotic fluid – perhaps a future foodie in the making?! A little Donal Skehan or Clodagh McKenna…

You

As you hit week 21 of your pregnancy, you’re right about the middle of the second trimester. Some women experience fuller breasts because they’re getting ready to start the milk production process. A healthy and balanced diet as well as good supplement taking are a good idea especially around now.

Those pinkish or purplish lines on your belly, breasts or thighs are stretch marks. They will fade after you give birth but you cannot prevent or get rid of them. However, keeping your abdomen moisturised — use almond or coconut oil — will help your skin and can prevent it from itching which is another common symptom.

Now is the time to start winding down and taking care of yourself. There is more going on inside your body that you realise. Put your feet up after work, cancel anything you don’t feel comfortable attending and practice putting you first. It won’t be long before Baby rules the roost!

READ: This Is What Really Happens To Your Organs When You Are With Child

Anything else?

Around this stage, you may want to start considering attending some antenatal classes, either in person or on Zoom. These classes can help you prepare for the birth and provide valuable information on breastfeeding and newborn care.

This might also be the right time to begin broaching the subject of a new brother or sister if you already have a child. I’m sure they were wondering what your bump was. Now they can kiss it and point to where the baby is.

If you have a toddler you can engage in pretend play so they can imagine the baby before it arrives. Make sure to only tell them if your news is ‘out’, as your little one could let the cat out of the bag if you inform them too early.