21 weeks pregnant

Many news happen this week. The most incredible of these is that your baby now recognizes the sound of your voice and knows how to distinguish it from others. Research has shown that babies interact positively with external stimuli, so talk, read stories and sing for your baby.

During the previous weeks, the organs formed at an accelerated rate of growth. As of this week, the functions are developing and improving, we can call the last hits.

Changes in the baby’s body will be minimal, only weight and size change. However, your body will change, especially your tummy, which will accompany the baby’s growth.

Keep reading to find out what are the details that happen to your baby, how you should be in this phase, care to ensure a healthy pregnancy and other interesting subjects.

 

Baby development

The baby’s measurements are now measured from head to toe, as the legs are stretched. According to one parameter, the 21-week-old baby should be, on average, 25 cm and approximately 360 g.

It is important to note that these measures change from pregnancy to pregnancy. Some babies may be smaller and weigh less. Only by consulting with the obstetrician is it possible to know if there are any problems and specific treatment is needed.

Another novelty is that the bones are capable of producing red blood cells and white blood cells, leukocytes. It is the immune system being built. After birth, experiences with the outside world will further strengthen this system.

The respiratory and digestive systems are also developing, which causes the baby to hiccup. If you feel some slight nudges in your belly, the explanation may be these small spasms.

The nails grow and it itches. As the baby’s skin is well protected with four layers, including vernix, it prevents scratching. These and other movements are no longer so involuntary, the brain and muscle work together.

You will notice that he moves more at night than during the day. Do not despair, this does not mean that you will sleep more or less when you are born. The truth is that all daytime movement ends up rocking the baby and he sleeps. At night, when you stop, he wakes up.

 

What happens to mom

The belly is more upright and the navel starts to change. It is the uterus that has expanded and is about 2 cm above the navel. There are those who bet that the shape of the belly is a sign of the sex of the baby, if you have not yet managed to find out, do not pay much attention to this, each woman has a different body, some will only start to have a bigger belly after the 25th week.

If your belly has already started to grow, you may have trouble sleeping. It is recommended to lie on the left side, with a pillow under the belly. The explanation has to do with the compression of the inferior vena cava, which carries blood to the heart.

Your weight should also increase between 4kg to 8kg, which is the best way to guarantee a healthy pregnancy and be easier to come back to later. The breasts will stop growing until birth.

With all the blood movement and changes and everything going on, memory failures are normal in pregnancy.

 

Care that should be taken at this stage

Try to maintain a light exercise routine, which will bring benefits, both easing symptoms such as swelling, constipation, cramps, as well as facilitating dilation at the time of delivery.

To avoid the appearance of spots, melasma, the use of sunscreen whenever it is in contact with the sun is essential. Fluid intake is also important, always have a bottle of water close by. When you can, drink natural coconut water to replace lost minerals.

This week, the doctor can order specific blood tests for the 2nd trimester and the glycemic curve test to check the likelihood of gestational diabetes.

To ensure that the tests have a satisfactory result and for the maintenance of your health and the baby, keep a balanced diet, with vegetables, lean meats, foods that are sources of calcium, potassium, fibers and iron.

 

Stress and Depression in Pregnancy

All changes and concerns during pregnancy, including the preparation of the baby’s room and layette, doubts about motherhood, choice of motherhood and hormonal changes and in her body externally, can cause psychological problems such as stress and depression.

Both are bad for you and also for the baby. High levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, lead to premature birth and an increased risk of respiratory problems, blindness, deafness and cerebral palsy and to die within a few weeks of life.

Even with so much to solve and do, try to have unique moments for you. Take a moment to meditate, listen to music, and other forms of relaxation.

If you are feeling sadder and less motivated, seek medical help.

sex in pregnancy

With the exception of risky pregnancies, sex in pregnancy is fully recommended, it is very good for the mother and does not affect the baby. So, agree with your partner on the best position for both.

For restricted mothers, it is still possible to maintain the couple’s love and affection through romantic moments.