21st week of pregnancy: fetus size - 18 cm, weight - approximately 300 g. You may again become emotionally vulnerable. The baby develops taste buds and the composition of the blood becomes more complicated. Half of the term of bearing the baby behind. You are at great risk of swelling and varicose veins in your legs. However, overall health should be good.

What happens to the baby

When the 21st week of pregnancy “starts”, this means that the 19th week has gone from the moment of conception. If you have any questions about timing, .

Now the main task of the fetus is to grow and gain weight. The baby looks like a little man. According to the proportions of the body, he already resembles a newborn child. If your baby is destined to be born with hair on the head, then around this time they appear. Tiny eyebrows and eyelashes are already there, but these are not hairs, but a light fluff. Your child is constantly exercising. According to the signals of the brain, the fetus literally works out those movements that he needs first:

1. Drinking amniotic fluid (up to 0.5 liters per day). So the baby trains sponges and swallowing reflexes. The digestive and urinary systems also work.
2. Limb movements. Coordination will come very soon, but a start has been made.
3. Raising and lowering the chest. Immediately after childbirth, the baby will have to urgently, in a split second, learn to breathe with his lungs.

This week the fetus will grow to a length of 18 cm. Its weight will reach about three hundred grams. Don't forget: your baby can already hear, so talk to him.

You can already feel the fetal movements. Sometimes it seems to you that the baby under your heart does nothing but move. Does he not sleep at all? This is not true. Remember that both children and adults are rarely completely still in their sleep. And the fetus is exactly the same. Some experts believe that at such a time, children in the womb spend up to twenty hours a day in a sleepy state. According to other sources - 12-14 hours. And the arms and legs still move. Movements can be felt up to two hundred times a day.

What's new with the baby? The improvement of the composition of the blood continues. Red bodies have long been formed, and white bodies are in the process. Later, together with other systems, they will be responsible for the immunity of the child. And on the tiny tongue, taste buds continue to form. When the amniotic fluid enters the fetal mouth, he is already able to distinguish its taste.

How is the baby located in the uterus? As he wants. Now is not the time to talk about the right or wrong position of the fetus. There is enough room for the baby to spin in all directions for a few more weeks.

How is mom doing?

21st week - what month is it? Sixth lunar. You are about halfway through your pregnancy. Now you are characterized by some or even many of these signs:

• in general, excellent health;
• the tummy has grown noticeably, but still does not interfere;
• the gait has changed - you lean back a little and, perhaps, roll over a little;
• you have an excellent appetite (be careful not to overeat);
• in rare cases, you can see a tiny bump on your stomach at the moment the baby moves, perhaps this is his fist or heel;
• you often feel hot or stuffy;
• it is worth a little retreat from the diet - hello, heartburn or constipation;
• stuffy nose periodically, although there is no real runny nose or cold;
• you don’t just get tired - sometimes you literally feel weak, especially when your blood pressure drops;
• sometimes you want to eat something “sort of”, unusual;
• Since the beginning of pregnancy, the weight has increased by 4-8 kg.

These are all physical sensations. Emotionally, many expectant mothers now note one oddity. They lose interest in what they were fond of before, feel unnecessary, self-confidence disappears somewhere. This is how another round of hormonal changes in the body manifests itself. Do not panic, do not mope, communicate with family and friends, look for new hobbies. This period of emotional instability will soon pass.

Photo of tummies (click to enlarge):

Possible troubles and complications

Stretch marks. Your body is changing: the tummy is getting rounder and bigger, the chest is pouring, the hips are slightly parted. All this is reflected in the skin of these parts of the body. If it's flexible enough, it's ok. With a sharp weight gain or skin problems, stretch marks can appear. They spoil the look of the skin and your mood. Don't let this happen. Use special creams, lotions, or just olive oil () on dangerous areas.

Pregnancy mask - a specific property of the skin of the face. These are age spots on the forehead, cheeks and chin. They cannot be removed, bleached. A layer of makeup might solve the problem, but won't it hurt you overall? It is better to protect your face from sunlight.

Swollen and swollen legs. In the evenings, your legs may simply “buzz” and swell, the rings almost cut into your fingers, and your face seems puffy. What do we have to do:

• Do not eat something that may make you very thirsty: salty, spicy, too sweet.
• Wipe your face with a slice of cucumber or frozen cucumber juice. If you act in the second way, do not keep the ice near the sinuses for a long time.
• When sitting or lying down, keep your feet as high as possible. Lay them on a stool, pouffe, pillow.
• Do not wear any restrictive clothing or accessories. It is impossible that straps, ribbons, belts and elastic bands put pressure not only on the stomach, but in general anywhere.

If such edema quickly passes after simple measures, there is nothing to worry about. Persistent edema may indicate late toxicosis. What is this state.

On the legs, you may notice dilated vessels. The probability is greater if your relatives in the female line suffer from varicose veins in the legs - mother, grandmother, and so on. To protect your legs from problems, you can buy compression socks, stockings or tights - according to the season.

Moms take note!

Hello girls) I didn’t think that the problem of stretch marks would affect me, but I’ll write about it))) But I have nowhere to go, so I’m writing here: How did I get rid of stretch marks after childbirth? I will be very glad if my method helps you too ...

Cramps in the legs. Leg cramps are a lot of trouble. They are easy to deal with if it happens at home. And if at work, on the road or in the swimming pool? Remember exactly what to do. It is necessary, if possible, to pull the big toe of the injured leg towards you. You can rub your lower leg, foot. Be sure to tell your doctor about seizures. Most likely, you do not have enough calcium and potassium (which means dried apricots and dairy products will help).

Headache. Previously, this problem was solved easily: with one pill. Now you can not take practically no medication, so you will have to deal with pain in a different way:

• lie down, preferably in darkness and silence;
• take some baby cream, add a drop of eucalyptus essential oil, rub the temples and depressions near the ear tragus with this mixture;
• rub your feet, especially around the toes and their bases.

Slight pain in the navel, lower back they talk about the gradual stretching and movement of the internal organs under the pressure of the uterus. This is the norm. But if the stomach hurts badly, real contractions are felt, the threat of miscarriage is possible.

Allocations

Your breasts are preparing for future feedings and are producing colostrum. You can't pinch him. Place a pad in each cup of your bra and change regularly.

White or clear mucus without a strong odor may be discharged from the vagina. Yellow, greenish, brown or bloody discharge indicates various disorders, urgently see a doctor.

If your underwear seems to get wet, leakage of amniotic fluid is not ruled out. This is a dangerous process, tell your doctor and be examined.

Blood discharge during bowel movements is a sign of incipient hemorrhoids. This disease often affects women with constipation. Talk to your doctor about treatment options and follow-up prevention.

See a doctor

If you haven't had an ultrasound in your second trimester yet, one will be scheduled. A specialist doctor will check the main dimensions of the body and limbs of the fetus, the condition of the internal organs and a number of other indicators. The placenta will be examined no less carefully.

Ultrasound photo at 21 weeks (click to enlarge):

With a successful location of the fetus, you can find out the sex of the baby. But the future boy or girl can sometimes "hide" until the very birth.

It is necessary to come to the doctor of the antenatal clinic according to the schedule that he made for you. Everything is familiar here: measuring weight, blood pressure, the size of the uterus and listening to your baby's heartbeat.

The child is able to move around inside the placenta, but the eyes are still not able to open. At week 21, the baby's growth rate begins to slow down. However, there is still quite a lot of space for the baby inside the uterus, and he moves there as he pleases. Extra worries about the position of the child there is useless. He will move and turn over in the womb many more times until it comes to childbirth.

Weight, height and size of the baby

Your baby already weighs about 300-310 g. His height from crown to tailbone is approximately 18 cm. However, starting this week, we will no longer talk about the parietal-coccygeal length of the embryo, now we will denote the growth of the fetus from the crown to the heels.

By the way, now this value is about 26-27 cm. At the moment, the baby has already reached half of its height before the moment of birth. That is, if the size of the fetus at the twenty-first week of pregnancy is approximately 26 cm, then it will be born with a height of 52 cm.

News of the intrauterine world

• Digestive system. The child's digestive system is developing rapidly. The baby has already learned to swallow amniotic fluid, which contains dead skin cells. During digestion in a child, useful substances are absorbed, and the remnants of dead skin, since they are solid, go into the intestines. By the way, we note that alcohol and nicotine are also absorbed by the baby's body if the mother abuses it. Already, the baby is able to drink about 500 ml of surrounding water per day. This helps to increase the amount of nutrients in his body;
• Taste preferences are formed. Taste buds begin to appear on the tongue, so the baby becomes able to distinguish tastes. By the way, the taste of amniotic fluid directly depends on the diet of the mother. By eating a varied and balanced diet, you can influence the formation of the correct taste preferences in a child;
• The immune system. Leukocytes and platelets begin to be produced. The functioning of the immune system is improved. Antibodies are already being transferred from the mother to the fetus. They will protect him from infections that his mother has had in her life. This is called passive immunity;
• Endocrine system. In a child, all organs of the endocrine system begin to work - the adrenal glands, the pituitary gland, the pineal gland, the thyroid gland, the pancreas and the parathyroid gland. Their task is to produce hormones necessary for the growth and development of the unborn child;
• vestibular apparatus. The development of the fetus at 21 weeks of gestation also includes the beginning of the vestibular apparatus, which allows the child to determine the position of his body in space.

Fetal activity and movements

Sometimes the baby may not sleep at night, but play in the mother's tummy, thereby preventing the mother from falling asleep. While he has plenty of room for activity, and you can already determine in which part of the abdomen he is now frolicking.

A baby at 20 weeks already knows how to distinguish sounds and voices, and also understands the mood of his mother.

If he is really pushing in the tummy, try to sing him a song or a lullaby, he will hear you and calm down. Even if you don't know the gender of the baby yet, just address him affectionately and stroke his tummy! Baby feels your warmth!

The condition of the expectant mother for a period of 21 weeks

You are still in great shape, so unbearable fatigue and shortness of breath when walking up the stairs may not be at all for you yet. By the 21st week of pregnancy, your starting weight has increased by about 4-6 kg.

The child begins to grow adipose tissue. So be very careful with what you use. You can discuss the diet menu for pregnant women with your doctor. Drink the vitamins prescribed by the doctor, eat cottage cheese, fruits and vegetables. All this contributes to the proper development of the baby, and also helps the body cope with the load placed on it during this wonderful period.

After all, carrying a healthy baby is a difficult test for every mother.

Symptoms and features of the course of pregnancy

Concomitant symptoms at 21 weeks of gestation may include the following:

• Breast augmentation and colostrum. During pregnancy, the breasts increase somewhat, preparing for the upcoming lactation period. The nipples stand out even more and become sensitive. Gaining more weight than normal can lead to stretch marks on the chest in the future. In most pregnant women at the 21st week of pregnancy, small drops of colostrum may begin to stand out from the nipples when pressed. Colostrum is a yellowish thick liquid that is the prototype of breast milk. The release of colostrum can begin both at 20-22 weeks, and immediately before childbirth. In both cases, this is not considered a pathology. With abundant discharge, you can put breast pads or special napkins in your bra or underwear so that the discharge does not stain underwear and clothes;
• Enlargement of the uterus. What happens at 21 weeks of pregnancy with the uterus? The uterus is already located about 1 cm above the navel, and the height of its bottom from the pubis reaches approximately 21 cm;
• Allocations. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy should not be very different from normal. They can only become a little more abundant (this is due to the effect of the hormone progesterone on the mucous membrane). Normal discharge in a healthy woman during pregnancy is translucent or gray-white with a sour smell. If you notice flaky, purulent, cheesy or strong-smelling discharge, then this may indicate a pathology. Watery discharge or discharge with an admixture of blood against the background of pain in the abdomen and lower back can lead to a miscarriage! Call an ambulance as soon as possible to avoid harming the baby;
• Increased hair and nail growth. Due to the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body, hair and nails can begin to grow faster. The most unpleasant thing about this is that hairs often grow especially actively in places that are undesirable for this.

Anxiety and well-being of a pregnant woman

Usually the twenty-first obstetric week of pregnancy is considered a calm period. However, all kinds of pain can complicate a woman's course. Barely palpable pain in the uterus can be Braxton-Hicks training contractions, but do not worry, they do not pose a threat to either the baby or you.

Do you want something interesting?

Another pregnant woman may be concerned about:

• Heartburn. Some expectant mothers may experience discomfort from heartburn. The reason for its appearance is that the enlarged uterus presses on the stomach. It lifts the stomach up, which leads to the reflux of acidic contents into the esophagus, thereby provoking discomfort. To avoid it, experts advise not to eat fried foods, sour, pickled and smoked. You should also give up acidic fruits and drinks, from carbonated water. Immediately after eating, it is advisable not to bend over. Before going to bed, to save yourself from heartburn, you can put another pillow under your head. If relief does not occur, be sure to tell your doctor;
• Dyspnea. The uterus, which is constantly increasing in size and volume, begins to squeeze the internal organs, raising the diaphragm. Therefore, a pregnant woman may periodically experience shortness of breath. To cope with this unpleasant feeling, doctors recommend starting to master the breathing technique. The ability to breathe properly is very useful, especially during childbirth;
• Constipation and bloating. Bloating and constipation often accompany a woman during the entire pregnancy. This comes from the fact that almost all the internal organs of a woman are under pressure from the weight of the uterus and the child. To get rid of constipation, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits containing fiber;
• Painful sensations. At this time, sitting in one position for a long time can be fraught with pain in the back and lower back. To get rid of them, you can try to simply change the position. Learn to listen to your body and relax. From excess weight during pregnancy, the joints of the legs, back, and muscles can hurt. Under the pressure of the uterus, pain and discomfort may appear in the navel area. But if there is a cramping pain or a pronounced lingering pain in the lumbar region, then this should not be ignored! To timely diagnose increased uterine tone, consult a doctor as soon as possible;
• Sleep disorders. Firstly, the fetus at 21 weeks of gestation can interfere with sleep at night with its excessive activity in the tummy. Secondly, the lack of proper sleep may be due to the strong pressure of the uterus on the bladder. That is why the expectant mother has to wake up many times a night to go to the toilet. Thirdly, due to the change in the size of the tummy, it is not easy to immediately get used to sleeping on your side (especially if you used to prefer sleeping on your stomach or back). Therefore, you need to choose for yourself the optimal comfortable position for sleeping. A few pillows can help with this, or special pillows for pregnant women can help. A bagel-shaped pillow is a very good thing: during pregnancy it is comfortable to sleep with it, and after childbirth it can be used to feed the baby. And do not forget to ventilate the room before going to bed and during the day.

Your rapidly growing belly

When the tummy begins to grow, many expectant mothers feel that the skin on the sides has begun to itch. This is a sure sign of her stretching. A moisturizer or lotion can help relieve symptoms. There are also special creams for stretch marks on the body for pregnant women.

If the itching does not go away, you should visit a doctor. Additional testing may be needed to determine the cause of the discomfort.

Photos of tummies at the twenty-first week:

Analyzes and ultrasound at the 21st week

No special medical examinations at this time will be required. Your gynecologist can only give you referrals for a urinalysis and complete blood count.

Ultrasound at the twenty-first week of pregnancy is prescribed by the doctor you are seeing. You will finally be able to see your baby and, if he allows you, consider whose birth to expect soon - an heir or an heiress. In addition, it is already possible to agree with the doctor and take the first photo of the baby, which opens the chronicle of his life, as, for example, the mothers of these little ones did:

What are the dangers to watch out for

Often at this time, premature birth can begin. It is important for every expectant mother to know the accompanying symptoms in order to be able to behave correctly in such a situation. Signs of preterm labor:

• bloody discharge from the genital tract;
• severe pain when urinating;
• acute or continuous vomiting;
• frequent loose stools;
• sudden leakage of copious watery fluid from the vagina;
• severe back pain;
• sharp or lingering pain in the back or lower abdomen.

If you feel any of these symptoms, call an ambulance immediately!

The female body is unique in nature, so all the physical sensations in the twenty-first week of pregnancy are also unique.

Hormonal changes at this time continue, and absolutely new sensations are added to them, there is a sharp change in mood.

Our helpful tips for this week are:

1. Don't worry if you're putting on a little more weight than normal. But still, try to monitor your appetite, eat less starchy foods and forget about the existence of convenience foods and fast food;
2. For a little distraction and relaxation, you can write a list of things you need to care for your newborn. Start looking at the assortment of socks, bonnets, sliders. This is very inspiring!;
3. Sports activities are welcome. If sport in your life occupied an honorable place even before the conception of a child, then you can reduce the load and continue to practice. But consultation with your doctor and instructor is required! And if the desire to play sports appeared after conception, then it would be best to start with light stretching exercises and strengthening the back muscles. You can choose for yourself, for example, yoga for pregnant women, fitness or visiting the pool;
4. You can already queue up to attend special courses for pregnant women!;
5. Get as many positive emotions out of everything that happens in your life as possible. You now have increased sensitivity, so worries and stress are completely useless. Have fun and get outside more often! Don't be afraid to pamper yourself!

More positive! Appreciate every new day, because it brings you closer to the long-awaited event - the birth of a baby!

This material is for informational purposes only, before using the information provided, you must be sure to consult with a specialist.

WITH 21 obstetric weeks of pregnancy the second half of pregnancy begins. From the end of this week, according to official medicine, fetus can survive if he has to leave the cozy womb. By this time, all the organs of the child have already formed, although their work has not yet been debugged.

Mom's belly begins to grow rapidly, so the fetus is active. Vibrations are already being felt well enough, so the mother's psychological connection with the child is getting stronger.

Fetal size and development at 21 weeks gestation

At the twenty-first week, the child already reaches an impressive size. He looks like a little doll. Its length is about 28 cm and its weight is about 400 grams. All organs are formed, and the skin has become not so transparent and thin.

When pregnant with twins at 21 weeks of gestation, babies weigh a little less - about 370 grams, and the length is in no way inferior to "singles".

How does the fetus change during this period?

• there is an increase in adipose tissue;
• thermoregulation improves;
• the formation of eyebrows and eyelashes is completed;
• rudiments of milk teeth appear;
• endocrine glands perform their functions;
• the spleen begins its work;
• the nervous system is being improved;
• the brain develops rapidly;
• the intestine develops. This is facilitated by amniotic fluid swallowed by the fetus;
• the nervous system is strengthened;
• taste buds develop. The child can distinguish between sweet and bitter;
• the immune system improves. Appear in the blood to help fight infections;

Behavior. Week 21 is a new stage in the development of the child's motor system. The fetus makes not only chaotic movements. He learns to control them. The child alternates activity phases (there are about 10-15 per day) and sleep phases.

The number of movements has increased significantly, it reaches up to 200 times a day. But mom feels less than half of them. At 21 weeks, the baby is able to hiccup in the womb. It feels like frequent rhythmic contractions.

What happens to mom at 21 weeks

Appearance, belly size and weight gain

Starting at 21 weeks, a woman's weight will increase rapidly. This is caused by both a rapidly growing fetus and an increased appetite. A woman may have outlandish taste preferences. Normal is considered weight gain about 3.5-4.5 kg from the start of pregnancy. Above you can see a photo of mom's tummies at 21 weeks pregnant.

The uterus continues to grow and rise. Now its upper edge is 1.25 cm above the navel. It no longer makes sense to hide the appearance of the abdomen - it is simply impossible. It is strongly rounded and becomes well noticeable.

Hair and nails grow by leaps and bounds, there is increased sweating, stretch marks appear, the breasts have greatly increased.

Feelings, movements, pain in mom

At week 21, a woman experiences not only discomfort from pregnancy, but also a lot of positive emotions from the movements of her crumbs. Somersaults baby in the abdomen do not yet deliver painful sensations, but are felt quite clearly and clearly.

It starts from the chest. The substance that the newborn will eat for the first 2-3 days before milk arrives.

Unpleasant moments can be different for everyone:

• Now the child begins to gain weight every week. Because of this, the appetite of the mother greatly increases. Since the weight has increased a lot - back starts to hurt. Often at 21 weeks a runny nose appears.
• An enlarged belly causes sleep problems. You can not sleep on your stomach and, but on your side - it becomes uncomfortable. This problem is exacerbated by frequent urination. When a woman lies, heartburn appears.
• Do not disappear at this time and. Because of what you have to follow the diet and do not eat foods that fix the stool.
• Often, the enlarged uterus compresses the vessels, so there is leg swelling, appears. Shortness of breath may appear, because the lungs are now also a little cramped.
• At this time it may start pull belly. This can be caused by various reasons. This is the tension of the ligaments of the uterus, and the expansion of the pelvis, and constipation, and, much less harmless, the threat of abortion.
• Due to a decrease in blood pressure, there may be dizziness and weakness. Also often there are problems with the gums. They start to hurt and bleed.

Now there may appear, called Breston-Hicks contractions. They are not painful and do not harm either the mother or the child.

If there are sharp cramping pains that radiate to the lower back, sometimes accompanied by vomiting and, then there is a direct line. You need to see a doctor urgently. After all, even if it is not possible to save the pregnancy, doctors can, with appropriate care, save the life of the child.

Possible highlights

At week 21, they should not differ from those discharges that were previously (milky in color, uniform in consistency, with a not pronounced odor).

But there may also be other discharge requiring medical advice:

• liquid, watery discharge may indicate premature discharge of amniotic fluid;
• curdled discharge of white or greenish color, accompanied by itching, speaks of;
• the reason for the appearance strong unpleasant odor discharge may be a sexually transmitted infection;
• discharge with blood. Characteristic of placenta previa or her. This is a critical condition that requires the immediate intervention of specialists. If the bleeding is insignificant, doctors will prolong the pregnancy with special drugs. If this is not possible, then the best way out of the situation is childbirth. A baby born at 21 weeks can be saved.

Psychological condition

At 21 weeks, the psychological state of the mother is more or less stable. Generally, the woman is in harmony. The hormonal boom is in the past, the body has adapted, and she likes her own body.

At this time, women are trying to establish emotional closeness with your child. They start reading books to him, talking to him, trying to feel his reactions.

A little darkens the state of constant fatigue due to lack of sleep, heartburn, back pain and other unpleasant companions of this week.

Analyzes, examinations and ultrasound at the 21st week of pregnancy

At 21 weeks, a woman will visit several doctors in addition to his obstetrician-gynecologist. You will have to go to an appointment with an otolaryngologist, dentist, therapist and ophthalmologist. Each of them will write down their verdicts on a special sheet issued in the antenatal clinic.

To visit the obstetrician, you will need to pass standard urine and blood tests, according to indications, a blood test for hormones, as well as an electrocardiogram.

At the reception at the gynecologist doctor perform the following manipulations:

• pressure measurement;
• weighing;

• listening to the fetal heartbeat;
• measurement of the height of the fundus of the uterus.

Usually done at 20-24 weeks. So, if you didn't have your screening last week, now is the perfect time to do so. During it, the doctor must make sure that there are no congenital malformations of the baby, because only up to 24 weeks is it possible to terminate the pregnancy for medical reasons.

The results are written the following measurements:

• measurement of brain structures;
• the length of the tubular bones of the child;
• checking the structure of the hands and feet;

• checking the structure of the liver;
• checking the presence of the stomach and bladder;
• study of the condition of the kidneys and intestines.

We invite you to watch the video of the ultrasound of the fetus at the 21st week of pregnancy, and also consider the photo of the child above.

Possible deviations from the norm

Any deviations from the norm should serve as a reason for additional research. If fetal developmental disorders are detected on ultrasound, additional consultation of narrow specialists is necessary. They will help diagnose compatible and life-incompatible developmental disorders of the child.

As a result of a bypass of the doctors listed above, a conclusion will be made whether a woman can give birth herself or whether it is necessary C-section. A planned caesarean section is prescribed if an independent birth will harm the woman's health.

Mom's diet, skin care and exercise at 21 weeks

The nutrition of a woman at 21 weeks, as well as throughout pregnancy, should be the most useful and balanced.

Must be avoided excessive consumption of salt and sugar. After all, salt contributes to fluid retention in the body, which is why it occurs, and sugar causes a large weight gain.

Woman stands lean on fruits and vegetables, which contain many, so necessary during pregnancy.

To avoid heartburn It is better to eat more often, but in small portions. And to prevent constipation, do not eat food that fixes the stool. Be sure to include meat and fish in the diet. Herbal tea is also useful for a pregnant woman.

Often at 21 weeks stretch marks appear. If they have already appeared, then you can no longer do anything special with them. The use of special creams for stretch marks that have already arisen rarely helps. Taking care of the skin and moisturizing it should have started much earlier.

From at this time it is necessary to perform, helping to strengthen the muscles of the pelvis and vagina.

At this time you can swim swimming pool and yoga for pregnant. It is also necessary to perform breathing exercises and take more walks in the fresh air.

Sexual relations at 21 weeks

If there is no threat of termination of pregnancy, then at 21 weeks not contraindicated. The growing belly will greatly complicate this process. But finding partners in other, more comfortable positions will solve this problem. It is necessary to choose only those poses in which pressure on the stomach will be completely excluded.

Sex has a positive effect not only on the mood of mom and dad, but also on the mood of the child, thanks to the development happiness hormone Mom. And her increased libido and lack of need for protection will fill your sexual relationship with new colors.

What is needed to go on maternity leave, exchange card

A woman is sent on maternity leave at the moment when the pregnancy crosses its 30-week milestone. But how to prepare for going on vacation should be found out now.

You will need:

• sick leave;
• certificate of early registration;
• leave application.

Since the registration of maternity leave takes some time, it is worth doing it now.

How to prepare for maternity leave:

1. Get a certificate confirming the gestational age from a gynecologist.
2. Get a certificate of registration in early pregnancy. You will need it to apply for benefits.
3. Make sure you get all the stamps.
4. Provide the antenatal clinic with the documents necessary for registration. sick leave: certificate from a gynecologist, passport, policy, pension certificate.
5. Submit sick leave to work.

Exchange card contains all the necessary information about the pregnant woman: information about the mother, gestation period, test results, expected date of birth and other important data. It is necessary so that any doctor taking delivery can navigate the situation even with premature birth.

From 21 weeks It is best to carry an exchange card with you at all times. The exchange card must be signed by your gynecologist and the head of the antenatal clinic.

For an easier pregnancy, mom should follow some guidelines:

• to avoid the appearance of varicose veins, wear shoes with stable low heels, often lie with your legs elevated;
• watch your diet;
• listen to the baby's movements. There should be about 4 per hour;
• wear comfortable clothes and cotton underwear;
• do physical exercises;
• do a back massage
• do Kegel exercises;
• avoid fried foods that cause heartburn. Eat often, but in small portions;
• always carry an exchange card with you;
• take care of your maternity leave.

Video about 21 weeks of pregnancy

We invite you to watch a video where they will tell you when an exchange card is issued, what data should be recorded in it. You will also learn about your rights during maternity leave how to get it, what benefits you have to pay and for how long. And also about how the law protects the newly-made mother from divorce from her husband.

How is week 21 going for you? What are the sensations in the stomach from the kicks of your crumbs? I hope that no deviation from the norm bothers you, and the ultrasound went great. By the way, did you take your husband for examination? What is his reaction? Share with us your experience!

At 21 obstetric weeks, it's time to start acquiring useful knowledge that will help you easily endure the next four months of pregnancy, and they will not be easy. Read about this and much more in our material.

This week, mommy is actively gaining weight - an increase of 5-6 kg is considered the norm. The baby is already actively moving, the woman not only feels it, but also sees it - through the stomach you can see how the child begins to move and pushes.

During this period, shortness of breath is characteristic of pregnant women, this is due to pressure on the diaphragm. Experts recommend walking more in the fresh air, and at home take a comfortable position. For heartburn, you should not use heavy medicines or soda, it is best to change your diet, eat in small portions, but often. It is better to fight heartburn not with medication, but with the help of proper nutrition, so as not to harm the baby. If you feel unbearable heartburn, see your doctor.

Due to the increase in the child, and therefore the abdomen, the load on the woman's back also increases. Therefore, it can hurt in the back.

At the 21st week of pregnancy, a woman is actively prettier, a blush appears on her face, her hair acquires a special shine, strength and density. But at the same time, problems can arise: the gums often bleed, and the nose is blocked.

In addition, during this period, a woman may experience false contractions, which studies call Breston-Hicks contractions. They do not harm the body of either the mother or the child. Thus, the body is preparing for real fights.

21 obstetric weeks is characterized by the fact that moms may experience mood swings more often. They can feel both tender emotions and emptiness at the same time. This phenomenon often prevents you from focusing on important things, but you should not worry. Unreasonably, anxiety for the child or for one's life may also appear. And this begins to work maternal instincts against the background of hormonal surges. Often, such sensations can be overcome with the help of physical activity or active walks in the fresh air.

Description of pregnancy by week: changes in the body

During this period, the baby's body has almost formed, so now it begins to actively grow and gain weight. In this regard, the pregnant woman will get tired faster.

Changes occur in the woman's body: due to the fact that the child takes up more and more space in the stomach, the internal organs begin to shift and change position. For example, the bladder and intestines are pushed a little to the side. Such processes should not cause pain or other discomfort to the mother, but frequent urge to urinate and constipation may occur.

The heart muscle becomes more weight, this is due to the fact that the volume of blood increases by 35%.

A woman's uterus enlarges, which can cause pelvic discomfort.

At 21 weeks, swelling may appear and the size of the leg may increase. Most mothers actively grow their hair, strengthen their legs, and their skin acquires a ruddy hue.

In addition, the woman's breasts also increase, and colostrum may come out of the nipples. But you can’t squeeze it out, you just need to wipe it with a clean cloth, or you can use specialized gaskets.

Stretch marks may appear in areas of enlargement (abdomen, chest, hips), but not everyone has them. The main reason for their appearance is poor skin elasticity, hormonal changes and hereditary predisposition.

Active changes also take place in the body of the fetus. His skin is already almost formed, but there are still many folds on the body. But you should not worry, the more the baby grows, the more his skin will stretch.

Eyebrows and eyelashes form on the face, and the rudiments of teeth appear in the mouth.

The formation of the child's entrails is almost complete, it remains to establish the correct functioning of the system:

1. The endocrine system has already appeared and began to work actively;
2. The spleen also begins its activity during this period;
3. The nervous system now distinguishes between the periods of sleep and wakefulness of the child;
4. The digestive system has established its work by 21 weeks. There may be a use of amniotic fluid of the mother, from which the child takes nutrients;
5. Taste buds appear on the tongue, the baby is able to taste the amniotic fluid;
6. White blood cells are produced in the blood, which are designed to protect the child from various infections;
7. The first hair appears on the baby's head.

Some women notice that the 21st week of pregnancy has already arrived, and there is no movement in the stomach. This process should be followed very carefully. Low activity is normal, but if you move too actively, you should contact a specialist. This may indicate oxygen starvation of the child.

At 21 weeks, the weight of the child reaches 800 grams, and its size is 25 cm.

The presence of twins significantly changes the appearance of a pregnant woman, namely, it affects her weight and size. If the tummy with one baby is not yet so noticeable, then in the presence of twins it is already so easy to hide the pregnancy.
A woman with twins should be more careful about her health, more closely monitor the course of pregnancy.

Tummy 21 weeks pregnant: pain

At this stage of pregnancy, pain in the lower part of the pelvis may appear. If it is episodic, then there is nothing wrong with it - such a phenomenon is considered the norm.

With pelvic pain similar to contractions, it is better to sit down and relax. This is due to the increased tone of the uterus. Unpleasant sensations can pass into the lower back. This phenomenon should not be ignored: an active increase in the tone of the uterus can lead to premature birth. If the pain does not go away in the pelvic region for several hours, then you need to see a doctor.

By this period, it is necessary to undergo a second screening study. With the help of screening, the doctor can find out the coccygeal-parietal size, the volume of the head, hips and other indicators. When screening, the height and weight of the fetus is determined, and whether these parameters correspond to the norm.

During this period of pregnancy, experts determine the state of the mother's placenta. Its development may be impaired. This pathology is called - low placentation during pregnancy. Also, the doctor must necessarily assess the amount of amniotic fluid.

Deciphering the ultrasound at 21 weeks of gestation allows you to determine the quality of the baby's heartbeat and placentation. So, for example, over 180-190 beats per minute can indicate oxygen starvation of the baby.

What to do with low water

A woman may suffer from oligohydramnios due to infection, as well as due to the bearing of twins. Usually, such a problem is detected when a doctor examines pregnancy in the early stages.

Malnutrition is characterized by the following symptoms:

• reduction in the size of the uterus;
• moving the baby causes pain;
• pain in the pelvic region;
• constant weakness, nausea and dry mouth.

The presence of oligohydramnios can lead to serious consequences, up to an abortion.

21 obstetric weeks of pregnancy: what can harm

Although the protection of children in the belly of a pregnant mother from external factors is very high-quality, there is still a risk of harming the unborn child. So, there are substances that can cause pathologies in the process of fetal development:

• nicotine;
• alcohol, alcohol;
• narcotic substances;
• sulfonamide substances;
• antibiotics;
• various hormones.

21 weeks pregnant: discharge

This stage is characterized by abundant secretions, but they should not differ significantly from those that were earlier. The norm is considered - white or milky in color with a neutral odor. If during the discharge you observe strange colors, for example, green or brown, pain appears, then you should immediately consult a doctor.

A bad sign when there is a discharge with blood and mucus against the background of pain. This may indicate a miscarriage, and also significantly affect the formation of the child.

Is it possible to have abortions (possibility of abortion)

During this period, doctors do not recommend having an abortion, that is, terminating a pregnancy. Indeed, at week 22, the child was almost formed, he had the ability to feel, hear and see. In addition, abortion can greatly harm your health.

But there are several reasons to implement an interrupt:

1. medical indicators;
2. pregnancy due to rape.

At the same time, women should be prepared for the consequences of abortion:

• severe inflammation of the cervix;
• endometrium;
• failure of the uterus;
• ovarian dysfunction;
• you can also severely damage the cervix.

In addition, you should know that in no case can you terminate a pregnancy without a preliminary examination. On the basis of a short consultation, the doctor cannot refer the woman to the procedure.

21 weeks of obstetric pregnancy: nutritional rules

During this period, it is very important to diversify your diet, eat foods that are rich in various vitamins.

A woman should increase the calorie content of food, because the baby is actively growing, and therefore more energy is required from the mother.

Very salty, spicy, fatty, smoked foods should be avoided. This can negatively affect health, for example, cause heartburn.

Fetal presentation

This period has not yet been determined. This usually happens at the end of the third trimester. In the presentation of the child, the doctor will know how the baby will move at the time of birth.

You have crossed the equator of pregnancy, now you will count the weeks until delivery. Your pregnancy is now five months old, and you are already used to the regular stirring of the crumbs in your stomach. The pace of development of the child slows down a little, now every week the baby will gain weight and grow a couple of centimeters. It gradually becomes more and more difficult for you to carry an already distinctly protruding tummy. It's time to gradually think about buying a dowry for the crumbs, especially since most likely you know his gender - is it a boy or a girl.

Changes in the body at 21 weeks

The 21st week of pregnancy is the sixth obstetric month, its first week, or the fifth calendar month of pregnancy, a quiet time for the expectant mother. The body of a woman is gradually changing, becoming more rounded and feminine. An additional placental circle of blood circulation is formed in a woman, which nourishes the placenta and the fetus, and a lot of blood passes through this circle every minute. There is an increase in the uterus and the growth of the abdomen, due to which the bottom of the uterus rises high enough, rising above the navel. By increasing body weight and blood volume by about a third of non-pregnant volumes, the mass of the myocardium in the heart increases in order to pump more blood.

Gradually, due to the growing belly, it becomes uncomfortable for a woman to sleep, which can cause insomnia and daytime sleepiness. The uterus presses on the abdominal organs and due to them on the diaphragm, giving shortness of breath on exertion, and also causes heaviness in the abdomen. The number of trips to the toilet may increase due to the increasing pressure of the uterus on the bladder. It is worth limiting the amount of liquid at night, emptying the bladder right before bedtime - this will give you the opportunity to get up to the toilet less often. The breast gradually fills up and colostrum, a yellowish thick liquid, may periodically be released from the nipples. It does not need to be squeezed out, just observe body hygiene.

Fetal development: weight, size and gender

By this age, the child has reached 300-350 g, and from this age, his height is already determined from the crown to the heels - now it is about 27 cm. Now the baby spends a lot of time in motion, training all the muscles of the body and strengthening the skeleton. Now the baby is actively accumulating subcutaneous fat, which gives his body from week to week more and more roundness. The skin gradually smoothes, brightens, acquiring an increasingly natural color due to fat. The baby is forming eyelashes and eyebrows, he can blink his eyes. Inside the gums, the rudiments of a milk bite are formed, hairs are formed on the head and lanugo along the body.

The internal organs of the fetus are actively involved in the work, although they have just completed their formation and are still imperfect. The pancreas and thyroid, pituitary, gonads and adrenal glands actively secrete hormones, the spleen works, removing waste cells from the blood. Now the nervous system is being actively formed, the child forms periods of activity with movements and shocks, as well as periods of rest with good sleep. The baby's digestive system is already so well developed that the baby swallows the amniotic fluid and digests it through the action of hydrochloric acid and enzymes, forming the first portions of meconium (original feces), the liquid is absorbed, and the epidermal cells from the amniotic fluid are digested. The taste buds of the tongue are developed, it distinguishes the taste of amniotic fluid depending on the mother's diet, so be careful what you eat. If you eat a lot of sweets, the baby will have a sweet tooth. White blood cells are formed in the bone marrow to protect against infections, and the kidneys already filter up to half a milliliter of blood per minute to form urine. The baby urinates into the amniotic fluid, which is updated several times a day.

Now the child is actively moving in the mother's tummy, he still has enough space for active movements, he turns over many times a day. From inside the uterus, he sends signals to his mother - when he is pleased or not pleased. You can talk with the baby and stroke the tummy, soothing the baby in the moments of your rest.

Feelings of the expectant mother

You have reached the middle of your pregnancy, now the countdown is on to delivery. In this period, there are no very disturbing sensations, usually women feel good, despite the actively growing tummy. Periodically, there may be discomfort that occurs due to the growth of the uterus and changes in the body. Now the woman already clearly feels the fetal movements, which occur often, can be active or barely perceptible, depending on the mood of the crumbs. There may be periods of activity and calm when the baby sleeps.

On the part of the body, periodic sipping sensations in the lower abdomen may be noted due to the expansion of the pelvic bones and sprains, during this period hemorrhoids may become aggravated due to increased pressure in the veins of the rectum, which causes bleeding from the anus. Due to the change in the center of gravity, back pain occurs, which is solved by wearing a bandage.

You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge, this is the action of sex hormones, and the first colostrum from the nipples may also appear. Periodically, the uterus can contract painlessly for a short time, these are training contractions that are not dangerous for the mother and fetus, they prepare the uterus for further childbirth. They should not be regular and painful, without any bleeding on the underwear.

Of the discomfort during this period, there may be an increase in appetite, heartburn and bloating, constipation. Shortness of breath with minor exertion, frequent going to the toilet at night, swelling in the legs, especially after prolonged walking or standing, may also be disturbing. Now you are gaining weight quickly and actively, up to 350 g per week or even a little more, while your hair and nails also grow faster and more actively, sweating increases and the size of your legs will become slightly larger, stretch marks may occur on the chest, abdomen and hips. It is important to properly care for the skin, now it has become more sensitive and tender, it can become more oily and prone to pimples. You need to take a shower twice a day and properly care for your skin.

Condition of the uterus

At this time, your stomach already clearly reflects your position, even the movements of the fetus and changes in its position can become noticeable, it is especially nice to see this for dads who are trying to guess from the protruding sections of the arms or legs of the fetus. Now you can roughly determine how the baby is located in the stomach. With active movements of the baby, the uterus can stretch, but at the same time it should not come into tone.

The size of the uterus has reached a significant size, and it actively compresses the internal organs, which manifests itself in unpleasant symptoms from breathing and digestion. Sometimes it is difficult to take deep breaths, constipation often occurs. At the 21st week, the uterus stands 1 cm above the navel, and reaches 21 cm from the level of the pubis. At this time, the uterus may occasionally contract, making training movements.

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound)

At this time, a second screening ultrasound is usually performed (it is performed at 20-24 weeks of pregnancy) in order to identify gross malformations and problems with the placenta and amniotic fluid. Also, with ultrasound, the size of the fetus and the estimated weight are determined, at this time it is possible to clarify the sex of the child, and see it on the monitor screen in full growth. In the future, the child will grow up and will be visible only in parts.

The doctor during the study will measure the main indicators of fetal development:

• distance between temporal bones (BDP),
• fronto-occipital size,
• abdominal circumference,
• head circumference,
• the length of the humerus, thigh, lower leg and forearm.

According to these indicators, the correspondence of the development of the fetus to the gestational age and its development are determined, whether there are any deviations. An assessment of the fetal heartbeat, its motor activity, as well as the condition of the walls of the uterus, the place of attachment of the placenta, its condition is carried out. The doctor checks the condition and amount of amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord and the number of vessels in it - there should be three of them - a vein and two arteries. At this time, 3D ultrasound can be performed, which will show the child in a three-dimensional image, in which all parts of the body and internal organs of the fetus will be clearly visible. If you record the fetus in real time, it will be an ear 4D ultrasound procedure, and this video can be saved as a keepsake.

Discharge from the genital tract

In this period, the discharge may become more abundant, while their nature should not change - it should be transparent or whitish discharge, almost odorless, of a uniform consistency. If the vaginal discharge becomes yellow, white, greenish or gray, acquires an odor or an inhomogeneous consistency, you should consult a doctor and take a smear. Also, the discharge should be curdled, frothy, purulent, with a rotten or fishy smell, a sharp sour smell. Itching of the vagina and perineum may occur, which also requires treatment with the participation of a doctor.

Spotting can be dangerous - it may indicate placental abruption or any pathology of pregnancy, call an ambulance immediately. Dangerous brown discharge on the background of lower back pain or cramping pains in the lower abdomen. Sometimes blood on linen gives the development of hemorrhoids.

What tests to take

At the 21st week, the results of the "triple" test, carried out as part of the screening of pregnant women, are usually obtained. A study of the indicators of hCG, free estriol and alpha-fetoprotein is being carried out. In addition, in conjunction with them, an assessment is also made of the data obtained on ultrasound, carried out at the same time. Only all indicators together can give an idea of ​​the increased risk of abnormalities in the development of the fetus, while it is also important to assess the age and weight of a woman, her heredity and health status, and many external factors. The result of this test is given as the probability of developing problems - the threshold value is 1:350 and below. If a woman has a result of 1:250 or more, this is regarded as a high risk and such a woman is sent for additional examinations. Such screening results do not make diagnoses, so there is no need to worry, most likely, nothing dangerous will be revealed during further examination.

Also, when you visit a doctor, you will have blood and urine tests, weight and pressure measurements.

Low placentation at 21 weeks

During the second scheduled ultrasound, the doctor determines the position of the placenta and the distance of its edge from the internal cervical os. If the placenta is located low, below 70 mm from the edge of the uterine os, it is actively monitored and control ultrasound is performed at 28 weeks to clarify the position of the placenta.Low placentation is dangerous by impaired uteroplacental blood flow, placental abruption and other complications. Therefore, in this position, a sparing regimen is prescribed, a ban on sex and active physical activity can be imposed.

Pain in the abdomen and lower back

Due to the growth of the abdomen, pain in the back and abdomen can periodically occur. Usually these are periodic sipping sensations that disappear with a change in body position, discomfort in the navel. They are not long, not regular and occur mainly on the sides of the abdomen, more often women note that the right side hurts. However, it is worth remembering that pain in the right side can also occur with diseases of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder and intestines, therefore, if the pain is constant or occurs frequently, it is worth it.

Pain in the lower back with cramping pains in the lower abdomen can be dangerous, they can talk about premature birth, placental abruption, which threatens the life of the mother and child. If such pain occurs, call an ambulance immediately, especially if they are accompanied by bloody discharge from the vagina.

There may also be back pain or cramps in the calf muscles with prolonged standing or walking, with loads due to changes in the center of gravity and calcium deficiency in the bones. You need to give up long shopping trips, wearing uncomfortable shoes, lifting weights and bags with groceries - in your position, you can carry no more than 2 kg in each hand. Wearing a properly fitted maternity bandage in the form of a belt or panties with an elastic band will help alleviate the condition.

Cold and runny nose

During this period, the child's own immune system is actively functioning, and most viruses and microbes are not afraid of him. However, a cold in this rock is undesirable - many drugs for treatment are prohibited, and fever and symptoms of a viral or microbial infection can negatively affect the development of the fetus. So, many cough medicines, antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and even nasal sprays are prohibited during pregnancy. A runny nose leads to respiratory failure and fetal hypoxia, a cough, especially dry and obsessive, leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure and uterine tone.

If you have a fever, runny nose or cough, call your doctor immediately and go to bed. If you have a high fever, you can take paracetamol or nurofen, and aspirin or combined preparations in powders are prohibited.

Mother's diet and weight

When carrying a baby, the mother needs all the nutrients for its full growth and development, as well as maintaining its own health. Therefore, special attention should be paid to nutrition. At 21 weeks, the woman's appetite is active, and care must be taken not to gain too much weight. Your meals should be fractional, small portions, but often - at least five to six times a day. Every day you should consume proteins, carbohydrates and very little fat, but there should be a lot of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and iron. Reduce the amount of salt in your diet to avoid excessive fluid retention in the body, and sugar to reduce the amount of calories consumed.

To cope with constipation, you need to eat enough fiber - whole grain cereals, vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of fluids. It is necessary to pay great attention to dairy and sour-milk products, as they contain a lot of calcium. In this period, it is worth abandoning highly allergenic products so as not to provoke the development of allergies in the baby in the future, since his immune system is already active.

Now your gains in the veche are 300-350 g per week, and on average, the weight gain from the beginning of pregnancy is about 6-7 kg. At the same time, plump women should add the least, while thin women before pregnancy can afford to increase more than the norm. Large weight gain may indicate the presence of edema and fluid retention in the body, you need a doctor's advice. Your doctor may also recommend that you take calcium, iodine, iron, or multivitamin supplements.

sex

In this period, intimacy can be prohibited only if there is a threat of abortion, pathologies of the cervix or low placentation. In all other cases, intimate life continues without any restrictions, but with the choice of optimal positions and depth of penetration. It is worth giving up positions with pressure on the stomach or rough intercourse, now your intimate relationship should be filled with tenderness and affection. Pleasant emotions and the release of hormones of pleasure will only benefit the child, with orgasm, the blood supply to the uterus and fetus increases. Therefore, you can have sex as much as you want - now the sensuality is increased, and the sensations can be completely new and vivid.