You’ve gone a long way and now you’re here on your 21st week of pregnancy.What to expect this week? Compared to the previous weeks of pregnancy, expect that you will feel lightweight and comfortable. At this week, discomforts that are felt during the first periods of pregnancy are almost gone. Say goodbye also to nausea and fatigue. But that doesn’t mean that one will be experiencing zero discomforts. Bloating, heartburn and indigestion might also be experienced since organs are moved aside to give space to the fetus. Oily skin is also another possible scenario since there is increased oil production. If you experience this, make sure to use a gentle soap to battle oiliness. Swelling on the lower part of the legs and feet is also an event to be prepared upon. Make sure you take a rest in order to deal with the swelling.
The growing uterus puts a pressure on the large vein on the leg, causing you to have varicose veins. So on this week, expect varicose veins and spider veins on the face, ankles, or legs. Worried on those veins? Simply exercise and prop legs as possible and wear comfortable clothing (e.g. maternity support hose) to lessen the effects. Since childbirth is almost close, anxieties on labor and motherhood might be experienced. Therefore it is important for you to cope up from the anxiety by first know what triggers the anxiety, and taking up therapies to avoid the need for medication that may cause harm for you and your baby. Also, eating nutritious food, rest and exercise can help you cope up.
What happens to your baby? On this period of pregnancy, the baby weighs 12 ounces or three-fourth of a pound. At this period also the baby has growth 8 ½ inches long or 10 ½ inches. The baby’s length is also measured from the crown of the head to the heel or also known as the crown-heel length (CHL). Eyelids and eyebrows are formed and for a female baby, the vagina is already formed. Expect kicks and nudges from your baby because of the continued growth. While the baby moves around, the baby also swallows amniotic fluid, therefore continues the maturing of the baby digestive tract. You might also experience your baby having a hiccup. This is because the baby is practicing breathing with the use of the baby’s small lungs.
On this period, you must be very particular on how to spend the time bonding with your little one. To keep the week lively and comfortable for you and the baby, do little chores like listening to music. Observe how your baby responds to the music you are listening. Talking to your baby also strengthens the bond between you and the baby. Studies had shown that hearing the mother’s voice accelerates baby’s heartbeat. That’s a sign that your baby is actually listening.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) is also a threat to your health during pregnancy. Therefore, drinking lots of fluids and being hygienic like wiping after urinating is essential. Craving for sex during pregnancy? During pregnancy, some women often have their sexual desire on its peak level. If there is a need to do it, make sure to do it with a comfortable position that there no weight placed on the stomach to avoid problems and keeping the baby safe. On the husband’s side, make sure to be responsible enough on taking care the mother’s health and also the baby’s.
