21st week of pregnancy for mom and baby - 5th month of pregnancy
The twenty-first week marks the transition from the fifth to the sixth month of pregnancy. The fetus continues to grow inside you and the (at least presumed) date of delivery is getting closer and closer. You will certainly be excited and, why not ?, even a little agitated at the thought of finally being able to hold your baby in your arms. But there is still time for that. If, on the other hand, you are curious to find out what exactly happens at this stage of development and growth, then you are in the right place. Read this article where we provide you with all the information you need. we explain exactly what is happening to you and your baby after 21 weeks of conception!
But before you read this, watch this video and find out how to pamper the baby you are carrying.
What month is the 21st week of pregnancy?
The twenty-first week corresponds to the end of the fifth month, with the addition of six days. It may not seem true, but by now you are close to the last quarter!
See also
The development of the fetus
The child's growth proceeds inexorably. At the twenty-first week, the weight of the fetus is about 320 grams and the fetus has a length of 26 cm. If its size could be compared to a fruit, this would undoubtedly be the pomegranate.
His motor activity is increasingly dynamic. The child enjoys moving, exercising his reflexes, and the mother, from outside, enthusiastically watches these moves.
Now the fetus quietly ingests the amniotic fluid and excretes it through the urine.
The perception of what happens outside is more and more vivid. The baby begins to clearly hear voices and noises, hands touching the belly, light and temperature. So don't hesitate to caress him, talk to him or sing sweet melodies to him. The little one will feel it and appreciate it!
At the end of the fifth month, eyelashes and eyebrows appear, but the most important change in this stage of development is in the bone marrow. It is from this very precious reserve of red blood cells, platelets and leukocytes, and no longer from the liver and spleen that blood cells are now produced.
What happens in the mother's body
Growth does not only concern the baby, but also the mother's belly and uterus. At the end of the second trimester, the latter has reached an "extension equal to 20 centimeters. So don't worry if you suddenly feel short of breath, it is simply the uterus which, pressing on the lungs and other organs, makes the breath a little breathless.
After 5 months of conception, you should have added 5/6 kg to your starting weight. The advice we give you is to eat as healthy and balanced as possible, for your own good and that of the baby. In general, however, don't get obsessed with the weight issue: all women have different bodies and metabolisms, so there's no point in comparing each other. What matters is to feel good and to experience pregnancy with joy.
During the twenty-first week, it is very common for pregnant women to be overwhelmed by a strong sexual desire. The libido, in fact, is skyrocketing due to a greater circulation of blood throughout the body. As we explain later in this article, having sex while pregnant is absolutely no harm to your baby's health, so let yourself go and enjoy moments of special intimacy with your partner.
Unfortunately, however, pregnancy also brings with it some annoyances such as managerial hypertension, or a higher pressure than usual, and cystitis. In case you suffer from this painful urinary tract inflammation, we suggest you drink at least 2 liters of water a day, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, especially cranberries, and avoid fatty and fried foods.
Another problem that could arise at the end of the second trimester is gestosis, a disorder caused by the increase in blood pressure whose symptoms can be nausea, headache and vomiting.
Other symptoms of the 21st week:
- Stress incontinence and consequent urinary losses
- Backache
- Hard belly
- Increased sweating
Have you already chosen the name for your baby? If you run out of ideas, get inspired by our list of names for all tastes!
Some tips for the partner
The person who supports the pregnant woman is a figure of fundamental importance. The partner, in fact, is called to give constant support to the future mother, standing next to her in times of need as well as in carefree ones. Furthermore, its presence is absolutely essential as it is reassuring during gynecological visits and the pre-birth course, useful for the training of both parents and not just mothers. The partner or the partner of the pregnant woman may think of even starting to write a diary, in which to fix emotions and sensations and collect photos and thoughts of these special months. Another thing that the future parent can do during the pregnancy of the partner or wife is to inquire through books on neonatology and pedagogy. Finally, if you are in this position, remember to show off your most romantic side, surprising the future mother of your parents. children with loving gestures and even more caring attention.
Sex in pregnancy: yes or no?
Don't be afraid to indulge your libido, which turns out to be very intense during the second trimester. It often happens that, with the discovery of pregnancy, many couples progressively stop having sex. However, being sexually fulfilled while waiting for the baby to be born is not only legitimate, but also recommended. There is no danger in having sex while pregnant: the fetus is protected by the amniotic fluid and you must absolutely not fear that the penis may tear the membrane and touch the baby because between the bottom of the vagina and the baby's head there are 5 cm apart. As for microbes, however, the cervix is perfectly blocked by a mucus that blocks their passage. Furthermore, the child will in no way witness sexual activity between the parents.
Acne from pregnancy: here's how to proceed
Having pimples is normal, due to the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Some women (the lucky ones) have gorgeous skin and a glowing complexion, while others see small acne-like pimples appear. This acne is due to an increase in the rate of progesterone, but do not worry because it will gradually disappear after giving birth, when the rate of this hormone decreases. Absolutely avoid aggressive soaps, opt instead for dermatologically tested products and, above all, do not touch your fruncles, otherwise they will ignite further. Finally, if you want to get rid of this discomfort as soon as possible, avoid do-it-yourself treatments and talk to your doctor or dermatologist.
Some useful tips:
Here are some tips to better cope with pregnancy:
- Practice regular physical activity: prefer free body gymnastics and postural exercises for the back. The movement will help you feel more energetic and supple, making you ready for delivery. In addition, motor activity stimulates blood circulation throughout the body, preventing the swelling episodes that characterize pregnancy. In addition, if you experience digestive problems, we recommend that you take short walks following a meal.
- Do not get too tired and, between one errand and another, try to rest and take some time out for yourself. Too much stress, in fact, is not good for either mother or baby!
- Follow a rich and varied diet, eating healthy and balanced. Enjoying very different foods will prepare the baby's taste buds to welcome new flavors. In particular, try to eat foods rich in magnesium (almonds, lentils and wholemeal bread), calcium (vegetables and fish) and iron (apples, parsley and nuts). Also, stock up on folic acid, a vitamin essential for your baby's regular development, found mostly in green leafy vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
- Avoid excessively fatty, spicy, fried foods and, in addition to alcoholic beverages, do without coffee. These foods, in fact, can cause irritation and consequent heartburn.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and facilitate the formation of teeth in the fetus. Plus, heavy drinking throughout the day will help prevent urinary infections. In this regard, be sure to always drink both before and after sexual intercourse and to practice proper intimate hygiene.
- Limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible, especially in the hottest hours. The combination of sun rays + hormonal changes could lead to the appearance of some unpleasant spots on the skin. If your pregnancy affects the summer period, remember to wear wide-brimmed hats and to apply a very high index (50+) protective cream several times over the whole body.
- Take care of your tummy: Your body undergoes major hormonal changes during pregnancy. Expectant mothers secrete a hormone, cortisol, which tends to atrophy collagen, the main cause of tissue elasticity. This could lead to the appearance of stretch marks, which appear especially during the last trimester. To remedy the problem, it is all about prevention. Moisturize and soften the skin, applying an anti-stretch mark moisturizer in the morning and in the evening with circular massages: first of all on the stomach (don't forget the lower abdomen and the navel!) And then on the hips, breasts and buttocks.
- Take care of your breasts: this part of the body, which is subject to enormous changes during pregnancy, has no muscles, but it is important to ensure that it is maintained by working the pectorals. To do this, extend your arms to the side and make small circular movements (15 in one direction and 15 in the other). Then, with your elbows raised and parallel to the ground, push your palms against each other for 10 seconds. Relax and start over. (Repeat 10 times).
All visits to be done during the 21st week
Below, you will find a complete list of all the tests that can be performed during or starting from the 21st week of pregnancy. These checks are necessary to monitor the health of the mother and baby as well as the development of the latter:
- Toxo-Test, to be repeated every month if it is negative.
- Second morphological ultrasound (or organ screening): This "exploration" lasts about half an hour and is very important, especially if the pregnancy has any abnormalities or if you have had a problematic pregnancy in the past. The examination is carried out by a doctor or midwife and can finally reveal the sex of the baby, provided you and your partner wish to find out, otherwise let the person who will undergo the ultrasound know in advance.
