21 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Symptoms & Signs

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Hey there! If you’re 21 weeks pregnant, that means you’re rocking the fifth month of your pregnancy journey—only four more to go! Your baby is now about the size of a large banana, measuring around 10.5 inches long and weighing between 11 to 12.5 ounces. Exciting, right?

Your Baby’s Development at 21 Weeks

At this stage, your little one is getting better at moving those limbs. You might be noticing much more kicking and stretching going on inside you. Plus, those arms and legs are finally in proportion, which explains why you may feel like there’s a mini gymnast doing somersaults in there!

This week also marks a significant change in how we measure your baby’s growth. Instead of measuring from crown to rump, we now measure from crown to heel. This change can make it seem like your baby had a sudden growth spurt!

On another note, your baby’s liver and spleen have been hard at work producing blood cells. But guess what? The bone marrow has now joined the party, helping out with blood production too. How cool is that?

And here’s a fun fact: while the placenta still does the heavy lifting when it comes to nourishment, your baby has started drinking small amounts of amniotic fluid. It’s like a little hydration station in there!

Your Body Changes

With all this growth, you may notice some stretch marks appearing on your belly. These can be pink, red, purple, or even brown, depending on your skin tone. Don’t worry; they’re quite common and part of the journey.

Tips for You

As you continue your pregnancy, make sure to take care of yourself! Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet will help both you and your baby thrive. If you’re looking for support or resources about at-home insemination options, check out Make a Mom. They offer a reusable option for insemination that can make the process much smoother. Also, if you’re curious about how at-home insemination works, you can find an excellent guide here.

For those considering sperm donation, consider joining this free sperm donor matching group on Facebook. Community support can make a world of difference!

And if you’re interested in personal stories, you might enjoy this blog about a chemistry teacher’s unexpected pregnancy announcement here. It’s always uplifting to hear how others navigate their journeys!

For expert advice on insemination, you can check out Hopkins Medicine’s fertility services.

If you’re looking for more resources on pregnancy and home insemination, this link is an excellent place to start.

Summary

So, at 21 weeks pregnant, embrace the movements, the changes in your body, and all the exciting developments happening with your baby. You’re doing an amazing job, and there’s so much to look forward to in the coming months!