21 weeks pregnant: symptoms, tips and more
The 21st week of your pregnancy is another milestone.... you've passed the halfway mark!
Here's what to expect from you and your baby this week:
Your physical changes
It's probably obvious by this point in your pregnancy....you may have started wearing maternity clothes or larger ones to accommodate your growing belly.
Your baby is constantly moving and you should feel her movements, although these movements may be real and hard to detect.
Your baby
Your baby is over 8 1/2 inches long from head to toe and weighs about 12 ounces....the size of a carrot.
Your baby's eyes will open this week....your baby will also be able to swallow amniotic fluid and his tiny fingers and toes may be noticeable.
Twin development at week 21
Mid-pregnancy is a great time to plan your baby's space.. You may be wondering if you need two beds.. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns against using one bed for multiple babies.. For safety reasons, each baby should have their own sleeping space.
Symptoms of pregnancy in week 21
Many women feel physically satisfied during their second trimester, but some unpleasant symptoms may persist until the 21st week.... Your breasts may have become larger and you may have stretch marks.... You may also have other symptoms such as:
Varicose veins
As your uterus grows, you may develop varicose veins in your legs, vulva, or rectum. These veins may remain after delivery, although in many cases they heal or go away after a short time.
To prevent or reduce the appearance of varicose veins, you can try one or all of the following:
- Lift your feet higher than your heart.
- Don't sit or stand in one place for a long time.... Take frequent breaks and walk around.
- Maintain proper pregnancy weight.
- Prevent constipation by eating enough fiber, drinking enough fluids, and using laxatives approved by your doctor.
Urinary tract infections
As your pregnancy progresses, UTIs are common.... This is often due to extra weight on the bladder which can block the flow of urine.... Drink enough fluids to avoid this.... If you have urine, don't delay going to the bathroom.
Watch out for UTI symptoms such as the following:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Urine frequency (more than normal for you) Urgency to urinate
- Pain or cramps in the pubic area
- Shiver
- Fever
- Curdy urine or foul-smelling urine
Most urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics that are prescribed by a doctor and are safe for babies...
- back pain
- Shiver
- Fever
- Nausea
- vomiting
Kidney infection during pregnancy is an emergency.. It may cause premature delivery or low birth weight.
See more: Best Kidney Specialist List
Acne and oily skin
You may have many skin problems.... This may be due to hormones that cause excess oil production.... Try these steps to deal with acne breakouts:
See more: list of the best dermatologists and hair specialists
- Wash your face in the morning and evening and after exercise with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Use oil-free cosmetics.
- If your hair is oily, wash it daily.
Things you should do this week for a healthy pregnancy
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that women should gain 2 to 4 pounds each month during the second trimester... You don't need to double your food intake to meet your weight gain goals.. Women of normal pre-pregnancy weight only need an extra 300 calories per day for a healthy pregnancy.. If you are struggling with your diet, you should consult a nutritionist... If you haven't already enrolled in childbirth classes, now is a good time.
Especially as the pregnancy progresses and the baby grows... In a high-risk pregnancy, sex is safe for you and your baby... In fact, you may enjoy sex more thanks to the increased blood flow.
But if you have a high-risk pregnancy, be sure to consult your doctor and gynecologist about the safety of sexual activity.
When to call a doctor
- Call your doctor if you notice the following:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Increase in vaginal secretions
- smelling secretions
- Fever
- Shiver
- Pain with urination
- pain in the lower back or abdominal cramps
Taking care of your emotional and physical health is also important... hormones, physical discomfort and managing a job or other children in the home can cause stress... some stress is normal, but if you are chronically stressed, it can affect your child. Stress reduction is slow.
Quick change time
Now that you're well into your second trimester and probably feeling your baby move, you're facing the reality that you're going to be a mom soon.
Most women feel more energized and less anxious this week... Enjoy planning the birth of your baby... and check out the best pregnancy exercise programs of 2016.
For advice on childbirth and pregnancy, you can refer to doctors specializing in childbirth and pregnancy.
Source: Healthline
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