When expectant mothers are 21 weeks pregnant, they are halfway through their pregnancy. Both the mother and her unborn child are developing on a daily basis. The expectant mother may find herself feeling fatigued around twenty one weeks. There are many changes going on inside of a pregnant woman’s body during this time, but most of those changes are occurring on the inside. This piece will help you better understand the pregnancy symptoms and know more about diet and other tips on pregnancy.
What Are the Pregnancy Symptoms at 21 Weeks?
You may notice some major changes going on in your body by the time you are 21 weeks pregnant. Your body may become thicker and you may find that you are becoming more clumsy than usual. This is due to the fact that the extra weight in your stomach is throwing off your center of gravity. You may feel very fatigued as well. You may also notice slight swelling in your hands and ankles. Your feet may be slightly swollen around this time. Your fingers, toes, and other joints may feel loose.
How Does Your Baby Grow When You're 21 Weeks Pregnant?
Your child is beginning to grow at a rapid rate. The eyebrows and eyelids of your unborn child are completely developed by the time you are twenty one weeks along. Your unborn child’s fingernails have grown over the tips of their nails. In the following weeks, expectant mothers will begin to feel more of the movements of their baby. Before long you will be able to see the patterns of when your child is the most active. Your unborn baby weighs roughly three fourths of a pound. Your unborn child is approximately ten and a half inches long. Your child can now hear conversations that are taking place outside of the womb. The child can also hear the heartbeat of their mother, which becomes comforting to the unborn baby. Your baby may begin to respond to the sound of your voice. The first movements of your child may feel like a fluttering in your stomach, but soon the movements of your unborn baby will become stronger and more frequent.
You can watch this video and get more information about how your baby grows when you are 21 weeks pregnant:
How Does Your Life Change When You're 21 Weeks Pregnant?
There are lots of changes going on in the mind and body of a woman who is twenty one weeks pregnant. You may find yourself going through extreme mood swings as well as serious fatigue during this time. Your joints are loosening and your center of balance is different. There are also a lot of emotional changes going on at this point in your pregnancy. You may find yourself dealing with more stress than usual, which can be bad for you and your baby. It is important to reduce the amount of stress and anxiety in your life during this time in your pregnancy. Try taking twenty minutes walks to help reduce stress.
What about Diet at 21 Weeks Pregnancy?
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Category |
Descriptions |
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Prenatal vitamin |
Prenatal vitamins are highly recommended for pregnant women to help them not only meet the requirements of their baby, but their own as well. Make sure that you choose a prenatal vitamin that is high in folic acid and in iron, which are vital for pregnant women. |
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Juice |
Juice and water are also very important to the diet of a pregnant woman. Juice and water can help prevent constipation. Be sure that you only drink juices that are made with one hundred percent juice. These are great ways to keep yourself hydrated and can also help keep blood sugar levels in check. |
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Protein |
Protein is a vital part of a healthy diet for pregnant women. Pregnant women are recommended to consume over one half gram of protein on a daily basis. Eggs, fish, dairy, and beans are great sources of protein and other vital minerals and vitamins. |
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Iron |
Iron is a must have in the diet of any pregnant woman. Taking a prenatal vitamin that has iron in it is not enough. Pregnant women need to consume foods that have high amounts of iron such as red meat, leafy greens, and beans. |
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Calcium |
Calcium is also very important. Your unborn child is absorbing a lot of the calcium that you consume. While there may be calcium in your prenatal vitamin, you will need to consume more calcium to satisfy the needs of you and your baby. |
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Fats |
Fats are also important in the diet of a pregnant woman, who should consume a limited amount of fats. They should be sure to avoid Trans fats. |
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EPA+DHA |
EPA and DHA should be included in the diet of a pregnant woman regardless of how far along they are in their pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids are a great way to add EPA and DHA into your diet. These nutrients are said to help increase the overall brain function, which can be helpful during this vital point in your baby’s development. |
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Fiber |
At twenty one weeks pregnancy, women should make sure that they are getting enough fiber in their diets. Fiber can help pregnant women become constipated, which is a common condition during the second trimester. |
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Avoid raw cheese |
Other things to avoid while pregnant include raw cheeses and smoked meats or deli meats. These items can increase the risk of listeria in pregnant women. |
What Can You Do When You're 21 Weeks Pregnant?
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Activities |
Descriptions |
|---|---|
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Bond with your baby |
It is easy to bond with your baby before it is born by singing to them, talking to them, and reading to them. Your child will begin to recognize your voice. |
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Talk to your baby |
Speaking to your child on a regular basis can allow your child to recognize your voice. Your child may begin to react to your voice. Sing your favorite songs to your baby or read your child your favorite books. |
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Pick up baby items |
Purchasing items for your baby before you are in the third trimester is fantastic for a number of different reasons. You will more than likely feel up to shopping in your third trimester. Buying baby items is also a great way to bond with your unborn child. |
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Listen to music |
Listening to soothing music can not only allow you to bond with your baby, but also help you and your baby relax. |
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Prepare the nursery |
It is important to have the nursery ready for your baby. Making sure the nursery is prepped before your third trimester can greatly reduce your stress levels. This can also allow you to bond with your child as well. |
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Purchase baby clothes |
Make sure you have plenty of onesies and other clothing items for your child. You do not want to be shopping for a newborn after you give birth. |
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Keep a journal |
Keep a journal of your pregnancy so that you can read it to your child when they get older. Your child will love to hear about your journey when they grow older. |
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Stay relaxed |
Keep yourself as relaxed as possible. Do not let stress and anxiety bother you. High stress levels can cause serious complications to the health of you and your baby. Your baby can be aware of your high stress levels in the womb. |
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Have a pregnancy pillow |
Get a pregnancy pillow to help keep yourself as comfortable as possible when your belly continues to grow. A pregnancy pillow can allow you to get more sleep at night, which can help reduce fatigue. |
