21-Week Pregnancy

Welcome to the 21st week of your pregnancy! Your baby continues to grow and develop rapidly. This week, you may start to feel your baby's movements.

Size and Weight:

At 21 weeks, your baby is approximately 26–27 cm long and weighs around 300–350 grams. You can think of your baby as the size of a carrot.

Organ Development:

Your baby's organs continue to mature. The heart beats strongly, the lungs continue to develop, the kidneys produce urine, and the intestines begin to produce the first stool called meconium. The spleen starts producing your baby's blood cells. The pancreas begins producing important hormones such as insulin.

Sensory Development:

Your baby's senses are also developing. They can hear sounds more clearly, perceive light, and even respond to movements and sounds in the womb. Taste buds are developed, allowing your baby to sense the flavor of the amniotic fluid.

Movements:

At 21 weeks, your baby's movements become more noticeable. During these weeks, you may start feeling kicks, nudges, and turns. Feeling your baby's movements is both an exciting and comforting experience.

Sleep Patterns:

Your baby's sleep and wake cycles are becoming more regular. Your baby may sleep and be awake at different times throughout the day.

At the 21st week of your pregnancy, many changes occur in your body.

Physical Changes:

• Growing belly: Your belly becomes more pronounced, and your clothes now need to be maternity wear. The uterus has reached the level of your navel.
• Weight gain: It is normal to have gained around 5–7 kg by this week.
• Breast growth: Your breasts continue to grow and become more sensitive, and the first milk, called colostrum, begins to be produced.
• Skin changes: You may notice spots, stretch marks, or visible veins on your skin.
• Changes in hair and nails: Your hair may become thicker and shinier, and your nails may grow faster.
• Other changes: You may experience varicose veins, edema (swelling), back pain, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds.

Emotional Changes:

• Emotional fluctuations: You may experience emotional ups and downs due to hormonal changes.
• Anxiety and worry: You may feel concern and worry about your baby's health and future.
• Maternal instinct: The maternal instinct continues to develop, and your desire to bond with your baby increases. Feeling your baby's movements helps strengthen this bond.

Eating healthily throughout pregnancy is very important for both your health and your baby's health.

Essential Nutrients:

• Protein: Protein intake is important for your baby's growth and development. Meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts are sources of protein.
• Calcium: Calcium intake is important for your baby's bone development. Milk and dairy products, green leafy vegetables, almonds, and calcium-fortified foods are good sources of calcium.
• Iron: Your need for iron increases as your blood volume rises. Red meat, dried legumes, green leafy vegetables, and dried fruits are sources of iron.
• Folic acid: Folic acid intake is important to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Green leafy vegetables, legumes, cereals, and folic acid supplements are sources of folic acid.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your baby's brain development. Foods such as salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Fiber: Consuming fiber-rich foods is important to prevent constipation. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are sources of fiber.

Foods to Avoid:

• Mercury-containing fish: Avoid consuming fish like swordfish, shark, and mackerel that contain mercury.
• Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: Raw or undercooked meat and eggs can increase the risk of food poisoning.
• Unpasteurized milk and cheese: Unpasteurized milk and cheese may contain harmful bacteria.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can harm your baby's development.
• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other pregnancy complications.
• Excessive caffeine: Excessive caffeine consumption may cause miscarriage.
• Processed foods: Processed foods are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats and are unhealthy.

Your baby's gender may have been determined in ultrasounds performed in previous weeks. If you have not learned it yet, you can find out your baby's gender in the ultrasound performed at 21 weeks of pregnancy. However, if the baby's position is not suitable, it is also possible that the gender may not be clearly visible.

A routine ultrasound is generally not performed at 21 weeks of pregnancy. However, your doctor may request an ultrasound to assess your baby's development or to check for any issues.

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, it is important to take certain precautions to protect your health and your baby's development.

Exercise and Activity:

• Regular exercise is important to maintain your health throughout pregnancy and to prepare for labor. You can do light exercises such as walking, swimming, yoga, or pilates.
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.
• Avoid overly strenuous activities.

Sleep and Rest:

• Paying attention to your sleep schedule during pregnancy is crucial. Getting enough sleep helps maintain your energy levels and manage stress.
• Sleeping on your left side is recommended to improve blood circulation and increase blood flow to the baby.
• Resting during the day and elevating your feet can help reduce swelling.

Stress Management:

• Stress can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. To manage stress, practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and doing relaxing activities can help reduce stress.

Travel:

• Traveling during pregnancy is generally safe, but there may be some risks during long trips. Consult your doctor and take necessary precautions before traveling.
• During air travel, move around and drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of blood clots in your legs. On car trips, take frequent breaks and relax.

Other Recommendations:

• Avoid lying on your back: A growing uterus can press on major blood vessels when you lie on your back, causing dizziness or fainting.
• Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothes can restrict blood circulation and cause discomfort.
• Choose footwear carefully: Prefer comfortable, flat shoes over high heels and pointed shoes.
• Moisturize your skin: Skin dryness and itching are common during pregnancy. Regularly moisturizing your skin is important.
• Take care of dental health: Pregnancy hormones can make gums sensitive. Brush your teeth regularly and use dental floss.
• Sexual activity can continue: Unless your doctor advises otherwise, sexual activity is generally safe during pregnancy.
• Monitor your baby's movements: Once you start feeling your baby's movements, tracking them is important. If you notice a decrease or change in movements, contact your doctor immediately.

A Life Health Group has a team of experienced obstetrics and gynecology specialists specialized in pregnancy follow-up. We provide personalized pregnancy care services to expectant mothers and their babies using the latest technology and methods.

Our Services:

• Gynecology and obstetrics specialist examination
• Ultrasonography (including detailed ultrasound scanning)
• Prenatal tests (such as dual screening test, triple screening test, glucose tolerance test)
• Pregnancy education and counseling
• Childbirth preparation courses
• Labor and postpartum services
• Breastfeeding counseling
• Baby care training

Experience a healthy pregnancy with A Life Health Group!