Pregnancy – Week 21

You may be feeling slightly breathless as your expanding ribcage pushes upwards, giving your lungs less room and you should be able to see your abdomen ripple as the fetus moves.

Mum

Its quite obvious you’re pregnant now but not too big yet and have probably gained 4.5 – 6.3 kilograms (10-14 pounds). Your centre of gravity has changed and the effects of pregnancy hormones may be making you clumsy but generally this might be the most enjoyable time in your pregnancy with the abatement of nausea, frequent urination and fatigue.

Your skin may be starting to itch as it stretches.

Colostrum provides your baby with protein, water, vitamins, minerals, sugar, and antibodies to protect him against infection and your body may have started to produce this by now.

Bub

The fetus now weighs around 360 grams (12.7 ounces) and is approximately 27 centimetres (10.5 inches) long. Organ systems are continuing to mature while growth rate is slowing down. Buds for permanent teeth are starting to form.

Bone marrow has started to make blood cells and the small intestine is beginning to absorb sugar from swallowing the amniotic fluid. Baby can now hear your conversations.

Bub’s brain is growing at a very quick rate now and his immune system is developing although his main source of immunity is still mum’s antibodies passed through the placenta. In his first days of life after birth, your colostrum will provide immunity.