WHAT'S GOING ON WITH BABY?

Your Baby at 21 Weeks Pregnant

Baby’s growth and size

Baby had a big growth spurt last week to this week, adding about 4 inches to their length. Now about 10.5 inches and weighing 12 ounces, you can expect this growth to continue for the remainder of your pregnancy.

What’s new developmentally?

Around this time, baby’s fingers and toes are completely formed, fingerprints and all! Baby has reflexes. If you gently press your palm against your belly, you just might be a little push (or kick) back from baby.

Another reflex baby is attempting to master is the swallow reflex, which is done by swallowing amniotic fluid. While the placenta remains the main source of nutrition for baby, amniotic fluid is providing some nutrition and hydration as well.

Fun facts about your week 21 baby

  • Baby's heartbeat is loud enough to hear with a stethoscope

  • Arms and legs are finally in proportion

  • Baby currently lseeps as much as a newborn (even though it might not feel like it to you)

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MAMA?

Week 21 of Pregnancy

Week 22 pregnancy symptoms 

How should I be feeling at 21 weeks pregnant?

You might be feeling lots of things this week! We’ve talked a lot about how you might be feeling physically, but let’s dive into the emotional and psychological symptoms you might be experiencing. Pregnancy doesn’t only take a physical toll on a body but an emotional one as well.

Now that you are over halfway through your pregnancy, things might start feeling very real for you. And as things begin to feel more real and you get a bit closer to your due date, you might be on an emotional rollercoaster. It’s not uncommon for women at this stage of pregnancy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, excited, and stressed, among other things!

I would be lying if I said hormones weren’t playing a role in this rollercoaster of emotions but there are definitely some things you can start doing to help work through the emotions.

I’m all about education and preparation as a way to help decrease anxiety and increase confidence. Two of my tips for this week are to start planning your nursery, if you haven’t already, and to start your baby registry. I have found that these are two big things that spark a lot of anxiety but can also be very exciting at the same time! Make sure to check out my resources below for some very helpful information and tips!

WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON?

More Week 21 Info

Choosing a baby name at 21 weeks

Now that you’re past the halfway point (woohoo!), have you started thinking about baby names? For some parents, the perfect name comes to them right away. For others, it feels like there are a million options and somehow none of them are quite right!

If you need a little inspiration, think beyond the usual baby name lists. Is there a place that means something special to you? A season, plant, or part of nature you love? You could also look at names from your family tree or consider using a family last name as a first name.

And if you’re choosing a name with your partner, try making a shared list. You can each add your favorites, cross off the ones you don’t love, and see where you overlap. It might take a few rounds, but hey, that’s part of the fun!

Should you share your baby's name before birth?

Once you find a name you love, you might want to tell EVERYONE. Or you might want to keep it just between you and your partner until baby arrives. Both are completely okay!

Sharing early means your loved ones can join in the excitement, and you can start putting baby’s name on all those adorable little things. But it can also invite opinions you didn’t ask for, and sometimes people have a lot of opinions about names.

There’s no rule that says you have to decide right now, either. You can share with a few people, keep it a surprise, or wait until you meet baby to make your final choice. This is your baby’s name, mama. You get to decide what feels right for your family!

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH YOUR BUMP?

21 Weeks Pregnant Belly

TIPS & RESOURCES FOR WEEK 21

Tips for 21 Weeks Pregnant

  • Do some research on baby nurseries to figure out what you might want

  • Start thinking about your baby registry

  • Invest in a belly support band – my personal favorite 

  • Purchase a pregnancy pillow- I have a couple on my Amazon Storefront to help you narrow your search

  • Start researching babymoons if you plan on taking one

  • It's never too early to start looking into childcare options – trust me on this one, mama, preschools and daycares fill up fast

  • Make a point to check in with your mental health – it’s never too early to start doing this and mama, you sure deserve it

  • Treat yourself to a prenatal massage or pedicure this week – you and your mental health deserve it! 

  • Begin researching birth classes – there are SO MANY out there, but I actually have online birth classes available for you to take from the comfort of your own home! Learn more about my online birthing classes today

  • Sign up for MLN weekly pregnancy updates to stay up to date on everything going on with your pregnancy. So much good information and it’s all free! 

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