{"id":10212,"date":"2021-04-26T10:39:22","date_gmt":"2021-04-26T14:39:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10212\/week-21-pregnancy\/"},"modified":"2024-04-19T12:25:26","modified_gmt":"2024-04-19T16:25:26","slug":"week-21-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10212\/week-21-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"21 weeks pregnant"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For more information about week 21 in a twin or multiple pregnancy, tap here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Moving into the second half of your pregnancy, <\/span>Baby<\/span> is continuing to grow, and you\u2019re probably noticing that your appetite is too.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How\u2019s Baby<\/span>?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Baby<\/span> is about 10 \u00bd inches long (27.2 cm), the size of a baby bok choy, and weighs between 1\/4 and 3\/4 of a pound. Your baby looks a lot like a miniature person at this point, which is huge growth when you think about how they were just a microscopic ball of cells merely 20 weeks ago. Baby<\/span>\u2019s skin is still a bit see-through. It has also developed wrinkles that will allow for internal expansion once their baby fat starts to come in \u2014 they\u2019ll soon fill out into a cute, plump little thing! This baby fat is especially important for Baby<\/span>\u2019s development because the fats in their system will directly fuel their brain\u2019s development and help regulate their temperature once they\u2019re born.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What’s new with you?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Just like Baby<\/span>, you’re growing too! If you\u2019ve been experiencing backaches, do what you can to stay active and relieve your discomfort. Supportive, flat shoes, regular stretching and even a support belt can help. And be sure to ask your healthcare provider for advice if you\u2019re feeling very uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n

You might have noticed, or are beginning to notice, dental symptoms like bleeding or sore gums. The increased blood flow happening throughout your body reaches everywhere, even your mouth, which can lead to these sore and swollen gums and also leave you more vulnerable than usual to infection and plaque buildup. The best way to deal with this is to brush and floss regularly and to continue with scheduled twice-yearly cleanings and other necessary dental care. If you\u2019re dealing with any persistent vomiting or acid reflux, careful dental care is even more important for you. Serious gingivitis and untreated tooth decay have been linked to pre-term birth, so regular dental checkups and care can help you stay as healthy as possible. Be sure to let your dentist know that you\u2019re pregnant, and get a second opinion if anyone advises you to delay needed dental care. <\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ve probably also noticed that you\u2019re feeling super hungry these days, and it\u2019s important to eat enough. All of that growing that you and Baby<\/span> are doing calls for a lot of good fuel. Do what you can to listen to your body and eat a range of nutritious foods that help you feel good.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/h5>\n
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