7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
PREGNANCY TIMELINE: WEEK 21
Week 21 - the countdown continues! If you've already had a mid-pregnancy ultrasound you may already have a pretty good idea of whether you're having a girl or a boy. Now that you know, you'll want to start thinking about the perfect name. Of course it would be wise to pick out a favorite name for both a girl and a boy, despite what the ultrasound picture shows. Keep in mind, the baby you call Paul may actually be born a Paula!
Week Overview
Your baby is steadily gaining weight. A whitish coat of slick, fatty substance called vernix caseosa begins to enshroud your baby and protect its skin from the amniotic fluid. This vernix caseosa also eases delivery.
Your baby is still moving around in the amniotic fluid. Towards the end of this trimester the baby will begin to settle, usually in a head down position. (Although some babies do not turn head down until late in the last trimester.) About 3-4% of babies will remain in a breech position.
By week 21, development of the fetal digestive system enables the fetus to swallow amniotic fluid. After swallowing amniotic fluid, your baby absorbs much of the water in it and passes unabsorbed matter as far as the large bladder.
Undigested debris from swallowing amniotic fluid in the digestive system is called Meconium. Your baby passes this greenish-black to light-brown substance from its bowels several days or weeks before delivery, during labor or after birth. If meconium passes into the amniotic fluid the baby may swallow this fluid or inhale it into the lungs causing serious health concerns. Read our article on "Meconium" to learn more.
Baby's Physical Development
- Crown-to-rump, baby measures 7.2 inches long and weighs about 10.5 ounces
- Organ systems continue to develop and to grow
- Begins to swallow amniotic fluid
- Hiccups frequently as a result of practicing breathing
- Boys genitals are recognizable
- Girl's vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes are in place
Your body continues to grow and change. You can now feel your uterus half an inch above your bellybutton. You may be experiencing swelling in your lower legs and feet, especially at the end of the day. In addition, you may be feeling "round ligament pain" resulting from your ligaments stretching to support your growing uterus.
Time to Start Thinking About
The time has finally come to give up sports that require balance or quick direction changes. Your center of gravity is rapidly changing with the increasing weight of your belly. Also, your joints are looser during pregnancy so there is an increased risk of knee injuries, strains and sprains.
Reluctant to give up your favorite sport or exercise? Why not give yoga a try? Relaxing, strengthening, and allowing yourself to feel rather than think have long been associated with ancient yoga practice.
Tips for Mom
Due to an increase in circulation and hormonal level, you may find that your gums are quite sore and tender, as well as prone to bleeding. Keep brushing and flossing regularly and consider gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash. It is advisable to get a dental cleaning early in your pregnancy, but be sure the dentist knows beforehand that you are pregnant.
Blood clots in the legs or groin is another serious complication of pregnancy. This condition, known as deep-vein thrombosis or venous thrombosis, is a result of the slowing of blood flow in the legs and because of uterine pressure and changes in the blood and its clotting mechanisms. Symptoms of this condition include swelling of the legs accompanied by leg pain and redness or warmth over the affected area in the legs. If you have had a previous blood clot - in your legs or any other part of your body - be sure to tell your doctor at the beginning of pregnancy.
Tips for Dad
Dad, are you experiencing a "sympathetic pregnancy"? Up to 60% of expectant dads show symptoms of pregnancy including odd food cravings, nausea, weight gain and mood swings. The causes of these symptoms can vary - so once a true physical ailment is ruled out, work to identify the underlying cause. Many men emphasize with their wives so completely that they subconsciously adopt the symptoms themselves. Whether because of sympathy/empathy, jealousy because they feel left out, guilt over getting their partner in this condition or stress from the impending birth and all the additional responsibilities that entails - work together to identify the cause and RELAX! The symptoms will disappear soon after delivery.
Complications to Watch For
Most pregnancies occur without any complications or problems. But there are times when your physician should be contacted immediately. The following list contains symptoms to be aware of during pregnancy.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe swelling of the fingers and face
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of fluid from the vagina, usually a gush of fluid, but sometimes a trickle or continual wetness
- A big change in the baby's movements or a lack of movement
- High fever (more than 101.6F;38.7C) or chills
- Severe vomiting or an inability to keep food or liquid down
- Blurring of vision
- Painful urination
- A headache that won't go away or a severe headache
- An injury or accident, such as a fall or automobile accident, that causes you concern about the well-being of your pregnancy
Prenatal Care Checklist
- Lying on your left side with a firm pillow under your head will usually be the most comfortable position for sleeping. This position brings more oxygen to the baby and eases the load on your kidneys.
- Try a body pillow.
- Bath water should not exceed 100 degrees F. Saunas and hot tubs are off limits.
- Do not douche or use tampons. Take a warm bath or use pads instead.
- You should not be changing the kitty litter because harmful parasites may be present.
- Travel is okay as long as you don't travel far from home during the last month of pregnancy. Check with your doctor first if a travel emergency arises.
- Seatbelts will not harm your fetus.
- Use both shoulder and lap belts and make sure to place the lap belt under your belly, across the hips and thighs.
- Avoid contact with any harmful chemicals or fumes.
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505