You have reached the 21st week of pregnancy and the change you are experiencing is palpable. Your baby's kicks are making you even more excited. So, what happens in the 21st week of pregnancy? How does your baby develop in the 21st week of pregnancy? What are the changes in the mother at 21 weeks of pregnancy? Can a 21-week baby be felt? What does a 21-week baby look like?

Yeditepe University Hospitals Gynecology and Obstetrics Department Head and IVF Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar answered these questions about the 21st week of pregnancy. Here are the answers to the question of what happens in 21 weeks of pregnancy:

How Big is a 21-Week Baby?

This week, the baby is 26.7 cm long and weighs 360 grams, the size of a large carrot.

Can 21-Week Baby Movements be felt?

Other movements begin to increase, and kicks can be felt. These movements fluctuate because the baby is sleeping and waking for short periods.

Baby Development at 21 Weeks of Pregnancy

• Capillaries are developing under the skin and this causes the skin to change color from pink to red, but the skin is still transparent.
• Eyebrows and hair begin to thicken. Facial expressions become more pronounced and movements such as opening the mouth, yawning, and sucking can be observed.
• The placenta has been growing since the beginning of the pregnancy and has been heavier than your baby until this week, from this week onwards your baby will be heavier than the placenta.

How Much Weight Is Gained at 21 Weeks of Pregnancy?

By this week you should have gained an average of 5.4-6.4 kg. Please do not feel fat, as this is a weight gain that is necessary for you and your baby to have a healthy and comfortable pregnancy. 

If you suffer from acid reflux and indigestion, we recommend that you reduce your intake of fatty and spicy foods. By keeping track of which foods cause you discomfort and limiting their consumption, you will notice that you will feel more comfortable.

Changes in the Mother at 21Weeks of Pregnancy

Moisturizing your skin as much as possible with oils and body care creams that can be used safely during pregnancy, which you can easily find today, will protect you against less itching and stretch mark development. While most stretch marks that occur during pregnancy are seen with sudden weight gain, if there are other members in the family, the chances of you developing them will increase. Another question that may come to your mind in case of any premature birth is "will my milk come?". Do not worry! Your milk ducts will be fully developed by the end of this trimester.

Image of a 20-21 Weeks-Old Baby