Fetal development 21 weeks of pregnancy • hello healthy

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Embryo growth

How is the development of the fetus at 21 weeks of pregnancy?

At this gestational age, your baby is likely to be about the size of a carrot. According to the Baby Center, your fetus may also be about 26.7 cm from head to heel and weigh about 340 grams.

When entering the age of 21 weeks of pregnancy, it appears that your little one's intestines can absorb a small amount of liquid sugar and enter through the digestive system. Even so, most of the nutrients and food that the fetus can enter through the placenta.

During this time, the baby's liver and spleen are responsible for the production of blood cells. The bone marrow is also sufficiently capable of forming blood cells.

Later, the fetal pancreas organ stops producing blood cells at the 30th week of pregnancy and the liver stops producing blood cells a few weeks before birth.

Changes to the Body

How are the changes in the body at the developing fetus at 21 weeks of gestation?

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, pregnant women may still feel comfortable with a stomach that has not enlarged too much.

It's good to enjoy this period of pregnancy by doing activities and balanced rest. In this phase, some pregnant women may experience acne problems.

Acne that appears at 21 weeks of pregnancy appears due to hormones that increase oil production in the body. If that is the case, you need to be selective in choosing acne treatments.

Also make sure to use moisturizers and acne medications that are safe for the fetus. Do not use oral acne medications as some drugs are very dangerous during pregnancy. Do not also use acne products without consulting your doctor first.

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, you may also be prone to varicose veins. Gradually, the fetus will develop and increase the pressure in the veins in your legs.

In addition, the amount of the hormone progesterone which is higher than usual will also cause weakened blood vessels.

Varicose veins tend to get worse when you have consecutive pregnancies and at the age of 30-40 years.

To help prevent or reduce varicose veins, you should exercise every day, support your legs more often, sleep on your side, and wear leg support equipment for pregnant women.

At this gestational age, you are also at risk of developing spider veins. This is a condition when small groups of blood vessels near the surface of the skin are clearly visible, especially on the ankles or face.

These spider vessels are small like rays coming from the sun or tree branches or as a small cluster of blood which is branched and has no particular shape.

Though maybe a little unsightly but spider veins it doesn't cause pain or anything and usually goes away after delivery.

What should I watch out for at 21 weeks of pregnancy?

At the age of 21 weeks of pregnancy, maybe you can do some activities such as pregnancy exercises with your partner. Reporting from the Kids Health page, exercise during pregnancy can be done at 21 weeks of gestation.

Take pregnancy classes that can provide additional information for delivery in the coming months.

Ask for your partner's support and presence during pregnancy activities to improve fetal development for 21 weeks of pregnancy.

Visit to Doctor / Midwife

What should I discuss with my doctor about fetal development at 21 weeks of pregnancy?

Even though it is still a few months before you give birth, the development of the fetus at 21 weeks of pregnancy has made your breasts begin to prepare for milk.

Therefore, at this gestational age, it is possible that the milk ducts in the breast are blocked and cause symptoms in the form of a hard, red, and tender lump when the chest is touched.

However, don't worry just yet, this condition is quite common in the early days of pregnancy, especially after the pregnancy has entered its 6th month and after the pregnancy has ended.

To clean it, you can use a warm compress and gentle massage to clean the milk ducts.

Some experts suggest that avoiding under-wire bras can also help, but make sure you wear a bra that supports your breasts.

It is important to remember that monthly breast exams should still be done while you are pregnant.

Although the examination for tumors will be more complicated due to changes in the breasts during pregnancy, this test is still very important. Tell your doctor if you find a lump in your breast.

What tests should I expect at 21 weeks of pregnancy?

During the 21st week of pregnancy, the doctor will check the following:

• Measure the weight of pregnant women and blood pressure
• Check urine for glucose (blood sugar) and protein
• Check fetal heart rate
• Measure the size of the uterus by external palpation (external touch) to see how it correlates with the date of birth
• The height of the lower position (on the uterus)
• Check for swelling of the hands and feet, check for varicose veins in the legs
• Symptoms you are experiencing, especially symptoms that are not normal

Prepare a list of questions or problems that you would like to discuss with your doctor.

Health and Safety

What do I need to know to stay healthy at 21 weeks of pregnancy?

Here are some things you need to know to maintain a healthy pregnancy:

Avoid caffeine and sweeteners

During the 21st week of pregnancy, you are not advised to drink too much coffee, chocolate, tea, or other sweet drinks.

Limit caffeine intake to 200 mg per day. Replace these drinks with mineral water and fruit juices without sugar.

Limit consumption of chicken or beef liver

Chicken or beef liver is often considered a healthy food because it is rich in vitamins, minerals and protein.

However, the liver is also high in vitamin A, which is still in the form of retinol. Retinol levels that are too high can interfere with fetal development at 21 weeks of gestation.

Levels of vitamin A or retinol are also found in animal products such as eggs, milk and liver. T

Too much vitamin A in a pregnant woman's diet can put you at risk for birth defects, especially if you eat animal liver in the first months of pregnancy.

Pregnant women are not recommended to eat liver every day, but if you eat 1 or 2 times a month it will not be harmful to you and the fetus.

So, what will the fetus be like to grow and develop in the next week?

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.