21 weeks of embarrassment: baby development and changes in women

gestation week: 21 weeks

equals a month: 4th week of 5th month

Equivalent to the days: 141 to 147 days of gestation

In the 21st week of pregnancy, the baby’s development is marked by the beginning of the production of digestive enzymes by the pancreas that will be responsible for the digestion of food when the baby nazca, and the tissues that completely cover the eyes, start to open .

In this phase of pregnancy, the baby responds to external sounds, recognizes the voice of the priests and moves actively within the uterus where he has enough space to move.

During this week, the symptoms of increased appetite, nasal congestion or blocked nose, calambs on the legs and frequent urination can continue and swelling can occur in the legs and legs, in addition to dilated veins in the legs.

baby development

In the 21st week of pregnancy, the baby’s pancreas begins to produce the pancreatic yoke, which contains digestive enzymes that will be responsible for digesting carbohydrates, sugars and fats from foods when nazca. The intestine continues to grow and absorb nutrients from the amniotic fluid ingested by the baby, in addition to storing the meconium, which is the baby’s dream, which is formed from 12 weeks until birth.

The eyes of the baby, who are already formed, are also covered by the parents, who start to open up and the baby listens well and recognizes the voice of the priests, moving more and more to listen to the external sounds. As the baby has a lot of space, she can move freely and change position several times a day.

At this stage of pregnancy, in addition to the liver, the baby’s bone marrow begins to produce red blood cells, which are the cells responsible for transporting oxygen to all organs, and white blood cells, which form part of the immune defense system against infections. .

If the baby is a girl, the uterus and vagina are formed and, in the case of children, the testicles are descending in the scrotum, so it is possible to confirm the baby’s sex by ultrasound.

Baby size and weight

The size of the fetus at 21 weeks of gestation is around 18.1 centimeters, being equivalent to the size of a garnet. The baby’s weight this week is approximately 398 g.

Changes in the woman’s body

In the 21st week of the embarrassment, due to the increase in the belly, it is normal for there to be a little difficulty in sleeping, causing a little tiredness during the day, and the symptoms of increased appetite, nasal congestion or blocked nose, headaches. las piernas y ganas frequent de orinar, can continue.

In this phase, women can also start to show fluid retention and swelling in the legs and legs, in addition to the formation of small dilated blood vessels in the legs, which occur due to the increase in the volume of blood circulating in the body, weight gain, hormonal changes and the pressure of the uterus on the veins.

Care during the 21st week

In the 21st week of pregnancy, some precautions are important to help alleviate the discomforts that may arise, such as:

• Hinchazón en las piernas y pies: keep the body hydrated, taking at least 8 water vessels a day to help improve blood circulation. In addition, it is recommended to sit or lie down with the feet at a high level, whenever possible, to perform the exercise recommended by the doctor to help improve circulation and reduce the discomfort of the hinchazón. However, if the hinchazón does not improve, it suddenly starts or presents the hinchazón in the hands and on the face, you should seek immediate medical help, which can be a sign of preclampsia. Learn more about preclampsia and how it is treated;
• Dilated blood vessels in the legs: not sitting or standing in a position for long periods of time, staying in motion whenever possible, and not crossing your legs when you feel, help to improve circulation and prevent the emergence of dilated blood vessels;
• Difficulty sleeping: sleeping with a pillow between the legs and lying on the side or in a position that the woman feels comfortable helping to reduce the discomfort that makes it difficult to sleep.

During the entire pregnancy, it is important to follow the medical recommendations and continue taking the supplements indicated by the obstetrician, and also to avoid the use of medicines by own account.

In addition, you should practice physical activities guided by a doctor, such as swimming, water aerobics or walking, and continue to have a nutritious diet including fruits, vegetables and fresh vegetables to provide the nutrients necessary for the development of the baby and control the weight gain during the embarrassment. Find out more about food in the embarazo.

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