Quick guide:

• What’s happening with the baby at 21 weeks pregnant?

• How big is your baby at 21 weeks pregnant?

• How is your belly at 21 weeks pregnant?

• Common symptoms and how to manage them?

• Frequently asked questions at 21 weeks pregnant

What’s happening with the baby at 21 weeks pregnant?

At 21 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing and developing rapidly, and you’re likely starting to feel more movement as they become stronger and more active. 

Your baby's taste buds are fully functional

Your baby now has working taste buds and can taste the flavors of the food you eat! When they swallow amniotic fluid, they’re getting a taste of what’s on your plate. It’s a fun (and sometimes surprising!) glimpse into how their sense of taste is developing.

Developing sucking reflex

At this stage, your baby’s sucking reflex is kicking in. This means they’re now able to suck their thumb! You may have even seen this on an ultrasound, which can be an adorable moment of connection.

Skin changes

Your baby’s skin is still wrinkled and translucent, but they’re working on smoothing it out. It may look a bit red due to the visible blood vessels underneath, but smooth, gorgeous skin is in your baby’s future.

Baby’s eyebrows are now visible

Your baby’s eyebrows are becoming visible this week! This is one of the little features that make them look more like a tiny human. They’re also developing permanent fingerprints—an incredible milestone in their journey.

Sweat glands are starting to form

Your baby is developing sweat glands in their skin, preparing for life outside the womb where regulating body temperature will be crucial.

How big is your baby at 21 weeks pregnant?

At 21 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing steadily and is about the size of a carrot!

• Length: Your baby measures approximately 27.4 cm from head to toe.

• Weight: They weigh around 399 grams, which is just under half a kilogram.

As your baby continues to grow, you’ll notice their movements becoming more noticeable, and they’re now large enough to start filling up more of the space in your uterus. It’s an exciting time as your little one becomes more active and starts to develop even more distinctive features.

How is your belly at 21 weeks pregnant?

Belly size and shape

Your uterus is expanding to accommodate your growing baby, and it’s about the size of a melon at this point. You might have a visible bump that’s becoming more pronounced, especially if this is your first pregnancy.

Feeling more pressure

As your baby grows, you may begin to feel more pressure in your lower abdomen. This is completely normal, as your body is adjusting to the changes and getting ready for the second half of pregnancy.

Changes in skin and stretch marks

The skin on your belly is stretching to accommodate your baby, which can lead to some discomfort or itching. Stretch marks may start to appear as your skin stretches. Applying moisturizer or oils can help keep the skin soft and reduce itching.

More noticeable movements

At 21 weeks, your baby is becoming more active, and you might start feeling those baby kicks, nudges, or rolls more strongly. If this is your first pregnancy, it may still feel like gentle flutters, but with each passing week, those movements will get stronger and more noticeable.

Possible changes in posture

As your belly grows, your posture may start to change to accommodate the extra weight. You might notice yourself leaning back slightly or adjusting how you stand to support your growing belly.

Common symptoms and how to manage them?

1) Back pain

As your baby grows, your body is carrying more weight, which can lead to backaches or discomfort.

How to manage: Practice good posture and avoid standing for long periods. Try wearing comfortable shoes with proper support and use a pregnancy pillow when sleeping. Gentle stretches and prenatal yoga can also help ease back pain.

2) Round ligament pain

You might feel a sharp, pulling sensation on one or both sides of your lower abdomen. This is due to the ligaments stretching to support your growing uterus.

How to manage: Try changing positions slowly when standing up or rolling over in bed. Gentle stretching can relieve some of the discomfort. If the pain is sharp or persistent, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.

3) Itchy skin

As your belly expands, your skin may stretch, leading to itchiness. This is common, but it can be uncomfortable.

How to manage: Use a soothing lotion or oil to keep your skin hydrated. Aloe vera gel or coconut oil can provide relief and prevent your skin from becoming too dry. Avoid hot showers, as they can dry out your skin further.

4) Increased appetite

With your baby growing and your metabolism speeding up, you might notice an increase in your appetite.

How to manage: Opt for healthy, nutrient-dense snacks like fruits, nuts, or whole grains to satisfy your hunger. It’s also helpful to eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of large meals to avoid overeating and indigestion.

5) Leg cramps

Leg cramps are common during pregnancy, especially at night. They can be painful and interrupt your sleep.

How to manage: Stay hydrated, and make sure you’re getting enough calcium and magnesium in your diet. Stretching your calves before bed can help prevent cramps. When you feel a cramp coming on, flex your foot toward your knee to relieve the tension.

6) Heartburn or indigestion

As your growing baby puts pressure on your stomach, heartburn or indigestion can become a frequent issue.

How to manage: Eat smaller meals, avoid spicy or acidic foods, and try not to lie down immediately after eating. If heartburn persists, talk to your doctor about safe over-the-counter remedies.

7) Frequent urination

As your uterus continues to grow, it can put pressure on your bladder, causing you to urinate more frequently.

How to manage: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but avoid drinking too much right before bed to minimize nighttime trips to the bathroom. Try doing pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to strengthen the muscles around your bladder.

8) Fatigue

Even though you might be past the exhaustion of the first trimester, you may still feel tired due to hormonal changes and the energy your body is using to support your growing baby.

How to manage: Get plenty of rest and listen to your body. Take short naps when needed and try to go to bed early. Eating balanced meals with protein and complex carbs can also help keep your energy levels steady.

9) Swollen feet and ankles

Fluid retention is common during pregnancy and can lead to swelling in your feet and ankles, especially after standing or walking for long periods.

How to manage: Elevate your feet when resting and wear comfortable shoes that don’t constrict your feet. If swelling becomes severe or painful, consult your healthcare provider.

Frequently asked questions at 21 weeks pregnant

Can I feel my baby move at 21 weeks?

Yes! Many women start feeling their baby move around 18–22 weeks, so at 21 weeks, it's very likely you’re feeling little flutters or more pronounced kicks. If it’s your first pregnancy, the movements might feel subtle, like gentle bubbles or gas, but as the baby grows, the movements will become stronger.

Is it normal to have back pain at 21 weeks?

Yes, back pain is very common at this stage as your body adjusts to the growing baby. The extra weight, combined with hormonal changes that relax your ligaments, can cause discomfort. Make sure to practice good posture, avoid heavy lifting, and try some gentle stretching or prenatal yoga to alleviate the pain.

Why is my belly itching at 21 weeks?

Your skin is stretching to accommodate your growing baby, which can lead to itching. This is totally normal but can be annoying. To manage it, keep your skin moisturized with a good lotion or oil, and avoid hot showers that can dry out your skin.

Can I swim during pregnancy at 21 weeks?

Absolutely! Swimming is one of the best exercises for expecting moms because it’s low-impact and can help ease pregnancy aches and pains. The buoyancy of the water helps support your growing belly and takes pressure off your joints.

Should I be concerned if I’m not feeling my baby move yet?

If this is your first pregnancy, it’s common to feel your baby move a little later, closer to 22 weeks. If you’re concerned, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor. They can reassure you and check that everything is progressing as it should be.

How much weight should I have gained by 21 weeks?

Weight gain can vary from person to person, but most women gain about 4.5–6.8 kg by 21 weeks, depending on their starting weight and the health of their pregnancy. Make sure to focus on a balanced diet, and if you have concerns, talk to your healthcare provider about healthy weight gain goals.

Are there any important things I should do at 21 weeks?

Now is a good time to start thinking about preparing for labor and delivery. If you’re considering hiring a doula, this is the time to start interviewing candidates. You can also begin researching prenatal classes and make sure you have a plan for your maternity leave. Don’t forget to keep tracking your baby’s movements!