You are still in your second trimester and the fifth month of pregnancy. During this week you are experiencing more limb movements from the fetus which explains the kicking and stretching in your tummy. The bump is growing bigger with evidence of stretch marks as the first layer of your skin is tearing -pink, red, and brown marks.
Your baby is at week 21.
During this week your baby is 10.5inches, as big as a large banana and weighs about 12.8 ounces. You can now measure the baby in full body measurements and not the usual fetus crown to rump. The baby’s taste buds are developed and the fetus can now taste the flavor of foods you ingest. This is because the fetus is now practicing swallowing and digestion from small bits of the amniotic fluid.
Symptoms.
These are;
● Leaking breasts.
● Stretch marks.
● Contractions in your abdomen called the Braxton Hicks contractions.
● Heartburn and indigestion.
● Dry itchy skin.
● Forgetfulness.
● Increase in weight
● Increase in appetite
Exercises
These are some exercises you can do during this week;
● Elevate your feet.
● Walk for 30min a day.
What can you do to ensure your baby stays healthy?
Plan Activities
You might have noticed you are being forgetful and concentration is becoming a problem. This is not due to lack of sleep but change in hormones from the pregnancy. You ask your partner to set up to-do lists for you and remind you of regular tasks to minimize forgetfulness.
Intake of calories
As the baby grows you’ll need to eat more calories to ensure the baby develops properly with the nutrients you provide for it. You can talk to your doctor for advice on proper nutritional plans. Drink lots of water and foods in high fiber to prevent constipation. Avoid spicy foods to reduce indigestion and heartburn.
You can also visit our antenatal clinic at Jacaranda Maternity hospital through a Gynaecologist. Gynae clinics offered every Wed and Sat from 8am to 5pm at Umoja branch (Wallet Centre, opposite Shujaa Mall) and Mon-Fri from 8am -4pm, Sat from 9am -12.30 pm at Kahawa West branch (Kamiti road, Kiamumbi, Chief’s stage).
During the visit you will be booked for anatomy scan (helps to detect any abnormalities and checks the position of the placenta). The midwife will take your vitals and physical examination. In addition review your dating scan, provide information about future ANC’s. Remind you about nutrition, danger signs and plan for your OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance tests for elevated blood sugar levels, which could indicate Gestational Diabetes).