21 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and What to Expect

By Brian Price

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Your Growing Fetus at 21 Weeks

At twenty one weeks pregnant your baby is now 10.5”, which is the size of TI-89 Calculator or a carrot

Here’s the scoop on what’s happening in your stomach this week

Eyelids are developing!
If you’re having a girl she is developing her ovaries and all of her eggs. If you’re having a boy he is developing his testes.
Your little carrot now responds to touch. Press on your belly and you will feel them slide out of the way.
Your baby can taste what you’re eating

Pregnancy Superfood for Week 21

“Whats up Doc?” You may recognize that phrase from Bugs Bunny. We’re taking after him this week and making the superfood Carrots! This vegetable contains vitamin A, C, K, B, manganese, potassium, and copper, which are all great for your body especially during pregnancy.

Carrots maintain eye health in mom and aids in developing the eyes of the baby with Vitamin A. The beta-carotene in carrots serves as an antioxidant and protects both mom and baby.

The vitamin C boosts the immune system and protects the baby from infection. Vitamin B is beneficial for the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system.

It will also help prevent neural tube defects. Carrots are also great for easing muscles cramps and constipation during pregnancy. There are plenty of ways for you to fit carrots into your diet.

You could throw the carrots into a juicer and drink them. Carrot juice has been proven to be beneficial during pregnancy as it betters the skin, reduces blood pressure and aids in digestion. If you’re wanting to spice things up give one of these recipes a try

Carrot Cake Smoothie:

Ingredients:

1 peeled banana
½ cup ice
1 cup carrots, chopped
¼ tsp ground ginger
½ cup Almond Milk
¼ tsp nutmeg
½ cup yogurt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp maple syrup

This healthy smoothie is super easy to prepare. Just throw all the ingredients into your blender and blend on high until you get a smooth consistency. Enjoy!

Carrot Cake Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies:

That’s right, we’re allowing you to have cookies for breakfast. These cookies have no refined sugar or flour. They’re super delicious and easy to prepare. We think you found your next on the go snack!

Ingredients:

1 cup instant oats (can use gluten free)
¾ cup carrot, grated
¾ cup whole wheat flour (can use gluten free)
5 tbsp nonfat milk
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ cup maple syrup
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 large egg white
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp coconut oil ( can use unsalted butter)

How to Prepare:

Begin by combing the oats, flour, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg, and cinnamon, in a bowl and whisk them together.
In a different bowl whisk the vanilla, coconut oil, and egg white.
Stir in the milk and syrup.
Next stir in the mixture from the first bowl. Only stir just until the ingredients are incorporated.
Fold in the carrots. Put the carrot cookie dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill.
Preheat the oven to 325 and cover your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once the dough is done chilling, drop scoops onto the parchment paper.
Flatten each scoop to a desired size.
Finally bake for 10 to 13 minutes and let cool for 10 minutes when done.

Top Tip for Week Twenty One

As you begin to pack your day of delivery go bag, remember the essentials. A car seat, clothes, diapers, and wipes are necessities. Anything else you include in your delivery bag is unique to you and your situation.

Inspirational Message of the Week from Already Moms

“ Some women have that metabolism where you’re like, ‘Wow, you didn’t even gain any weight being pregnant.’ Well, that’s not me, and I think a lot of women probably relate to that … I gained 70 pounds [with Ryder]. The experience of trying to lose it was really interesting because I’d never been in a situation where I realized I really needed to lose quite a few pounds … I’d lose, like, 10 pounds and then I’d plateau at 150 and I’d stay there forever. It was really discouraging … you just have to push through it. That’s the hardest part.” – Kate Hudson

Big Efforts from your Co-Creator

As your partner’s delivery date gets close (133 days left type close), you may begin to experience some anxiety and doubt. You may begin to wonder how you will change diapers and be the perfect parent but remember there is no such thing as a perfect parent.

Also the diaper changing, feeding, and all things baby will come easily and quickly. Don’t stress about it now, enjoy the journey. Once the baby comes you’ll be killing it at parenting and wondering why you were worried in the first place.

This Art of Allowing

By now you’ve probably spent a lot of time pinning pictures of baby nurseries on Pinterest.

As you begin to shop, be smart and set a budget.
Listen to opinions from your partner. While you may want several different stuffed animals for your baby’s crib, you really don’t need them.
Buy the essentials first and then if your budget allows it you can get crazy with the things you want.
Keep in mind, you will also have a baby shower. You register for the essentials and the wants.

Pregnancy Symptoms of Week Twenty One

The good news is, you’re now officially more than halfway done. The bad news is you still have to experience some symptoms. Here’s what you might have to deal with this week.

Glow Up: You now have an increased amount of Estrogen which is making your hair and nails grow faster and stronger.

Varicose Veins: Your body is producing extra progesterone. Combine that with the swelling you’re experiencing and you got a nasty recipe for varicose veins. The noticeable blue or purple veins often appear on your legs and sometimes they may be itchy. Elevating your legs will help with the blood flow.

Dry/Itchy Skin: Your belly is expanding which may cause your skin to feel dry and itchy. Hot Showers and baths will make it worse.

Lactation: You’re nearing the end of your second trimester and your milk ducts will be completely developed by then. You may be experiencing some leaky breasts.

Your Body will Change and It’s Necessary

At this point, you have gained roughly 13 to 14 pounds, even more, if you’re having twins. You might be loving the extra weight or you might be hating it. If you’re on the hating end of the spectrum try to keep in mind that it is necessary for you to gain weight.

The extra weight you’re gaining is vital for your pregnancy. The increased fluid and blood volume account for around 4 pounds each. The uterus and amniotic fluid are both weighing in at 2 pounds, which is half a pound more than the placenta.

Not to mention your baby, who will eventually weigh around 7 pounds. The extra fluff is keeping your baby healthy so remember that the next time you aren’t pleased with your reflection in the mirror! You’re a goddess!

Our Recommended Remedy for Week 21

As your belly grows you may experience dry and itchy skin. We know that’s probably super uncomfortable.

Here’s a recipe for a belly balm that will soothe that baby bump. We also know that you like being prepared. We included a recipe for a lotion that is safe for your baby’s sensitive skin.

Belly Balm

Ingredients:

½ cup pure cocoa butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup organic coconut oil

How to Prepare:

Grab a saucepan and melt the cocoa butter and coconut oil. Next, pour the mixture into a bowl and whisk it until it is slightly cool. Stir in the vanilla until it has a thick and creamy consistency. Put the mixture into a glass jar and keep it at room temperature. When you’re ready to use massage it into your skin. You are free to use this balm as often as you would like.

Baby Lotion:

Ingredients:

3 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
¼ cup cocoa butter (organic)
¼ cup organic coconut oil (organic)
¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil

How to Prepare:

Put the cocoa butter and coconut oil into a glass measuring cup.
Next put the measuring cup into a saucepan and add water to the pan.
As the water comes to a boil stir the mixture inside the measuring cup until it is fully melted.
Add the vitamin E oil and stir. (We recommend using the lavender oil as well. Not only will it make the lotion smell good but it will also soothe your baby.)
Once you are done stirring put the measuring cup into the fridge.
Allow the mixture to harden then mix it until it becomes light and fluffy. You can store your homemade lotion in an 8-ounce mason jar.

Our Best Advice to Soothe The Uncomfortable

Varicose veins can be painful. We’re guessing you probably don’t like the sight of them either. There are several ways you can treat varicose veins at home. Try having your partner massage your legs gently to increase blood circulation. Using gentle upward strokes can smooth out the twisted veins and increase blood flow. Do not put pressure directly on the veins.

Mudpacks are also great for reducing vein enlargement and pain. You can purchase a mud pack or make your own. If you want to make your own simple mix water with a fine clay and then apply it to your legs before going to bed. When you wake up to wash the clay off with warm water and pat dry.

The clay contracts as it dries and tightens the skin. Make sure you have plenty of vitamin B6, B12, and folate in your diet. Chicken, turkey, and eggs are jam-packed with these vitamins. If you are vegan, try avocados, bananas, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and lima beans. Sedentary lifestyles contribute to varicose veins. You need to move your calf muscles to allow them to return blood to the heart from your legs.

Take breaks from your desk job to walk around a bit. If you’re looking for herbal remedies, try cayenne pepper. It is rich in vitamin C and capsaicin, which is anti-inflammatory and thins the blood. You can use cayenne pepper extract to ease the pain of your legs. Pine bark extract visibly reduces varicose veins. You can consume the extract orally.

Preparation for Motherhood

Choose a baby carrier
Decide on a guest list for your baby shower and give it to the person hosting.
Remain optimistic and positive.
Celebrate the victories, like how you are now more than halfway done. You go girl!