Welcome to week 21 of your pregnancy! 🌼 You're navigating through an amazing journey, and here's what's happening with your little superstar during this exciting time:
- Energetic Moves: Your baby's kicks and turns are getting stronger now. If you've felt the baby move before, these movements are becoming more noticeable. It's like there's a little dancer in there!
- Developing Reflexes: The sucking reflex is developing. If the baby's hand drifts to the mouth, you might catch them sucking their thumb during an ultrasound. How cute is that?
- Hiccup Hype: You may notice jerking movements. Don't worry; it's likely your baby experiencing hiccups. Yes, they can hiccup in there!
- Growing Strong: Your baby now weighs about 1 pound and stretches to about 11 inches long. Eyebrows are forming, and there’s more fat accumulating under the skin to keep your baby cozy and warm.
- Sleepy Baby: A lot of your baby’s sleep time is now spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This is when the brain is super active. Plus, ridges forming in the hands and feet will become their unique fingerprints and footprints.
- Skin Deep: The baby's skin is wrinkled and has a reddish tint, thanks to blood vessels underneath. The lungs are also continuing their development.
- Size Check: At the start of week 21, your baby is about as long as a carrot. By week 22, think of a small spaghetti squash. Heading into week 23, your baby is the size of a large grapefruit. And by week 24, they're about as long as an ear of corn.
Isn't it mind-blowing to think about all these developments? 🌟 Each week brings something new and exciting, making this journey truly magical. Remember, your healthcare provider is there to support you every step of the way, so don't hesitate to reach out with any concerns or questions.​