For more information about week 21 in a twin or multiple pregnancy, tap here.
Moving into the second half of your pregnancy, Baby is continuing to grow, and you’re probably noticing that your appetite is too.
How’s Baby?
Baby is about 10 ½ inches long (27.2 cm), the size of a baby bok choy, and weighs between 1/4 and 3/4 of a pound. Your baby looks a lot like a miniature person at this point, which is huge growth when you think about how they were just a microscopic ball of cells merely 20 weeks ago. Baby’s skin is still a bit see-through. It has also developed wrinkles that will allow for internal expansion once their baby fat starts to come in — they’ll soon fill out into a cute, plump little thing! This baby fat is especially important for Baby’s development because the fats in their system will directly fuel their brain’s development and help regulate their temperature once they’re born.
What’s new with you?
Just like Baby, you’re growing too! If you’ve been experiencing backaches, do what you can to stay active and relieve your discomfort. Supportive, flat shoes, regular stretching and even a support belt can help. And be sure to ask your healthcare provider for advice if you’re feeling very uncomfortable.
You might have noticed, or are beginning to notice, dental symptoms like bleeding or sore gums. The increased blood flow happening throughout your body reaches everywhere, even your mouth, which can lead to these sore and swollen gums and also leave you more vulnerable than usual to infection and plaque buildup. The best way to deal with this is to brush and floss regularly and to continue with scheduled twice-yearly cleanings and other necessary dental care. If you’re dealing with any persistent vomiting or acid reflux, careful dental care is even more important for you. Serious gingivitis and untreated tooth decay have been linked to pre-term birth, so regular dental checkups and care can help you stay as healthy as possible. Be sure to let your dentist know that you’re pregnant, and get a second opinion if anyone advises you to delay needed dental care.
You’ve probably also noticed that you’re feeling super hungry these days, and it’s important to eat enough. All of that growing that you and Baby are doing calls for a lot of good fuel. Do what you can to listen to your body and eat a range of nutritious foods that help you feel good.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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Sources
- Sir John Dewhurst. Dewhurst’s Textbook of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 8th ed. Keith Edmonds. John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2012. Print.
- Mark A Curran, M.D. “Fetal Development.” Perinatology.com. Perinatology.com. March 31, 2019. https://www.perinatology.com/Reference/Fetal%20development.htm#1.
