Families For Life | Pregnancy: Week 21
Get ready for some action — your baby is moving a lot more now that you're entering your third trimester.
What's happening to your baby?
Measuring 24 to 29cm, your little beauty is about the size of a rock melon now, and weighs between 325 and 395gm. There's still room in your womb but you'll be feeling baby's movements more as the space becomes increasingly cramped, so get ready to feel some kicks in the ribs. Your baby is practising swallowing by taking in a little bit of amniotic fluid each day. Although your baby's getting oxygen from the placenta, the lungs are continuing to develop in preparation for the first breath in the outside world.
What's happening to you?
Not every pregnant mum will develop that pregnancy glow. With changes in hormones and increased oil production, some women will instead experience pregnancy acne. But don't worry too much about it — just maintain a good daily cleansing routine and speak to your doctor before taking any acne medication. Other common problems that may be affecting you during this time are backaches, indigestion and piles (haemorrhoids). If you're dealing with indigestion, try some indigestion tablets and maintain your fibre intake with bran, fruits and vegetables.
By Associate Professor TAN Thiam Chye Head & Senior Consultant, Dr Janice TUNG Senior O&G Resident,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital
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