On the twenty-first week of pregnancy, expectant mothers are really starting to realize that they are expecting a baby. Now, when the stomach has become large, it is difficult to stop believing in the fact that there really is a child. As strange as it may seem, but the realization of their pregnancy is not always easy. Some moms are just now starting to really worry about her future motherhood. There is nothing to be ashamed of, it's common sense. Talk to your friends or family members who already have children - they will help you cope with anxiety, and you will understand that all take place during pregnancy through a very difficult period. Do not be afraid to tell your spouse that you feel. It is likely that he has similar concerns, and he would be happy to talk to you about it.
Your body at the 21st week of pregnancy
In this period a future mother is growing only belly. Your breasts grow significantly, and they may already be small streamers. Ask your mom to see if she had stretch marks during pregnancy; if so, it is likely they will appear and you.
Back pain can be another feature 21 th week of pregnancy. This is due to several factors. First, the center of gravity shifts; secondly, it shows the influence of the hormone relaxin. Relaxin helps ligaments and other tissues stretch molding growing child in utero and this process may be painful. However, this is necessary because then the effect of this hormone will greatly facilitate the flow of labor.
There may be other signs of the 21st week of pregnancy, in particular, such as flatulence, dizziness, severe fatigue, varicose veins, and sometimes even bleeding gums
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. In addition, hair and nails in this period begin to grow significantly faster than before. This is due to the receipt of large amounts of nutrients in the body - you have been carefully follow the diet, take prenatal vitamin supplements, and so on.
At the end of the second trimester of pregnancy significantly enhanced appetite. Three meals a day may not be enough, so it is advisable to include in your diet two or three snacks. Main meals at the same time should become less abundant. Any food, including snacks should be healthy, as they determine the health of your unborn child.
Your child at the 21st week of pregnancy
Did you eat something spicy lately? If so, then the child can become a fan of spicy food - or vice versa. At this time the child already feels the taste of food that you eat - to the 21st week of pregnancy, it is practically taste buds are fully developed. Swallowing amniotic fluid, the baby can get an idea of your menu. The weight of the baby is now about 340 g, and the length of its body is about 25 cm. It is almost like a normal school ruler. By this time, you regularly feel the baby move. Sometimes he moves subtly, and sometimes you feel that you would be born footballer. Baby continues to grow very rapidly. Actual growth is slowing, but inside his little body is the development of various organs. He has no eyelids and eyebrows, skin and eyes are closed - but at the time of the birth of his eyes had to be opened and closed almost as well as you.
Status of women in the 21st week of pregnancy
On the 21st week of pregnancy, a woman feels good. Therefore, the mood she is also good. But some pregnant women already beginning to be felt growing uterus. Most often it manifests itself constipation, varicose veins
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the lower limbs and haemorrhoid. But there is a threat and the emergence of the first signs of late toxicosis of pregnancy (preeclampsia), requiring regular blood pressure measurement and control swelling.
This week, a woman must undergo regular checkup: the so-called triple hormonal test consisting of three serum hormones (AFP - AFP, human chorionic gonadotropin - hCG and estriol) and ultrasound.
The study reveals the presence of hormones in the fetus chromosomal disorders (eg Down's syndrome), or malformations of the fetus and to clarify the diagnosis time assign them additional tests, including genetics consultation. Consultation genetics is appointed in the case when, during the survey revealed a decrease or, conversely, high numbers and high numbers AFP hCG.
Low levels of AFP and estriol, and (or) high levels of hCG may indicate a higher risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality. High levels of AFP indicates a possible malformation of the body. All other options changes in serum hormone (hCG low, high estriol, and combinations thereof) are obstetric pathology, that is, violations of pregnancy.
Ultrasound study includes a comprehensive study of fetal membranes, amniotic fluid and the walls of the uterus, eliminates the majority of fetal malformations, as well as the risk of having children with certain chromosome and hereditary diseases. At this stage by ultrasound every organ of the fetus is examined in detail. Thus, when fetal ultrasound can detect signs of chromosomal disorders, and fetal malformations (defects of the central nervous system, those of the cardiovascular system, thoracic organs, urinary system, reproductive organs, digestive tract, the skeleton). Furthermore, in the survey can reveal the tumor (e.g., cancer), a pathology of the placenta, umbilical cord, changes in the amniotic fluid.
All revealed during a routine examination of the pathology to be confirmed by other more accurate laboratory tests and ultrasound machines higher (expert) class. In the case of the fetus severe malformations or chromosomal disorders it is recommended to terminate the pregnancy. Therefore, with proper prenatal care in the antenatal clinic and timely implementation of all the necessary diagnostic examinations of children with severe disabilities should not be born - this is a defect of the work of female consultation.
Fetal development in the 21st week of pregnancy
On the 21st week of pregnancy, the length of the fetus - 28-29 cm, weight - about 300, there has been more abundant deposition of fat in the subcutaneous tissue, the active movement of the limbs and the presence of breathing in case of birth.
During this period the child starts to receive from the mother antibodies which are proteins - immunoglobulins, they provide protection to the fetus from infection (passive immunity). Actively developing nervous system is divided into nerve cells, their number is growing all the time. Formed cortex, gyrus and sulcus appear - all this contributes to the intellectual development of the child. Ends forming body balance, developing organs of vision and hearing.
At this time is especially important to talk with your child (he distinguishes it from affectionate angry and irritated), include leisurely melodic music. But the most important - is that a woman must always feel positive emotions - the child sensitively catches her condition and adjusts to it. If during this period the parents quarrel, and his mother is upset, it can adversely affect the nervous system of the child.
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damage is sometimes very difficult.
Galina Romanenko
