You are 21 weeks pregnant.

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Born & Birth stories

Your baby's blood circulation is completely functional. The umbilical cord system continues to grow and thicken as blood travels with considerable force through the body to nurture the baby. The placenta is now almost equal in size to the baby.

Your baby will be getting much larger during the second half of your pregnancy. Your baby's crown-to-rump length at this time is 7.2 inches and she weighs approximately 10.5 ounces. Your growing baby is about the size of a large banana. You should be able to feel your uterus about a half of an inch above your navel. Your weight gain so far will be around 10 to 15 pounds.

As your baby begins to lay down more fat, your weight will also increase. During the next 10 weeks, you will gain about half of the total gain for your entire pregnancy. Strangers can now tell that you are pregnant! You might notice an increase in appetite because you need 500 more calories a day to support your charged up metabolism. It is best to avoid processed foods or foods high in fat, calories or sugar. Some women also get strong cravings for foods. If you notice a craving for something unhealthy, you should contact your doctor. Craving for unusual things is known as pica. Some women crave cigarette ashes, charcoal, beer and other non-food items during this time.

Your baby's different organs and systems are maturing. The fetal digestive system is functioning in a simple way and your baby can swallow amniotic fluid. After your baby swallows the amniotic fluid, she is able to absorb water and sugars from the fluid and then the waste is passed as far as the large bowel. Your baby swallows the amniotic fluid in order to prepare itself for life outside of the womb. Some babies consume as much as 17 ounces of amniotic fluid in a 24-hour period. Your baby already has a high number of red blood cells and the white blood cells are beginning to be produced. Taste buds are being formed on your baby's tongue this week also.

Don't be surprised if your legs and feet become swollen throughout the day. You should try to get off of your feet some throughout the day and prop your legs up. If you notice a substantial amount of swelling, you should contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.

Comments on week 21

Comments 1-49 of about 83 from week 21
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threebagsfool - 5.2 hours ago
samendol, yes, that is one of the areas that get pretty sore. The other one for me is my hip popping in and out, you can actually hear it (pretty yucky). I guess they sell the girdles at Babies R Us, for hopefully not too much, so I am going to try one out and see how it works. In my last pregnancy my hip pain got so bad that I could barely walk, so I am trying to stop this early because there is no way I can just lie around with a toddler going nuts!

samendol - 6.8 hours ago
I knew where my baby was in the beginning (all the way to the left) and the sonogram confirmed it. Which I am happy about because no one believed me that I was able to feel the baby that early. Now, I have NO idea where baby is. I feel like baby is EVERYWHERE lol! Im short and baby keeps growing lol! threebagsfool- I lower back (on the sides above my butt cheeks) have been KILLING me lately. Is this the area you are referring to? I walk 2 miles everyday and it hurts more afterwards but I gotta exercise. Maybe ill talk to my doctor about it next week.

threebagsfool - 9.7 hours ago
I was doing walking for a while, but with my hip pain my doctor said I should get a support girdle, so before I continue I need to grab one of those. I thought my baby was sideways, but the ultrasound showed her as beingnheadvdown. She must be stretching her arms and legs to hit me so far apart at the same time.

mharter04@yahoo.com - 1 days ago
I had my ultrasound today and she's still a girl! I was worried for some reason that she's changed in the last 6 weeks haha. I thought I could tell how she was positioned but then at my scan today I found out I was totally wrong! I feel like her feet are down and head is up but really her head is on the right and feet on the left and she's facing up. Strange!

betty92413 - 1 days ago
Hi ladies! Can you all feel the positioning of your babies? I feel like mine is always on the left side.. Even my belly looks bulkier on the left! Hmmm... Just wondering :)

samendol - 3 days ago
Rain- I walk two miles everyday but that is all I can do these days. I get so short winded SO EASILY! The thought of a light job makes me feel pain LOL! I do dance when I clean though so I count that as a workout LOL! and Dragon, hope we get our selves a little diva lol! Im secretly hoping for a girl even though it really doesn't matter :)

2Tauruses - 3 days ago
Rain- I don't run.. I will walk, chase around my 2 year old :) and I recently bought a 'What to expect when you're expecting' workout dvd. I like it a lot :) My sister's bachelorette party was Friday so I was dancing like a machine too! Man were my legs and abs sore the next morning haha!

bexandgirls - 3 days ago
so quiet........

Dragonsoccermom*teamblue* - 6 days ago
Samendol- I have a little Makenzie & she is a 'diva'! Woowee! People will try to get away with calling her 'Mack', 'macky', or (gag) 'Makenz'. We removed the 'c' & usually call her Kenzie. It sits my diva.

beautyfulsheena - 6 days ago
@rain, I still walk, and do light exercise, but not full on running or anything. .. partly because I just don't have the stamina anymore...lol! I work and chase around my 3 year old... that counts for something, right? Hehe. :) the worst part of pregnancy for me is insomnia and gtg more plump..I know it's for a good cause, and comes with the territory, lol..but I just feel blah...man..prego problems 101....lol..

Rain87(T-blue) - 6 days ago
I agree with the whole laying on stomach thing... I wish I could.. Always slept on my tummy until now:/ on the name Star.. Haven't heard anyone with the name star but heard of Starlynn..sounds different but cute.. Y'all still have plenty of time to decide..jewjew- how awful!! My pregnancy is completely different as well.. Just starting to feel like my oldself around 18weeks. Went for a little run the other day but my hubby insists I don't. I say yes I can and he says I shouldn't.. So will ask the dr at my nx appt.. I'm also doing light weight lifting...any of you ladies still carrying on with your excersise routine??

jewjew - 6 days ago
this pregnancy has been completely different to my first - everything confirmed okay at hosp with growth of my baby girl but suffering badly with low blood pressure, anemia and now been tested as diabetic cos keep passing out awful

samendol - 6 days ago
AND (sorry one more point) Star really does sound like a porn star name. I agree plant the seed and see where it goes or give her a more exotic middle name if your husband insists. I know my husband can be VERY stubborn when he doesn't get his way so I understand lol.

samendol - 6 days ago
As far as not naming the baby something because someone else already has that name... most of the men in my family is named Mike, Miguel, Michael, etc... LOL. AND! my cousin is due with twin boys next month and she is also considering Michael. LOL! Could be confusing at family parties but I love the name anyway :)

samendol - 6 days ago
We're not finding out either. My husband actually chose both of our names as soon as we found out and I feel in love with both of them. If we have a boy his name will be Michael Jacob (Michael is after my dad and Jacob is my husband's middle name) Girl will be Mackenzie Marie. All my names got vetoed but I really like those so no complaints here :)

AbbottBaby3 - 7 days ago
The worst thing about pregnancy is not being able to sleep on your stomach!! I can't get comfortable.

2Tauruses - 7 days ago
treadon- I agree with you on the 'Star' being a porn star name. That's the first thing I thought of when I saw it. I'd knix that one for sure LOL I do love Payton & Bailey. Stacey- I love Aubrey, Ava, or Addison for A names. So pretty!

stacey3 - 8 days ago
I love all of those a names! It is very hard to decide. Andrea, Alexa, Ariella, Amelia, Alaina . . . . if only the hubs and i could agree ;~) We shall see! if anyone comes up with any more a names, let me know! thanks!

AbbottBaby3 - 8 days ago
fe1lx78-what about Layla or Leilani?

AbbottBaby3 - 8 days ago
Abigail, Addelyn, Amaya, Amelia, Alexandria are great A names. I loved the name Charlotte but since we know someone who used that name we are going with Hannah, goes well with my daughter's name, also love, which is Emma. My nieces name is Violet and I think its very old fashioned and pretty :) I also like Elizabeth (Libby), Grace, Gabriella, Jillian, Lauren, Norah, Sadie and Taylor for girls names.

melsy28 - 8 days ago
Fe1ix78- we aren't finding out either! I am leaning towards Liam Douglas for a boy and DH wants Eleanor (Ellie) for a girl. I really wanted to use Rose as the middle name, but then her name would practically be Eleanor Roosevelt. . . .so I was thinking maybe Ellie Joy.

melsy28 - 8 days ago
Stacy3- I love thinking of names! Mostly b/c my husband says no to most names, so we have a very small pool of names to chose from when baby is born (boo!). I love Amelia, Adelle, Adelaide, Addison, Aubrey, Aubrin or Aubrynn, Alexa, Aly, Ava. Hope that helps some :)

tinasutton83@hotmail.co.uk - 8 days ago
hey ladies,me and my bf couldnt pick a name but i had my own way in the end lol our princess is maisey rai davies(not sure how we going 2 spell maisey yet tho)my nan was named maisey so we calling her after her and my bampa was raymand so her middle name is rai but spelt rai as the girls way lol dont know y but when i said the name out loud i was like omg thats her name...love it lol

waitingtoexhale - 8 days ago
Stacey3- I second that..but I prefer Alyssa spelling. Don't know why. Good luck. I'm sure you'll come up with something as beautiful as your little girl is. :)

armywife63 - 8 days ago
Stacey- I have personally always liked the name Alissa...I've known a few Alissas over the years and they've always been pretty and sweet girls.

treadonfoot - 8 days ago
It seems like it was only yesterday I found out I was pregnant. Time has gone by so quickly.

treadonfoot - 8 days ago
Sheena--I agree. I will start planting!!! LOL Stacy--I really like Adelaide and Adela for A names. Felix- How about Naomi? I always like that name but it was used already by a cousin of mine.

fe1ix78 - 8 days ago
Oh my husband wants to name her Leia if its a girl! That's a cute name and all but not if your sons name is Luke! Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia! ...which is exactly why he wants to! My 14 year old Kameron loves the idea! Figures! Lol. Please help me!

fe1ix78 - 8 days ago
We are not finding out the sex so if we have a boy it will be Nathan Christopher and for a girl ... No clue! I really need help also. My husband and I can't agree to save our lives! Lol. The middle name may be Joy after my 2 Aunts! Any suggestions?

beautyfulsheena - 9 days ago
Stacey..I love the names Addison and Aleena..(they were on my list at one point) :) We are going with an A name as well..Our son is Alexander Cruz and we are going with Avery Monroe for our little girl!! Can't wait to meet her! :)))

stacey3 - 9 days ago
K ladies, while you are all on the subject of names, I have a dilemma. We have 2 girls, Alivia and Adrianna, and one more girl on the way. I would like to stick with A names since both girls start with a. I need ideas though. Any of you have ideas?

beautyfulsheena - 9 days ago
Treadonfoot, I know EXACTLY how you feel! My hubby and I have suuuuch a hard time picking names!! For my son and now our lil girl..But I will say..plant the seed of the name you like the best..and try to incorporate it in..eventually it will grow on him..btw..Stella was one of my favs..maybe try Ella? (which was my first choice, but my hubby said no..he is hispanic-so it translates to 'she, her' which isn't something we like..lol) But I planted the name I liked early on..and then suddenly he actually called her that name when referring to her..and told me it grew on him...it feels like her name..and that was it.. :) So of the ones you listed..I LOVE Olivia and Peyton..Amelia is pretty as well..(im with you on the NO for star..but Estrella is star in spanish..that is pretty!)..Ella is very classic yet bold..a bit of both worlds..just try to compromise, and find something you BOTH love..Hope that helps! (plant the seed!) ;)

bexandgirls - 9 days ago
lol well maybe you will have to put some pressure on him to get a name you really love. One lady on here loved a certain name for her son but her husband wouldnt hear of it. So from about week 25 onwards she referred to the baby as that name and when he was born, her husband didnt know the baby as anything else and went along with it. I think he actaully just fell in love with the name haha! so funny, and what a great idea.

treadonfoot - 9 days ago
Lol it's ok but on U.S. those names are often used in porn vids and I do not like it at all or applied at all my to my kids. Stella and Star are good names but not names I'll see my girl in. Our middle name for our child would be a traditional name.

bexandgirls - 9 days ago
cant help but like Star too actually lol. Thats a nice name, you dont hear it where i live but i like it! sorry, not trying to take your husbands side!

bexandgirls - 9 days ago
in the UK the names Bailey, Sage and Payton and Star are very unusual but Olivia is well used, so is Amelia and I know a few ladies called Stella! I must say out of your choices i think Bailey is a great name! maybe you can convince him to let you choose a first name and him pick out a middle name? or would he not agree to that?

treadonfoot - 9 days ago
for instance, I love love love olivia, bailey, sage, amelia, payton...he loves stella, star...and i forgot but a few more that he mentioned is name of--forgive me but of porn stars. He's unbelievable! I try to accomodate him because I feel that he has a say in it too but I don't like it at all! **SORRY I made you in an irritable mood but someone put me there today too! LOL

bexandgirls - 9 days ago
treadonfoot, yeah that is so annoying! Grr im in an irritable mood today and you got me started haha! I know what you mean about baby names, its so hard to choose. Can you give some ideas of what you like and also what your husband likes? im not sure what gender my baby is so i had to go looking through boy and girls names! one of the downsides of not finding out i suppose. But there is no conflict between my partner and I because he leaves all decisions up to me, even though i wish he would get involved sometimes.

treadonfoot - 9 days ago
ladies, I am running into a problem....husband and I have started looking for names for our little girl and I have come up with some classic down to earth yet colorful names for our girl but it seems my husband doesn't like any of them. He insists on these names I do not like at all and are to bold for me. I'm getting frustrated! What would you suggest?!

treadonfoot - 9 days ago
bex- I agree especially walking into a store and you have somebody standing right outside the door smoking.

bexandgirls - 9 days ago
treadonfoot i hate that too! and you can bet anything they always flick it out the car when they've finished with it. Someone did that in front of me one day and it went straight back into my car. Its so rude! Another thing i hate is when im walking along with the children and someone passes by really close holding a cigarette and they dont give a damn that they nearly catch our clothes with it. So irritating! As you say, im sorry if i offend anyone but i hate smoking, ive never done it and hate being around it and i get so sick of me and my girls having to breathe other peoples smoke in.

beautyfulsheena - 9 days ago
Helllllllllo week 21!!! So excited that we are over half way! Can't wait to meet my lil princess! :)

treadonfoot - 9 days ago
There is this pet peeve I have....I can't stand it when I am driving and someone who is either behind, side, or in front of me has their window open and a cigarette in their hand. The smoke disperses into the air and comes my way! Drives me nuts, YES I'LL LIKE TO ENJOY THE NICE WEATHER TODAY JUST LIKE YOU...SO PLEASE have the common courtesy to close your window if you are going to smoke if not wait till you are not driving. It ruins others day while they are trying to enjoy the weather just as much as you! Sorry to those who does smoke here, I do not mean to offend anybody but it drives me a little insane to be inhaling smoke and being an individual of second hand smoking.

treadonfoot - 9 days ago
gennymay- I didn't realize that it can measure low if we do not eat. Lol. How interesting...the other day my lil one wasnt moving and my husband freaked out he told me by the next day if my lil girl has not move for me to go in and get it checked but turns out she was just sleeping that day and was just not as active. It can be scary sometimes!

Gennymay - 9 days ago
It's been quite here of late. Hope all of u ladies are doing well. Cheers!

Gennymay - 11 days ago
Ok, so I had a dramatic weekend. On saturday when i was dressing up after a shower, i felt a trikle down my legs - i was scared out of my mind that i was leaking amniotic fluid but it turns out it was urine (LOL). Yesterday after my swim, i decided to go to the local clinic to check the heart rate of my diamond and was told it was measuring extremely low. The doc on duty adviced dat I should eat and come back to check. It's funny bcos i didn't even realize I was hungry but 2 hours after my meal everything turned out ok and my diamond was kicking away. I always tot I was going to relax and enjoy pregnancy after the 1st trimester but looks like one can never really get any peace of mind during this 9 months (lol). Anyway, I hope u ladies had a fabulous mother's weekend.

stacey3 - 11 days ago
Happy Mothers Day! I hope you all get extremely pampered today! Anyone get breakfast in bed?!?

wins829 - 11 days ago
Happy mother's day all the ladies.

wins829 - 11 days ago
Happy mother's day all the ladies.

buterbys - 12 days ago
I also have an anterior placenta I asked at my last ultrasound bc this baby's movement are very low and sometimes painful nothing like my other two pregnancies.

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Members in week 21:

momma cosgray - 28 Sep 2013
Ali108911 - 29 Sep 2013
HappymomV*teampink... - 30 Sep 2013
Jess260484 - 30 Sep 2013
XxMummy-to-2-boyzx... - 30 Sep 2013
yasmin7302 - 30 Sep 2013
cortneyrg - 01 Oct 2013
heidismummy - 01 Oct 2013
Mimo3 - 1 Oct 2013
Penelopieme - 01 Oct 2013
debby86 - 02 Oct 2013
fe1ix78 - 02 Oct 2013
antsmom97 - 03 Oct 2013
danilynn - 03 Oct 2013
martal - 03 Oct 2013
mum2oneandoneonthe... - 03 Oct 2013
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Threebagsfool - 03 Oct 2013

The due date from members in week 21 is from Friday 27 September 2013 up to & including Thursday 3 October 2013. See the full timeline here

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