Second trimester
Week 21 of Pregnancy
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About the size of a carrot
10.5 in · 26.7 cm · 12.7 oz · 360 g (head to heel)
Your baby this week
- Movements become organized — real kicks, jabs and flips.
- Rapid eye movements begin, as if the baby were dreaming.
- The baby responds to sound, with your voice the most familiar of all.
What you may be feeling
- Possible varicose veins
- Stretch marks appearing
- Mild ankle swelling by evening
Gentle tips for this week
- Elevate your feet above hip level in the evening; compression socks help too.
- Talk and read aloud — hearing is developing fast.
Common question for week 21
When is the glucose screening test?
The routine glucose challenge for gestational diabetes happens between weeks 24 and 28. Some providers test earlier if risk factors are present.
Every pregnancy is different. Sizes are averages, symptoms vary widely, and none of this replaces the guidance of your own provider.