Congratulations! You have reached the 21 weeks pregnant milestone! Your baby is now around the size of a carrot, weighing in at around 360g and measuring about 10.5 inches from head to toe. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the development of your baby in the womb at 21 weeks pregnant.
Table of Contents
Physical Development
At this stage, your baby’s senses are developing rapidly. For instance, they can now hear sounds from inside the womb and can even recognize voices.
Your baby’s face continues to mature, and their eyebrows and eyelashes are now growing. They also have fingernails and toenails, and their hair is starting to grow, too.
Your baby’s digestive system is also starting to work, and they are swallowing amniotic fluid, which helps to develop their intestinal muscles. The amniotic fluid also helps to cushion your baby, keeping them safe and comfortable inside the womb.
Brain Development
Your baby’s brain is developing at an incredible rate at 21 weeks pregnant. The cerebral cortex, which is responsible for thinking and voluntary movement, is now becoming more complex. Your baby is also developing the ability to dream, and they spend a lot of time in REM sleep.
Your baby’s brain is also forming billions of neurons and synapses, which are the connections between neurons. These connections are essential for your baby’s cognitive development, and they will continue to develop throughout childhood and beyond.
Emotional Development
Your baby is also developing emotionally at 21 weeks pregnant. They are now capable of experiencing a range of emotions, including joy, fear, and sadness.
In fact, studies have shown that babies in the womb can even recognize their mother’s emotions. This means that if you are feeling happy or stressed, your baby will be able to pick up on these emotions and may even respond to them.
FAQs
Q: How much should my baby weigh at 21 weeks pregnant?
A: Your baby should weigh around 360g or 12.7 oz at 21 weeks pregnant.
Q: Can my baby see inside the womb?
A: No, your baby cannot see inside the womb. However, their eyes are now formed, and they can detect light and dark.
Q: What can I do to help my baby’s brain develop?
A: Eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting plenty of rest can help to support your baby’s brain development. You can also engage in activities that stimulate your baby’s senses, such as playing music or reading to them.
Q: Can stress harm my baby at 21 weeks pregnant?
A: Studies have shown that high levels of stress during pregnancy can be harmful to your baby’s development. Therefore, it is essential to practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Q: When will my baby start to kick?
A: You may start to feel your baby’s movements, also known as quickening, between 16 and 25 weeks pregnant. It may feel like butterflies or bubbles in your stomach at first, but as your baby grows, you will feel more distinct kicks and movements.
In conclusion, at 21 weeks pregnant, your baby is developing rapidly both physically and emotionally. It’s essential to take care of yourself during this time to support your baby’s growth and development. Remember to eat healthily, get plenty of rest, and practice stress-reducing activities. Before you know it, your baby will be here, and you’ll be holding them in your arms.