21 Weeks

Fetal Development: 21 Weeks

Your little one now weighs about 12 ounces, and you may soon feel like he’s practicing the martial arts in there as his initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. As your pregnancy progresses, you may be able to decipher a pattern to his activity. Some babies are restless in the evening, just as you’re trying to fall asleep; others get busy during the daytime. The eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed, and the fingernails cover the fingertips.

Little pitchers have big ears, all right. Your baby can now hear your conversations. If you talk, read, or sing to your baby, expect him to hear you. Some studies have found that newborns will suck more vigorously when read to from a book they heard frequently in utero. If you want to try, pick a book now and read it out loud. Make sure you won’t mind reading it over and over once the baby is here. It may be your baby’s favorite bedtime story for a long time after birth.

You’re probably feeling quite comfortable these days. This, in fact, may be the most enjoyable time in your pregnancy. You’re not too big yet, and the usual aches and pains associated with pregnancy — nausea, frequent urination, and fatigue — are for the most part gone. Relax and enjoy while you can — the third trimester is just around the corner, and with it comes some mild discomfort from carrying a baby that is nearly full-term.

Lvu Kell