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Pregnancy Week By Week
Week 21 and Week 22
What's Happening Inside You?
By the end of the sixth month, your baby is about 12 inches long and weighs about 2 pounds. His or her skin is reddish in color, wrinkled, and veins are visible through the baby's translucent skin. Baby's finger and toe prints are visible. The eyelids begin to part and the eyes open.
Your baby may respond to sounds by moving or increasing the pulse, and you may notice jerking motions if baby hiccups.
If born prematurely, your baby may survive after the 23rd week with intensive care.
Week 21
Baby: Your baby measures about 7.2 inches from crown to rump and weighs about 10.5 ounces. The fetus is steadily gaining fat to keep warm. Growth rate is slowing down but organ systems, like digestion, are continuing to mature. A waxy film, called the vernix caseosa, is being produced by your baby's oil glands and covers the skin to keep it supple in the amniotic fluid. Buds for permanent teeth are beginning to form.
Mother: Friends, relatives, even strangers can probably tell you're pregnant by now. Your uterus is starting to extend above your navel. You've probably gained between 10 and 14 pounds by now.
Dad: The good ol' days.
The second trimester is usually the best for mom. She's over morning sickness, and isn't yet so big that she's uncomfortable. Enjoy these 'glory days' of pregnancy. Do things together now before it's more difficult.
Do's and Don'ts: Do bring a CD or MP3 player the next time you have to give blood (the glucose screening test is coming up). When it's your turn, put on the headphones and enjoy the music as you imagine yourself lazing on a beach under a warm sun. Calming tunes work best, or relaxing sounds such as ocean waves lapping or birds chirping.
Exercise: Sip water or sports drinks (like Gatorade) every 15 to 20 minutes during your workouts to replace liquids you lose through sweating. The color of your urine is a fairly accurate indicator of how hydrated you are: If it's clear or pale yellow, you're fine; if it's darker, drink up.
Tips for this week: Start looking into childbirth classes if you haven't already.
Week 22
Baby: Your baby measures about 7.6 inches and weighs about 12.3 ounces. The muscles are getting stronger every week now, and the eyelids and eyebrows are developed. Your baby's acrobatics are pretty constant, and since he responds to sound, rhythm and melody, you can try singing and talking to him. After he's born, the same sounds will soothe him.
Mother: Your uterus is continuing to grow, but you're probably feeling pretty good -- no more morning sickness, and your abdomen isn't so large that it's getting in the way very much. You may still be getting leg and foot cramps, as well as mild swelling of ankles and feet.
Dad: May I carry your books?
Accompany mom to childbirth classes. This is a great way to be supportive, and an even better way to prepare yourself for what's to come.
Do's and Don'ts: Don't toss and turn when you can't sleep at night. If sleep eludes you due to restlessness or discomfort, toss aside the covers and find something boring to do. Experts say it's better to park yourself in a dimly lit room and watch TV or find a tedious task. You'll be nodding off before too long.
Exercise: Time to retire from the stair-steppers and climbers and opt for some low-impact exercise. Water aerobics and swimming make you feel virtually weightless and free your legs and feet from their constant weight-bearing role.
Tips for this week: To reduce cramping, increase your intake of calcium and potassium. Have a glass of milk before bedtime or snack on potassium-rich foods, such as grapefruits, oranges and bananas. If you do get a leg cramp, try forcing your toes back toward your face and pushing down on the knee to straighten your leg.
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