How are you feeling now?
At 21 weeks pregnant, you may have difficulty with your movement. You might notice discomfort in your lower back, especially after standing for a long time or sitting incorrectly. This is a normal response as your body adjusts to pregnancy.
As your bump grows, your balance is affected. Your center of gravity shifts, which may make you feel unstable at times. To reduce the risk of falling, avoid dangerous tasks like changing lightbulbs, climbing ladders and wearing low-heeled shoes. Also, walk cautiously on uneven, slippery, or icy surfaces.
Some women also experience a feeling of heaviness, itchiness, or dryness in the belly, especially with twin pregnancies. Applying lotion can help reduce itching and soothe the skin.
By the end of this trimester, milk ducts will be developed completely, and you may notice some breast leaking.
Shaving becomes more difficult as the belly grows. If you want to shave, try it after taking a warm shower to soften the skin. Be careful to avoid cuts. It’s best to avoid hair removal creams, lasers, and bleaching products during pregnancy, as their safety hasn’t been fully confirmed.
Swollen veins or varicose veins are one of the common pregnancy symptoms. You may notice painless blue or purple spots, or you may feel pain or swelling that improves with leg elevation. They typically appear in the legs but can also occur in the vulva or rectum. With uterus growth, it may increase pressure on the veins, slowing blood flow and causing veins to swell. The swelling usually fades after pregnancy, but the veins may not completely disappear.
Urinary tract infections risk (UTIs) increases during Pregnancy. The growing uterus can block urine flow from the bladder, making infections more likely. If untreated, it can cause a kidney infection.
To lower your risk:
- Drink plenty of water (6–8 glasses) daily.
- Always urinate before and after intercourse.
- Choose underwear made from cotton.
- Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
- Avoid tight-fitting pants.
Week 21 Tips
- If exercising feels harder now, light activity helps circulation and reduces swelling. Try prenatal yoga, walking, or swimming, especially if your belly feels heavy.
- A 30-minute walk a day, even broken into shorter sessions, with eating fiber-rich foods and staying hydrated, can support bowel movement and relieve constipation.
- Heartburn and indigestion are also common. Avoid spicy, greasy, or trigger foods. patterns.
- If you have a toddler, remember that this is a big change for them, too. Try to ease the transition by reading books about pregnancy, or showing them pictures from when you were pregnant with them. This helps them feel included and emotionally prepared.
- Support your baby’s development and red blood cells’ efficacy by taking your prenatal vitamins and eating foods rich in iron, such as red meat, nuts, dark leafy greens, beans, lentils, peas, and fish. Iron helps your baby’s growing red blood cells deliver oxygen efficiently throughout their body.
- Avoid high-risk activities, including:
- Contact sports
- Skiing (both snow and water)
- Horseback riding
- Scuba diving
- Hot yoga
- Using hot tubs
- Riding all-terrain vehicles
- Waterslides