21 weeks pregnant

What to expect this week

What's happening in week 21

21 weeks into your pregnancy and you are over half way there!

Your baby at week 21

At week 21 the average baby will measure around 27cm long and weigh around 360g but this will vary from baby to baby. They’re starting to gain weight now, and laying down some fat, which will give them that adorable chubby newborn appearance the moment you first set eyes on them!
Their eyebrows and eyelids have now formed and it’s possible for them to blink. Amazingly your baby will now already have taste buds and can taste a variety of different flavours depending on what you’re eating and what’s entering the Amniotic fluid. They will be swallowing this fluid now as they practice their technique.
Their skin is also looking a bit different now, as it will have gained a coating of a white, waxy substance known as Vernix caseosa. This protects their body from the effects of bobbing around in amniotic fluid for so long! You will probably see areas of it still on your baby when they are born.

You at 21 weeks pregnant

You might be thinking of booking your antenatal classes around now, if you have decided to attend them. Your midwife will have information about free local groups, and you can get details about NCT classes near to you online.
Lots of women make friends for life at their antenatal groups, so if it is your first baby, it is an excellent way of making lots of mum-to-be pals, and sharing experiences (and niggles and moans!) And of course, lots of little same age playmates for your bubba in the future! Classes can get booked up really quickly, so get your name down as soon as you can.
Apart from the socialising, you'll also learn about pain relief in labour, breathing techniques and your options in delivery at your classes – and if you go to a NHS one attached to your hospital, probably a tour of the delivery suite, too. Have a look at our pages on antenatal classes for more info.

What to think about in week 21

You probably find yourself absent-mindedly stroking your bump and chatting away to your baby quite a lot anyway, but did you know that they can hear you, and talking to them now will help them to recognise your voice once they are born? Some mums-to-be like to sit and read story books or sing nursery rhymes to their bumps, or play them certain music – you might even find that there are tunes which make your baby mega active!
Talking and reading to your unborn baby is something that dads can get involved in to, and is a lovely way to bond before birth.