21 Weeks

So today I weighed myself and I am up 2 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight. After the cruise I am going to have to do a better job of watching what I eat to make sure I don't put the pounds on too fast. For right now, 2 pounds at 21 weeks is just fine. It is normal to have gained 10-15 pounds by now but we are trying to keep my total weight gain at 15 pounds. Up to this point I haven't had to try to keep the weight off. I have been eating whatever I wanted and not gaining weight. Looks like those days might be over...

I had a checkup yesterday. I feel fine and my blood pressure is fine and Max has a good heartbeat. This was the first time I had a doctor measure to see what my fundal height is. She didn't tell me the result but I would assume I'm on track since everything else reads at 21 weeks. This doctor also confirmed that the last doctor was crazy and I can gain weight without worrying (but not too much!) and that I should not be following the Atkins Diet!!! My headaches are a worry so we are looking into what might be causing them. Basically eliminating major issues and seeing if this is just my "normal" migraines coming back again. I woke up with a throbbing head but I was able to get back to sleep for about an hour and that helped a lot.

I'm clearly showing now since strangers are now asking me when I am due and if it is a boy or a girl. So far Max seems to be mostly sticking out in the front so from behind I don't look pregnant. We'll see if that continues or not...

Here's the scoop on 21 weeks... We'll be on the cruise for week 22.

http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/pregnancy/calendar/week/21
Your baby's blood circulation is completely functional. The umbilical cord system continues to grow and thicken as blood travels with considerable force through the body to nurture the baby. The placenta is now almost equal in size to the baby. Your baby will be getting much larger during the second half of your pregnancy. Your baby's crown-to-rump length at this time is 7.2 inches and she weighs approximately 10.5 ounces. Your growing baby is about the size of a large banana. You should be able to feel your uterus about a half of an inch above your navel. Your weight gain so far will be around 10 to 15 pounds. As your baby begins to lay down more fat, your weight will also increase. During the next 10 weeks, you will gain about half of the total gain for your entire pregnancy. Strangers can now tell that you are pregnant! You might notice an increase in appetite because you need 500 more calories a day to support your charged up metabolism. It is best to avoid processed foods or foods high in fat, calories or sugar. Some women also get strong cravings for foods. If you notice a craving for something unhealthy, you should contact your doctor. Cravings unusal things is known as pica. Some women crave cigarette ashes, charcoal, beer and other non-food items during this time. Your baby's different organs and systems are maturing. The fetal digestive system is functioning in a simple way and your baby can swallow amniotic fluid. After your baby swallows the amniotic fluid, she is able to absorb water and sugars from the fluid and then the waste is passed as far as the large bowel. Your baby swallows the amniotic fluid in order to prepare itslef for life outside of the womb. Some babies consume as much as 17 ounces of amniotic fluid in a 24-hour period. Your baby already has a high number of red blood cells and the white blood cells are begining to be produced. Taste buds are being formed on your baby's tongue this week also. Don't be surprised if your legs and feet become swollen throughout the day. You should try to get off of your feet some throughout the day and prop your legs up. If you notice a substantial amount of swelling, you should contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.

http://www.momswhothink.com/pregnancy-weeks/21-weeks-pregnant.html
Welcome to week 21 of pregnancy! At your prenatal appointment your provider has probably been measuring the height of your uterus (fundal height) since it appeared above your pubic bone. After about 20 weeks, this measurement generally correlates with your dates. Fundal height measurements assess growth from visit to visit. Ultrasound would be performed for any inconsistency in fundal height. After about 36 weeks the measurement for fundal height becomes less accurate as your baby settles into your pelvis.
As your pregnancy progresses, you’re carrying more weight. Because this is pregnancy weight, it changes your center of gravity. You may feel clumsier, and lose your balance much easier. Be careful! Take extra precautions to make sure your steps are sure and steady. This is the time you start taking things slower, for yours and your baby’s safety.
Weight gain is on many pregnant women’s minds; make sure you discuss this with your doctor. While you don’t want to obsess, you also don’t want to let your weight get out of control….risking complications. Weight gain is also a way for your doctor to decide if you are measuring right for your due date, and can monitor your baby’s growth.
You may be finding yourself out of breath more often; this is caused by your uterus pushing against your diaphragm, leaving less space for your lungs.

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/21weeks
The fetus now weighs about three-quarters of a pound/ 360 grams. Up until now she has been measured from crown to rump but from this point on the measurement will be from crown to heel. And from crown to heel she is approximately 10.5 inches/ 27 centimetres long. The eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed and the fingernails cover the fingertips.

Your baby can now hear your conversations. If you talk, read, or sing to your baby, expect her 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 favourite bedtime story for a long time after birth.

And here is a preview for week 22... Eyebrows!

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/stages/0122/

Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn. His lips are becoming more distinct and his eyes have developed; though the iris still lacks pigment, his eyebrows and eyelids are in place. His pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily and the first signs of teeth are showing beneath his gum line. Before you know it, your baby will be smiling at you.

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment/22weeks/

The baby now weighs almost one pound / 430 grams, measures nearly 11 inches/ just over 27 centimetres long from crown to heel, and is proportioned like a newborn, albeit a thinner version since her baby fat hasn't yet developed. Although she's getting heavier every day, her skin still appears wrinkled because she needs to gain more weight. The lips are distinct and the eyes are formed, though the iris (the coloured part of the eye) still lacks pigment. The pancreas, essential in the production of hormones, is developing steadily.

Even this early, the first signs of teeth appear in the form of tooth buds beneath the gum line. Before you know it, your baby will be born, and soon after, her first teeth will come through. You've probably gained between 12 and 15 pounds / 5.4 and 6.8 kilograms. Starting now, you'll begin to put on weight more steadily, averaging about half a pound / 225 grams per week. You may crave certain foods.