Pregnant in week 21
In week 21 your baby is the size of a carrot. The movements become stronger and more coordinated – real kicks, turns and stretches that you can gradually feel clearly.
Your baby in week 21
Your baby measures around 27 centimetres from head to heel and weighs about 360 grams. It has more room to move around and uses it busily.
The movements have become stronger and more coordinated, and your baby can now kick, turn and grab the umbilical cord. It swallows small amounts of amniotic fluid, which trains the digestion and lets it taste different nuances of what you eat.
The bone marrow now helps produce blood cells, and the digestive system practises by absorbing sugar from the amniotic fluid. The eyebrows and eyelids are fully formed.
Your body and symptoms in week 21
The kicks are now clear for most, and you can begin to sense a pattern in when your baby is active. Often it is when you settle down in the evening.
The bump grows steadily, and you may have gained around half a kilo a week. Appetite is good, and many experience the so-called pregnancy energy in this period.
Some get swollen feet, varicose veins or haemorrhoids, because the growing uterus presses on the blood vessels in the pelvis. It is uncomfortable but harmless, and eases after birth.
Good advice for week 21
Notice the pattern
The movements begin to have a rhythm. You don't need to count kicks yet, but it is good to slowly learn when your baby is usually active.
Prevent varicose veins
Avoid standing or sitting still for long, put your feet up, and move regularly. Support stockings help if your legs feel heavy.
Eat plenty of fibre
Constipation and haemorrhoids often go together. Whole grains, fruit, vegetables and plenty of water keep your bowel moving and prevent both.
Consider a 3D/4D scan later
If you want to see your baby's face in 3D, it is best between weeks 25 and 33 and ideally around week 28. It is a good idea to book in good time.
Checklists for this stage
Tick things off as you go – the list remembers where you got to, and you can share it with your partner.
Relevant with us in week 21
This is what we can offer you at this point in your pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions in week 21
Can my baby taste what I eat?
To some extent. Flavours from your diet pass into the amniotic fluid, which your baby swallows. Some researchers believe it helps shape later taste preferences.
What can I do about haemorrhoids?
Avoid constipation with fibre and water, don't strain on the toilet, and use a cooling ointment if needed. Talk to your doctor if there is bleeding or a lot of pain.
Can I have sex during pregnancy?
Yes, in a normal pregnancy sex is completely safe and doesn't harm your baby, who is well protected. In case of bleeding, waters breaking or on your doctor's advice you should pause.
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Read on in week 21
Gender scan – when can you see the sex? Everything you need to know (2026)
Feeling life – when and how do you feel the first fetal movements?
