Pregnancy at week 21
5-minute read
Your baby
Most women start to feel their baby moving between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. The first sensations you feel may be a fluttering (like 'butterflies in your tummy'), swishing, rolling or tumbling sensation or a tiny kick. These early sensations are often called 'quickening'.
By now, your baby's arms and legs have grown and are looking more in proportion to the rest of their body. There is also some soft hair growing on your baby's head. Your baby's reproductive organs are still developing but by now, if your baby is female, their uterus is formed and if your baby is male, their testicles are formed.
Your body
Your growing uterus might be putting pressure on your stomach, leading to heartburn or indigestion. This is very common in pregnancy. You can improve how you feel by eating smaller meals, avoiding foods that you know trigger your symptoms, and by raising your head when you lie down.
If your heartburn is very bad and it's not helped by lifestyle changes or medications from the pharmacy, then mention it to your doctor or midwife. It could be the sign of something more serious such as pre-eclampsia.
Other common pregnancy discomforts you might have at this time include bloating and gas, as well as changes to your appetite. Try to eat small, nutritious meals as part of a healthy diet.
Things to remember
The second trimester is a good time to travel since you may not be able to do so later in your pregnancy. If you decide to go away, you will need to take a few precautions.
If you have a normal, healthy pregnancy, there's no reason why you cannot fly up until 28 weeks into the pregnancy. Always check with the airline and your travel insurer before you go. You are more at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when you're pregnant, so it's important to keep walking around the plane and to wear compression stockings on long flights.
If you're driving, it's very important - as well as required by law — to wear a seatbelt in the car. Put the lap part underneath your bump.
Always take care with what you eat and drink while you're pregnant, especially if you're overseas. If in doubt, drink bottled water and make sure you stay well hydrated in hot climates. See a doctor straight away if you get sick.
You can talk to your doctor or midwife about any other recommended tests during your pregnancy.
Resources and support
Speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician if you have questions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also has more information on:
- maternity care in Australia
- having a healthy pregnancy
- exploring the anatomy of pregnancy and birth
- checkups, screenings, scans and tests you can have during your pregnancy
- common conditions you might experience during your pregnancy
- looking after your mental health and wellbeing
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
NEXT WEEK...YOUR PREGNANCY AT WEEK 22 — Learn about your pregnancy journey and what is happening to you and your baby.
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Last reviewed: August 2023
