The anticipation grows

How is your baby growing?

From the 21st week of pregnancy, your baby's size is no longer calculated based on the length from head to bottom, but based on the length from head to feet – which is why there is a significant increase in size. However, it is important to know that from this point on, all estimates of size become increasingly inaccurate and are only a general indication. Nevertheless, you will now feel your baby's kicks and movements more and more intensely as it gets closer and closer to your belly.  

By the 21st week of pregnancy, your baby is beginning to get used to a sleep-wake cycle with its favorite sleeping position. As the eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair begin to grow, facial expressions and gestures slowly develop. The tiny kidneys are already filtering the amniotic fluid they drink, and the small bladder empties.

How is your belly growing?

Because you can usually feel your baby now, it is becoming more and more real to you that a little person is growing and developing inside you. Usually, fears disappear and anticipation spreads. Some expectant mothers also experience depression, which they cannot shake off despite periods of calm. If you feel lethargic and tired and cry often, talk to your gynecologist, as it may be depression.

Has your weight increased by between four and a half and seven kilograms since the beginning of your pregnancy? Then you are perfectly normal. A little more or less is also fine. From the 21st week of pregnancy, you need about 250 more calories per day than before pregnancy to feed your baby well.

Here we have put together some delicious recipes for you, which will provide you with these calories in a healthy nutritional balance.

Your extra weight shifts your body's center of gravity and can cause back and/or abdominal pain. Flat shoes relieve your back and abdomen, as does avoiding heavy lifting. Your partner should carry all items weighing more than five kilograms.    

Now, around the 21st week of pregnancy, your breasts begin to produce the first milk—colostrum. This milk is intended for the first 3-5 days after giving birth, but it may start to come out of your breasts as early as now. Don't be alarmed, this is normal.  

What makes you grow as a family?

With anticipation often comes the desire to shop. Perhaps a joint trip to baby stores is now a good idea for the weekend.

With the discomfort of pregnancy subsiding and increased blood flow to the genitals, you may feel a greater sexual desire again. Because your belly is now quite visible, your partner may be hesitant to approach you. Talk openly about your needs. In principle, there is no reason to avoid sex unless your gynecologist has told you otherwise. It does not harm your baby, as long as you are well, then so is the baby.