Week 21: Digestive Practice
Baby is about the size of Carrot (270mm head-to-heel)
Your baby is now swallowing amniotic fluid regularly — up to several hundred milliliters per day. This practice stimulates the digestive system and contributes to meconium formation (baby's first stool). The taste buds are functional, and studies suggest babies develop flavor preferences based on the mother's diet. The bone marrow is beginning to produce blood cells.
You may be gaining about 0.5kg (1 lb) per week. The top of your uterus (fundus) is now at or just above your navel. Stretch marks may appear on your belly, breasts, or thighs. Braxton Hicks contractions — painless uterine tightenings — may begin.
What is important now
In Denmark, the second midwife visit typically occurs this week. Continue eating a varied, nutritious diet — your baby is literally tasting what you eat through the amniotic fluid!
Common symptoms
- regular painful contractions — contact provider immediately
- sudden severe swelling face hands — emergency evaluation
Wellness this week.
Nutrition
Digestive system and taste development
- Eat a wide variety of flavors — baby tastes them through amniotic fluid
- Fiber-rich foods to support your own digestion
- Probiotic foods (yogurt, kefir) for gut health
- Iron-rich foods as bone marrow blood production increases demand
Exercise
Movement
Continue moderate activity; ankle swelling may benefit from movement
Sleep
7-9 hours
Position: Left side with pillow support; elevate feet slightly if ankles swell
· Elevate legs for 15-20 minutes before bed to reduce swelling
· Prop up upper body slightly if heartburn disrupts sleep
Mental wellness
Mindfulness
Weight gain is necessary and healthy. Your body is building a baby, placenta, extra blood, and amniotic fluid. Trust the process.
“Your baby is tasting the world through you — every meal is a shared experience.”
Your timeline.
Week 6
15 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — Mutterpass may be issued upon heartbeat confirmation
Week 19
2 weeks ago- routineWeeks 19–22
Checkpoint 2 — Screening Ultrasound
Choice between a basic biometric scan or detailed organ scan. Measures head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and checks placental position.
GoalAssess fetal anatomy and growth, check for structural abnormalities, and verify placental location.
Week 28
In 7 weeks- routine
Checkpoint 1 — GDM screening
- routine
Checkpoint 2 — Rhogam if Rh-negative
Week 29
In 8 weeks- routineWeeks 29–32
Checkpoint 3 — Screening Ultrasound
Third and final routine ultrasound. Assesses fetal growth, position (cephalic/breech), amniotic fluid volume, and placental function.
GoalConfirm appropriate growth trajectory and baby's position for delivery planning.
Week 35
In 14 weeks- self pay igelWeeks 35–37
Checkpoint 1 — GBS Testing — Self-pay/IGeL
Rectovaginal swab to screen for Group B Streptococcus colonization. If positive, IV antibiotics are given during labor to prevent neonatal infection.
GoalIdentify GBS carriers to enable prophylactic treatment during delivery.
Safety: Braxton Hicks are normal but if contractions become regular, painful, or are accompanied by bleeding, contact your provider immediately. Sudden facial swelling is a warning sign for preeclampsia.
Your journey, your rhythm.
Track your pregnancy week by week with gentle, personalized guidance.