21 Weeks Pregnant
At 21 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a carrot. You are in the second trimester, and this week brings its own small changes — for your baby and for you.
- Size of
- a carrot
- Length
- 26.7 cm
- Weight
- 360 g
- Trimester
- 2
Your baby this week
- Weight gain speeds up noticeably from now on.
- What you eat flavours the amniotic fluid, and your baby tastes it.
- Bone marrow takes over making red blood cells.
Your body this week
- Braxton Hicks tightenings may begin — practice contractions, not labour.
- Appetite grows as your baby gains weight faster.
Common symptoms
- Itchy, stretching skin over the bump
- Leg cramps, usually at night
- Varicose veins in the legs
What to expect
The middle months are usually the steadiest part of pregnancy. Energy often returns, the bump becomes visible, and appointments settle into a routine. With 19 weeks to go, this is a good time to plan ahead while you feel well.
Tips for this week
- Moisturise the bump daily — it will not prevent stretch marks, but it eases itching.
- Keep moving gently — a daily walk helps circulation, mood and sleep.
- Include iron-rich foods with vitamin C to help absorption.
Frequently asked questions
How many months is 21 weeks pregnant?
21 weeks is about 5 months. Pregnancy months do not divide evenly into weeks, so counting in weeks is more precise.
How big is my baby at 21 weeks?
At 21 weeks your baby is around a carrot — roughly 26.7 cm long and about 360 g. Healthy babies vary a lot around these averages.
What symptoms are normal at 21 weeks pregnant?
The most common ones this week are listed above. Contact your doctor or midwife about heavy bleeding, severe pain, a fever, or any change in your baby’s movements.
Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period, so week 1 begins before conception.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy.