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You’re over the hump and starting the second half of your pregnancy already! Here’s what to expect at week 21.
How Big is Baby?
Your wee one is really starting to take up some space in there. Baby measures 10 ½ inches long this week.
What’s New with Baby?
Your baby’s facial features—eyes, lips and nose—are formed at this point. You will likely see your little one touching their face on ultrasound. And just think, in a few more months, you’ll get to touch that sweet face too!
What’s New with Mom?
Feeling the burn? You are probably starting to have some acid reflux at this time, or maybe some feelings of breathlessness when you overexert yourself. Hip and back pain related to the weight of your uterus and hot flashes, due to hormonal changes, can also be common around this week.
Fun Fact
It might seem like baby went through quite the growth spurt since last week when they measured just over 6 inches. That’s because there’s been a shift in how the baby is measured—from crown-to-rump to crown-to-feet.
What to Know About Emergencies in Pregnancy
You know by now that pregnancy comes with more than its share of discomforts. While the symptoms can make you uncomfortable, most are perfectly normal, and nothing to worry about.
But there are some symptoms that could signal a potential complication. “If you have vaginal bleeding, frequent contractions, leakage of fluid, or increasing persistent vaginal/pelvic pressure, then you should call your doctor,” says Dr. Shivani Patel, a maternal-fetal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Shivani Patel, M.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She specializes in maternal-fetal consults and cares for women with high-risk pregnancies, babies with health issues that are detected in utero, and complications that arise during pregnancy itself.
When you call, you’ll be put in touch with a healthcare provider who will go over your symptoms with you over the phone and let you know what your next steps should be. They might give you advice on how to alleviate your symptoms, or help you schedule an appointment if needed. If the problem is serious, they will direct you to the emergency department.
So what type of pregnancy symptoms might be considered an emergency? “Heavy vaginal bleeding, persistent shortness of breath, and chest pain should be evaluated,” says Patel.
These are some other symptoms that might warrant a trip to the emergency room:
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizure
• Sudden swelling in the arms, legs or face
• Sudden changes in vision
• Very high blood pressure (at or above 160/110)
If the situation is life-threatening, you should take an ambulance to the hospital to be sure you’re there as quickly as possible. If it’s safe to get a ride there, doctors recommend going to the emergency department at the hospital where you plan to deliver (assuming it’s not too far). When you check in, be sure to tell them you are pregnant and how many weeks along, as risk levels for certain conditions differ based on your pregnancy status.
If you’re not sure if what you’re experiencing is normal or something to be concerned about, err on the side of caution. Every pregnancy is different, and your doctor would rather hear from you about a small question than delay getting the care that you need.
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This blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice or professional services. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The above article was written by DFWChild editor Amanda Collins Bernier with information provided by UT Southwestern Medical Center as part of their sponsored content.
