21 Weeks Pregnant: Stronger Kicks, Braxton Hicks & Your Registry

21 Weeks Pregnant: Stronger Kicks, Braxton Hicks & Your Registry

At 21 weeks pregnant, you're just past halfway. Your baby is about the size of a carrot, and their kicks are getting stronger and more controlled. You might notice your first Braxton Hicks contractions too, and it's a great time to start your baby registry.

Baby's size
About the size of a carrot (around 27cm head to heel, 350g)
Big development
Stronger, more controlled movements
Common symptoms
Braxton Hicks, leaking colostrum and weight gain
This week
Start your baby registry

What's happening this week

From now on, babies are usually measured from head to heel as their legs lengthen. Your baby now weighs more than the placenta and is starting to lay down a little fat.

Movement

More controlled

Connections between your baby's brain and muscles are working well, so their movements are smoother. They can suck their thumb, open and close their fists, stretch, flip and kick.

Taste and hearing

Getting to know you

Your baby swallows amniotic fluid, which carries flavours from the food you eat. They can hear sounds from your body and may respond to loud noises outside.

Blood and skin

Building up

Your baby's bone marrow is starting to help make blood cells. Their skin now has all its layers, and sweat glands are developing.

Your baby is also settling into a pattern of sleeping and waking. Soon your partner may be able to feel kicks by placing a hand on your bump.

Symptoms at 21 weeks pregnant

  • Braxton Hicks contractions. Your uterus may tighten from time to time as it practises for labour. See how to tell them apart from labour below.
  • Leaking colostrum. Your breasts are getting ready to feed your baby, and you may notice small amounts of yellowish fluid, called colostrum, from your nipples. It's packed with antibodies for your newborn. Breast pads can help with leaks. Not leaking is normal too.
  • Weight gain. With nausea behind you, your weight may start to increase more steadily. Healthy weight gain depends on your weight before pregnancy. Here's how much weight gain is healthy. Never start a weight-loss diet while pregnant, and talk to your doctor or midwife if you're worried.

Braxton Hicks or labour?

Braxton Hicks are practice contractions. They're harmless, but it's important to know the signs of preterm labour, which means labour before 37 weeks.

Braxton Hicks

  • Irregular tightening across your belly
  • Painless or mildly uncomfortable
  • Ease when you rest, change position or drink water
  • More common at the end of the day or after activity

Call your hospital if

  • Contractions come regularly, or get stronger and closer together
  • You have period-like cramps or a dull lower backache that doesn't go away
  • You feel pressure low in your pelvis
  • You notice a gush or trickle of fluid, or bleeding

Call your doctor, midwife or hospital straight away if you notice signs of preterm labour, sudden swelling, a severe headache, blurred vision or pain under your ribs. Pre-eclampsia is never normal and always needs checking.

Starting your baby registry

A registry makes it easy for friends and family to choose gifts you'll actually use. Start with the essentials, then add the extras. Our checklists cover everything you might need.

Sleep
A bassinet or cot, a firm mattress, fitted sheets, swaddles and sleeping bags.See the sleep list
Changing
Nappies, wipes, a change mat, nappy cream and a nappy bin.See the baby changing list
Out and about
A car seat, pram, baby carrier and a nappy bag.See the leaving the house list
For you
Comfort essentials for pregnancy and recovery after birth.See the pregnancy list and the postpartum recovery list

Eating well

Regular meals with healthy snacks in between keep your energy steady. Try Greek yoghurt with berries, wholemeal toast with avocado, an apple with nut butter, hummus with a wrap or veggie sticks, cheese on wholegrain crackers, or a handful of trail mix. Drink plenty of water and keep active.

Your to-do list for week 21

Helpful for this stage

The pregnancy listWhat you'll need to feel comfortableSee the list Breast pads and careFor leaks, now and after birthShop breast care Baby carriersHands-free cuddles from day oneShop carriers

Week 21 FAQs

What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?

They feel like a tightening or hardening across your belly that lasts from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. They're usually painless or mildly uncomfortable, irregular, and ease when you rest, change position or drink water.

How can I tell Braxton Hicks from real labour?

Braxton Hicks are irregular and fade with rest. Labour contractions come regularly, get stronger and closer together, and don't ease when you rest. Before 37 weeks, call your hospital if you have regular contractions, a gush of fluid, bleeding or pressure in your pelvis.

Is it normal to leak colostrum at 21 weeks?

Yes. Some people notice small amounts of yellowish fluid from their nipples from the second trimester, while others don't leak at all before birth. Both are normal and don't affect how well you'll be able to breastfeed.

What should I put on my baby registry?

Start with the essentials for sleep, feeding, changing, bathing and getting out and about, then add comfort items for you. Our checklists can help you work out what you'll really use.

When can my partner feel the baby kick?

Many partners can feel kicks from the outside from around 20 to 24 weeks, once the movements are stronger. Try when your baby is most active, often after you eat or when you lie down.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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