What To Expect At 21 Weeks Pregnant: What It's Really Like!

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EP 92:

In this episode, I’m sharing what’s really going on during week 21 of pregnancy — including baby’s incredible development, common symptoms, and doula-approved tips to feel your best.

Whether this is your first baby or you just want a calm, evidence-based guide through pregnancy, this episode is for you.

In This Episode:

• The surprising thing your baby is tasting right now
• Symptoms to expect at 21 weeks (and how to feel better)
• Why week 21 is the perfect time to prep for breastfeeding
• How your baby’s movements are changing
• My favorite doula tips for this week

Links & Resources:

• Bump To Bundle Blueprint Course → Bump To Bundle Blueprint Waitlist
• Website → Birth Prep Academy - #1 Birth Courses for Pregnant First-Time Moms

Episode Transcript

(00:05):
Hi, I'm Stephanie Poole, founderand CEO of Birth Prep Academy.
I'm on a mission to helppregnant moms prepare for their
first hospital birth.
I'm sharing revealingconversations about what it
really takes to successfullytransition into motherhood.
So join me.
Here to discover things likewhat to expect in childbirth,

(00:27):
how to prepare for your birth.
We'll also talk aboutbreastfeeding and so much more.
I'm so grateful to share it allwith you right here on Oh Baby,
the podcast created for pregnantmoms preparing for their first
hospital birth.
Let's get started.
Imagine this.

(00:47):
You're savoring your favoritemeal and unbeknownst to you,
your little one is getting ataste too.
Sounds intriguing.
Well, if so, stick aroundbecause at 21 weeks pregnant,
your baby's development isreaching some truly.
Fascinating milestones thatdirectly connect with your daily

(01:08):
experiences.
Welcome to week 21 of yourpregnancy journey.
Can you believe you are overhalfway there?
Let's dive into the incredibledevelopments happening this week
and uncover some surprises thatmight just change the way you
think about your pregnancy.
First up, your baby is now aboutthe size of a large banana,

(01:33):
measuring about 10 and a halfinches from head to heel and
weighing about 12.7 ounces.
But here's the kicker.
Literally those gentle fluttersyou've been feeling, well,
they're becoming more pronouncedas your baby's coordination
improves.
Now, here's something truly mindblowing.

(01:54):
Your baby's taste buds are fullydeveloped by this week, but did
you know that the flavors of thefoods that you eat actually
permeate your amniotic fluid?
That means that when you enjoy avariety of foods, your baby is
also exposed to those flavorstoo.
In fact, studies suggest thatthis early exposure can actually

(02:18):
influence your baby's tastepreferences even after birth.
So indulging in a diverse dietnow might actually make your
little one more open todifferent foods later on.
So that's something to thinkabout.
Alright, now let's talk aboutyou as your belly grows.
You might notice that yourcenter of gravity is shifting a

(02:42):
bit, which can sometimes lead toa bit of unsteadiness.
it's absolutely essential towear supportive footwear and to
take it slow to prevent anyslips or falls.
So here's the pro tip.
Engaging in gentle exerciseslike prenatal stretches can
actually enhance your balance,and it also helps to keep you

(03:05):
feeling grounded.
Plus, it's a great way toconnect to your changing body.
so definitely put it on yourhomework list for this week to
get in some prenatal.
Stretches now onto a topic thatoften raises questions, which is
Braxton Hicks contractions.

(03:26):
These are your body's way ofpracticing labor, often as
irregular, painless tighteningsof the uterus.
That's how we describe it.
Think of them as your body'srehearsal for the big day.
Unlike true labor contractions,Braxton Hicks are infrequent and

(03:47):
usually they subside withmovement or hydration.
However, if you notice thembecoming more regular or
painful, it's absolutely crucialto reach out to your healthcare
provider.
Okay, so let's pivot tonutrition.
Nutrition needs to remain key.

(04:09):
At this stage, right, you arelikely familiar with the
importance of folic acid andiron, but let's shine a light on
choline.
This nutrient is vital for yourbabies' brain development, and
it can be found in foods likeeggs, lean meats, and dairy
products, as well as spinach.
So with that, let me offer thispro tip for you.

(04:32):
I want you to consider blendinga smoothie.
Right, add some spinach to getthat choline we just talked
about as well as adding in ahandful of walnuts to get the
benefits of omega threes.
this is an absolute deliciousway to nourish both you and your

(04:53):
baby.
You're welcome.
All right, so as your bodychanges, comfort becomes.
Key.
So investing in a good maternitysupport belt can definitely help
to alleve some of that backdiscomfort by distributing your
belly's weight more evenly.
Simply wrap it around your lowerback and under your belly for

(05:15):
added support during dailyactivities, especially if you
find yourself.
On your feet a lot or on the goa lot.
Now, pregnancy is not just aphysical journey, but an
emotional one too.
So I want you to take a fewminutes each day to just be
mindful, of your body and all ofthe things that you're doing

(05:39):
right now, to grow this baby andfor your own personal growth,
Who you are becoming as a new.
Mommy, I want you to take a fewminutes to be mindful to do some
deep breathing.
This will help you to reducestress and enhance that
connection with your baby, whichdoesn't just start after the

(06:03):
baby is born, it actually beginsto start now.
so keep that in mind.
now, I thought this would be funas your pro tip for this,
section for us to kind of try ittogether.
How about you?
Close your eyes.
Okay, are they closed?
Now, I want you to take a deepbreath in through your nose,

(06:26):
hold it for a moment, and exhaleslowly through your mouth.
Repeat this a few times,allowing any tension to just
simply melt.
Away and just doing this once ortwice a day will really help you
to tap into your inner strength,right?

(06:47):
This simple breathing exercisewill dramatically help to reduce
your stress.
Trust me.
And again, you're welcome.
Okay, now let's look ahead.
It's a great time to startthinking about your birth plan
and discussing it with yourhealthcare provider.
Now is the time.

(07:08):
Understand your options andpreferences and understand that
these things can empower you Asyou approach your delivery now
your pro tip is simply toconsider bump to bundle
blueprint, which is astep-by-step guide to help you
prepare for your birth so thatyou could.
Be confident and empowered asyou prepare for your big day.

(07:32):
Every pregnancy is different,but there's one string that kind
of threads all of the differentmommies that I've helped to give
birth, together, right?
And that thread is simply this.
As a matter of fact, I want youto repeat after me.
I love my sweet baby, and I'mdoing an amazing job.

(07:55):
I believe that about you.
But more importantly.
I want you to believe that aboutyou.
All right.
If you found this video to behelpful, please give it a thumbs
up.
It helps other new moms to findthis very video, And if you
haven't already, be sure tosubscribe for next week's video

(08:16):
week 22.
Can you believe it?
We are chugging along and youdon't want to miss it, so be
sure to be subscribed.
Until next time, take care andcherish each moment of this
beautiful pregnancy journey.
I'll see you in the next video.
Happy birthing mama.