21 Weeks Pregnant – Baby Can Taste and Swallow Now

👶 Baby Development at 21 Weeks

21 Weeks Pregnant – Your little one is becoming more active and responsive to the outside world.

• 📏 Size of a pomegranate (~27 cm from head to toe)
• ⚖️ Weight: About 350–400 grams
• 👅 Baby starts swallowing amniotic fluid — helping digestion and taste sense
• 🧠 Taste buds are functioning, and baby can taste flavors from your food
• 🤰 Kicks may become stronger and more rhythmic
• 🦴 Bone marrow begins producing blood cells
• 👁️ Eyelids are still closed, but eyes are fully formed
• 👂 Ears are fully developed — your baby may respond to loud sounds or voices

This is the time when many moms start feeling a strong connection with their growing baby.

🤰 Symptoms at 21 Weeks Pregnant

While energy may still be good, your growing uterus can cause new symptoms.

Common Week 21 Symptoms:

• Stretch marks on belly, hips, or thighs
• Leg cramps, especially at night
• Backache from posture shifts
• Braxton Hicks contractions (mild, irregular tightening of uterus)
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Dry, itchy skin

🩴 Wear supportive shoes and take rest breaks to ease lower back pain.

Detailed Guide : 21 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms: Baby Kicks, Body Pains & Staying Energized

🥗 What to Eat at 21 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is swallowing and tasting, so now is the time to eat flavorful, nutritious Indian meals.

✅ Recommended Foods:

• Moong dal, rajma, chana – protein for baby’s tissue growth
• Spinach, amla, pomegranate juice – iron for blood cells
• Sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes – Vitamin A for eye development
• Curd, buttermilk, paneer – calcium for bones
• Nuts & seeds – brain development

🍲 Meal Idea: Khichdi with spinach, carrots, and ghee, served with curd and papaya.

❌ Avoid:

• Pickles in excess (high sodium)
• Too much spicy food (can cause acidity)
• Soda or sugary drinks

🧘‍♀️ Safe Exercises for 21 Weeks

Stay active to boost circulation and manage weight gain.

Ideal Weekly Routine:

• 🚶 Walk 30 mins daily (morning/evening)
• 🧘 Gentle yoga for hips, back, and breathing
• 🏋️ Light dumbbells or resistance bands (upper body)
• 🦶 Leg stretches to reduce cramps
• 💦 Stay hydrated before and after workouts

💡 Mental Tip: Journal your pregnancy thoughts – it’s a beautiful way to bond and stay mindful.

🧾 Week 21 Checklist

• Track baby movements after meals
• Start organizing maternity clothes and essentials
• Moisturize 2x daily to prevent itching/stretch marks
• Practice left-side sleeping
• Monitor weight and hydration
• Add fibre-rich food to prevent constipation

💬 Tip of the Week

“Your baby can taste what you eat — so enjoy flavorful, healthy meals. Introduce gentle Indian spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.”
— Dr. Rupa Mehta, Pregnancy Nutritionist

❓FAQ – 21 Weeks Pregnant

Q: Why do I feel tightening in my belly sometimes?
A: These could be Braxton Hicks contractions — harmless and normal unless painful or frequent.

Q: Can I take a short trip or travel now?
A: Yes, if your pregnancy is low-risk. Take breaks, wear a seatbelt properly, and stay hydrated.

Q: Is feeling the baby every day normal now?
A: Yes. Most moms feel movement at least a few times daily. It may increase after meals or when resting.

🔗 Internal Links

• 🔙 Back to Week 20 – You’re Halfway There!
• 👉 Next: Week 22 – Baby’s Brain Is Growing Rapidly!
• 📘 How Baby’s Senses Develop in the Womb – Full Guide