I am happy to report I am feeling lots of baby movement in my belly! I have been feeling it for a few weeks now, but it's been very faint. Now I am getting some real tapping, kicking OR punching (she has those huge hands you know). I feel her mostly after I eat something sweet or at night when I lay in bed. There's nothing like it! I could never have imagined what it was like. I am so happy I get to feel her rocking and rolling now!
Your pregnancy: 21 weeks
How your baby's growing:
Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.
How your life's changing:
You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual discomforts associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. If you're feeling good, relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester may bring with it a new crop of complaints.
That's not to say you won't have some minor glitches to deal with now. For example, increased oil production may contribute to the development (or worsening) of acne. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap or cleanser twice a day, and make sure that any moisturizer or make-up you use is oil-free. Don't take any oral acne medications — some are very hazardous during pregnancy — or use any topical acne products without first checking with your practitioner.
You're also more prone to varicose veins now. As your pregnancy progresses, there's increasing pressure on the veins in your legs; higher progesterone levels, which may cause the walls of your veins to relax, can make the problem worse. You're more likely to get varicose veins if other family members have them. Also, they tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and as you age. To help prevent or minimize varicose veins, exercise daily, prop up your feet and legs whenever possible, sleep on your left side, and wear maternity support hose.
You may also notice so-called spider veins (a group of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin), particularly on your ankles, legs, or face. They may have a spider- or sunburst-like pattern with little branches radiating out from the center, they may look like the branches of a tree, or they may be a group of separate thin lines with no particular pattern. Though they may be a bit unsightly, spider veins don't cause discomfort and usually disappear after delivery.
I can say I am defnitely feeling comfortable these days. My "bump" isn't too big yet. I can still function. I need to take advantage of that while I can. I hear the last month or so is very uncomfortable and it's not as easy to move around. I have plenty of stuff I need to get done before that happens!
At this point (dare I say it?) I am wondering how big my belly will actually get. I feel so small for 21 weeks. I really feel that from here on out I the baby will start growing like crazy, which will mean my belly will grow right along with her... and my butt I am sure.
Also, can I just say that I hope my belly button STAYS an "innie"? LOL and the stretch marks stay away! Is that to much to ask?
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