2nd trimester: Week 21

Your Baby

Your baby now measures about seven inches from head to rump and weighs about 10 1/2 ounces. Now that his digestive system is fairly sophisticated, your little one can swallow amniotic fluid, which makes for a surprisingly nutritious drink that helps fatten him up. The act of swallowing also preps his digestive system for the hard work it will do once he's born. He can taste what he ingests, thanks to taste buds that have developed on his tongue. Nerve cells are working overtime to make connections, and development continues its brisk pace for the five senses.

Your Body

Your uterus continues to rise, taking its place about a half inch above the belly button this week. You're probably feeling pretty good, at least compared to the turbulent first trimester. The nausea has gone away, the bathroom breaks are less frequent, and you're probably feeling more energetic than you have in a long while.

Your Pregnancy Body:

Do's and Don'ts

Do bring a CD or MP3 player the next time you have to give blood (the glucose screening test is coming up). When it's your turn, put on the headphones and enjoy the music as you imagine yourself lazing on a beach under a warm sun. Calming tunes work best, or relaxing sounds such as ocean waves lapping or birds chirping.

Health

Still feeling queasy well into the second trimester? Talk to your health practitioner about increasing your intake of vitamin B6, to help ease nausea, or ask about a new prenatal vitamin called PremesisRx that has a greater amount of vitamin B6 combined with folic acid and calcium carbonate. (It doesn't include iron, which can upset the stomach, but your doctor can advise you on food sources that will supply iron.)