Your baby, your body, your partner and the prenatal visit, plus tips for the 21st week of pregnancy.

Your baby

Week 21 marks a slight slowing of the growth process. The fetus continues to grow, but more attention is paid to internal organs and development than weight gain. Length does not slow as rapidly, so the fetus may take on an extremely thin façade for a while. Male fetuses begin to drop the testes during week 21. The testes will move from inside the body into the scrotal sac. Heart growth and strength is the major focus.

Pregnant women with multiples may have some concerns about fetal battles in utero. Twin or triplet fetuses will kick and punch each other on a regular basis. The babies are separated by a thick, elastic wall that prevents harm. The walls of the amniotic sac are extremely strong, so neither baby will kick through to break the bag of waters in battle.

Your body

The uterus continues to grow ... up. It has likely reached a ½ inch above the navel. Pregnancy weight gain may be about 10 to 15 pounds by this point in gestation and will continue to increase gradually. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet means mom does not have to count calories as strictly as she normally would. The body needs extra calories for the baby, but also for personal growth and changes that continue to occur throughout the 40 weeks.

Multiples tend to cause more swelling than singlets. Resting often and propping up the feet is crucial to making it through the next 17 weeks with two or more fetuses growing.

At the prenatal visit

There are no routine medical tests or appointments required during the 21st week. Most often, all testing (for now) is done so the pregnant couple can live life and enjoy the growing fetus. If you are pregnant with multiples may be placed on bed rest soon due to pressure on the uterus. You may start labor early due to the increased weight of carrying more than one baby.

Your partner

Expectant moms are feeling a bit better now and are not feeling sick from so many foods and scent aversions anymore. You may consider taking a trip together as a couple, which is allowed during pregnancy. You just must be sure to confirm it with your doctor beforehand. Long trips or flights where there is extended sitting can increase the risk of blood clots in the legs. The doctor may have some advice on how to prevent these clots from occurring. Multiple pregnancies are far riskier than singlet pregnancies so travel restrictions may start soon.

Tips for this week

Eat well, drink well, and live well. This is the brightest and most comfortable time during pregnancy so expectant women need to take advantage of these next few weeks of comfort.