21 weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips

BABY DEVELOPMENT
Though he doesn’t need to make use of them in his current home –your baby’s senses of taste and smell continue developing this week. They are stimulated ever so slightly by your amniotic fluid. It carries the aromatic molecules from the food you eat and the smell of your environment to him! Thus, at birth, your baby will already be attracted to the smell of your skin, your milk, sweet taste (because the amniotic fluid is slightly sweet), and may even be familiar later on with foods you consumed regularly in late pregnancy. Soon, his brain will be mature enough for him to memorize these sensory experiences. At 21 weeks pregnant, your eating habits, if you like Mediterranean food with lots of garlic for example, can already be introduced to your baby, in utero.

YOUR BODY
At 21 weeks pregnant, your baby floats in plenty of amniotic fluid, which is replenished often. You may now understand why drinking plenty of water is important. Your respiration pattern changes too. Your breathing becomes more frequent and at times, you may seem out of breath. This may be due to the gain in weight but also it is a space issue, as your baby grows, your organs have less and less room. If you have any concerns about your breathing, be sure to consult with your health care provider.

NUTRITION
In addition to protein, folic acid, zinc, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), iodine, and vitamin A that have already been mentioned, one important nutrient – especially for women that are pregnant and following a vegan diet - is Vitamin B12. Since vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, and cheese, it takes a bit more attention for vegans to meet their dietary recommendation. And, as vitamin B12 is needed for the production of red blood cells and helps the nervous system, it is especially important during pregnancy. Vegans can find it in Vitamin B12-fortified foods, such as some breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast, so it is best to check the food package. Be sure to inform your health care provider if you are following a vegan diet, because she may have additional suggestions.

TIPS
Indigestion has been getting you down lately? An unpleasant and quite common side effect of pregnancy, hormonal changes make the upper stomach opening slacker. This makes it easier than usual for stomach acid to get into the esophagus, and that causes the uncomfortable feeling you’ve been experiencing. The larger the child, the more it presses on the stomach and increases this effect!

A change in eating habits can often be helpful: try five small meals a day instead of three large ones. Make sure you chew thoroughly. Another trick if you suffer from indigestion at night is to prop up your head. Then the acid cannot rise up so easily.