Week by Week Pregnancy, Weeks 21-24

During weeks 21 to 24, you are officially half way through your pregnancy! Your baby will grow to about 12 inches in length and 1 to 1-1/2 pounds in weight, increasing in size from a banana to that of a cantaloupe!

During these weeks, your baby's respiratory system is developing lung tissue & specialized cells, that secrete the substance needed for your baby to breathe on his or her own. Your baby can open & close its eyelids and has fingernails and toenails, too!

Most women begin to experience greater energy during this stage of pregnancy and find that it is a great time to start planning the baby's nursery!

While you may be feeling better overall, you may begin to notice fluid leaking from your breasts, have troubles sleeping, and develop leg cramps & stretch marks. Talk with your pregnancy doctor about these concerns as helpful solutions are often available.

Written by: Shelley Scheibel RN, BSN

References/Articles/Videos of Interest:

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/pregnancy-weeks-21-22-23-24.aspx
https://www.kpwomenshealth.org/maternity_care_20-24weeks.asp
http://www.countdownmypregnancy.com/pregnancy/week-24.php
http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/24-weeks-pregnant.aspx