Week 21 of Pregnancy

Hiccups, Name Tests & What Your Body's Really Up To

So here we are—week 21. That's five whole months of growing, stretching, second-guessing, name-testing, and deep breathing through it all. The fog of the first trimester might be behind you, but this middle stretch? It's got its own vibe. You're far enough along that people are officially asking when you're due (and not just awkwardly guessing if you're bloated), but not so close that you're prepping hospital bags just yet.

You're hanging in this in-between—where excitement meets exhaustion and your belly's suddenly starring in every mirror selfie. Here's what they don't always tell you: Week 21 can feel both incredible and confusing. Your baby is becoming more real by the second—developing distinct sleep patterns, growing cute little brows, and even practicing swallowing.

You might feel more like yourself again, energy-wise, but your body is also shifting in new ways. Things ache. Ankles swell. Your hormones may be leveling out, but your emotions? Still a whole rollercoaster. And it's all normal, mama. That's the wild, beautiful truth of this stage—you're creating life, but you're also becoming someone new in the process. Let's get into it.

👶What's Going on With Baby?

Your little love is about the size of a large carrot or a banana, if you're hungry—around 7 inches long and up to 13 ounces. But this isn't just about length and weight. Week 21 is a milestone week of fine-tuning, where things start to feel a lot more baby and a lot less blob-on-an-ultrasound.

🌀Baby's First Hiccups?

If you feel little repetitive taps or gentle thumps, especially when you're resting, those are likely baby hiccups! It's one of the cutest (and weirdest) pregnancy sensations. Some babies hiccup daily, others hardly ever. Either way, it's nothing to worry about—it just means baby's diaphragm is doing its thing.

👯‍♀️Expecting Multiples?

Welcome to the ultimate womb party. Your babies are likely kicking each other already—don't panic, it's normal. The membranes separating them are stretchy and protective, like nature's version of a padded wall. It's chaotic but safe in there.

💪What's Happening With Your Body?

Now, let's check in with you. Week 21 might come with a little more energy, but it also shows up with some real body stuff—like swelling, cramps, varicose veins, and the creeping suspicion that your belly button might pop out at any moment. (Spoiler: it might.)

Here's the rundown:

• Hormones are leveling out, so you may feel more emotionally stable than you did in the first trimester. But that doesn't mean you won't cry over that one episode of "Queer Eye." (You will.)
• Weight gain is expected—10 to 15 lbs is average by now, though every body is different.
• Your legs may hurt—thanks to increased blood volume, circulation changes, and your growing uterus putting pressure on veins. Cue: cramps, heaviness, even varicose veins.

💡Health Check: Mental, Physical & Emotional

You might be looking at the scale like, Wait, what? But let me say it louder for the overwhelmed mamas in the back: You are growing a human. That takes calories, fluids, fat stores, patience, and a whole lot of grace.

• Eat well-ish: No one's saying kale only. But try to keep things balanced and hydrating.
• Stay active, gently: Walks, stretches, maybe some prenatal yoga. Always check with your doc first.
• Hydrate or migrate: Water fights bloat, supports amniotic fluid levels, and can reduce headaches.
• Rest like it's your job: If your body says sit down, sit. If your brain says nap, girl, nap. Listen—resting is not lazy. It's recovery. You're training for the most intense physical event of your life.

📝Baby Name Brainstorm? Let's Go.

Okay, now for the fun (and sometimes dramatic) part: names. You may already have a favorite, or you and your partner might still be locked in the Great Battle of Avery vs. Atlas.

Jada's Realest Advice: Don't tell everyone your baby name. People will project their entire life baggage onto it. "Oh, you like Matilda? I knew a Matilda who kicked puppies in college." 🙄 But once you present your beautiful baby with the name, people shut up real quick. So test the name privately—and keep that little secret safe if you want to avoid the peanut gallery.

✅This Week's To-Dos

• Test-drive your top baby names. Shout them, write them, order lattes with them.
• Set up or update your registry. Even if you're not ready to share, it's good to start organizing.
• Book your glucose screening (usually between weeks 24–28). Ask your provider what to expect.
• Stretch & elevate daily. Your legs will thank you.
• Find a moment to celebrate. Even if it's 5 minutes with a mocktail on the couch. You're halfway through. That's huge.

💬Final Word: You're Not Behind, You're Becoming

Week 21 isn't about checking boxes or doing pregnancy "perfectly." It's about tuning into your body, connecting with the tiny human growing inside you, and giving yourself credit for making it this far. You're not just building a baby. You're becoming a whole new version of yourself—stronger, wiser, softer, louder.

I wasn't ready for how weird, emotional, and hilarious pregnancy could be. I didn't expect the hiccup kicks or the foot cramps or the random tears over cereal commercials. But I am ready to say: You're doing great. We got this.