21 WEEKS PREGNANT
Eyebrows and eyelids are fully formed
Baby this week: about 26.7 cm — head to heel · about 360 g
≈ 26.7 cm — about the size of a carrot
Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size
Your baby this week
- Eyebrows and eyelids are now fully formed, though the eyes stay closed
- The digestive system is maturing enough to absorb some sugar from swallowed amniotic fluid
- Movement patterns are becoming more noticeable and may follow a rhythm
- Bone marrow is now producing blood cells, taking over from the liver and spleen
Your body this week
- Increased appetite is common as the body works harder to support growth
- Varicose veins or swollen ankles can start appearing as circulation changes
This week's tip: Elevating your feet when sitting and avoiding long periods of standing can help with leg swelling.
Want the bigger picture — organ development, nutrition, scans and warning signs for this stage? See month 5: The month of first kicks.
Sizes and milestones are typical ranges — every pregnancy runs on its own clock. Educational content; your prenatal care team's guidance always comes first.