21 Weeks

Ladybug is moving around a lot now. Hopefully soon Maddie will be able to feel her moving; daddy says that he can feel her but it isn't strong just really light taps. My next doctor's appointment is April 27th. We going to labor and delivery for the next appointment because my doctor is going to be working L&D for three weeks and I only want to be seen by her. My appointment is at night which is cool because Paul doesn't have to get out of work. plus Maddie can go with us. Hopefully it's not to boring for her.


21 weeks: Baby is just over 7 1/2 inches from crown to rump and 10 inches from head to heel, about the length of a banana. Baby weighs just over 10 1/2 ounces. (she weighs more than that) There is now a slowdown in baby's growth from here but other organs are still developing. By this time the digestive system is able to swallow amniotic fluid; after swallowing, the fetus absorbs much of the water and the rest of the fluid is passed into the large bowel. Researchers believe swallowing amniotic fluid may help in growth and development of the digestive system; it also helps the digestive system to function after birth. Evidence indicates babies at full term may swallow large amounts of fluid as much as 17 oz or 500ml in a 24-hour period. Essential nutrients are passed to the baby from the amniotic fluid.