How Far Along Is Duchess Meghan This Week? What Usually Happens At This Point In Pregnancy

Lifestyle & Health

December 5, 2018 13:41 By Fabiosa

Time flies! It seems like it was only yesterday that the news about Meghan Markle’s pregnancy broke, and now, the Duchess’ belly looks unmistakably pregnant. How many weeks pregnant is she?

Parenting website Parents.com estimates that Duchess Meghan is about 21 weeks pregnant. What changes happen in the mom’s body and the baby’s body at this point in the pregnancy? Read on to find out!

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What happens in the mom’s body

Not much is different during week 21 than it was the previous week. However, women may start to notice some new symptoms at this point. These include the following, according to HealthLine:

1. Varicose veins. The problem often resolves itself soon after delivery.

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2. Urinary tract infections, with symptoms such as burning and pain, frequent and urgent urination, and changes in color and smell of urine. If you have symptoms that suggest a UTI, contact your doctor.

3. Acne and increasingly oily skin.

Not all women have these symptoms during week 21 or at any point in pregnancy, but they are quite common.

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READ ALSO: Meghan Markle Is Pregnant At Age 37! Why Having A Baby Later In Life Is Actually Good Both For The Mom And The Child?

What happens in the baby’s body

During week 21, the baby is still tiny! He or she weighs 11 to 12 ounces and is about the size of a carrot or a banana.

A lot of changes continue to happen in the baby’s body. These include the following, according to Medical News Today:

  1. The baby’s brain is developing rapidly.
  2. The baby’s bones harden; his (or her) bone marrow now produces blood cells.
  3. The baby continues to grow eyelashes, eyebrows, and soft hair covering the body.
  4. The baby’s genitals continue to develop.
  5. The baby’s arms and legs are becoming more proportionate to the body.
  6. The baby is starting to move more.
  7. The baby is developing taste buds.
  8. The baby is starting to swallow amniotic fluid.

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What the mom should do

Week 21 is a good week for genetic tests, if any are needed. Genetic tests can help diagnose or rule out an abnormality. Ask your doctor if any such tests are recommended for you.

Another test that may be recommended for some women is a test for gestational diabetes.

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Needless to say, pregnant women should avoid alcohol, illicit drugs, and tobacco (including secondhand smoke). They should continue with a healthy diet (and, contrary to popular belief, they don’t need to double their food intake). Certain foods, including unpasteurized cheeses and undercooked meat and fish, should be avoided altogether.

Pregnant women should consult their doctors about any medicines or supplements (including prenatal vitamins) they plan to start taking.

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It’s okay to exercise throughout the pregnancy, but it’s important to ask your doctor which specific types of exercise are safe for you.

Follow your doctor’s advice to have a healthy and happy pregnancy!

READ ALSO: Is It OK To Have Your First Baby After Age 35? What Are The Most Common Risks And How To Reduce Them

This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.