21 weeks pregnant no movement today

Your baby's movements - NHS

When you'll feel your baby move

You should start to feel your baby move between around 16 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. If this is your first baby, you might not feel movements until after 20 weeks.

If you have not felt your baby move by 24 weeks, tell your midwife. They'll check your baby's heartbeat and movements.

You should feel your baby move right up to and during labour.

Other people cannot feel your baby move as early as you can. When they can feel the movements, by putting a hand on your bump, is different for everyone.

What your baby's movements feel like

The movements can feel like a gentle swirling or fluttering. As your pregnancy progresses, you may feel kicks and jerky movements.

Urgent advice: Call your midwife or maternity unit immediately if:

your baby is moving less than usual
you cannot feel your baby moving anymore
there is a change to your baby's usual pattern of movements

They'll need to check your baby's movements and heartbeat.

Do not wait until the next day – call immediately, even if it's the middle of the night.

How often should your baby move?

There's no set number of movements you should feel each day – every baby is different.

You do not need to count the number of kicks or movements you feel each day.

The important thing is to get to know your baby's usual movements from day to day.

Important

Do not use a home doppler (heartbeat listening kit) to try to check the baby's heartbeat yourself. This is not a reliable way to check your baby's health. Even if you hear a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well.

Why your baby's movements are important

If your baby is not well, they will not be as active as usual. This means less movement can be a sign of infection or another problem.

The sooner this is found out the better, so you and your baby can be given the right treatment and care.

This could save your baby's life.

Can your baby move too much

It's not likely your baby can move too much. The important thing is to be aware of your baby's usual pattern of movements.

Any changes to this pattern of movements should be checked by a midwife or doctor.

Find out more

Tommy’s: baby movements in pregnancy
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: your baby’s movements in pregnancy
signs that labour may be starting

Page last reviewed: 12 October 2021
Next review due: 12 October 2024

'I can't feel my baby kick. Is something wrong?': A guide to monitoring foetal movements

Some women may only feel movement after 21 weeks.

"It felt a bit like a feather tickling me, but from the inside. At first, I wasn't sure it was baby, but a few days later there was another flutter, and then another, and another, and I just knew," Kuhle Mthembu, recalls of her son's first movements inside her belly at just 17 weeks.

He was right on schedule, according to Dr Deon van Zyl, an obstetrician/gynaecologist practising from Mediclinic Panorama in Cape Town: "Most women start feeling flutters – or 'butterflies' – from around 16 weeks."

Dr Van Zyl says it's not necessarily a cause for concern if you're beyond 16 weeks and you haven't felt movement yet, as "proper movements are only really felt from about 21 weeks." Like Leanne Farish, 31, who didn't feel any movement until she was 20 weeks.

'Those early movements were like a very gentle, single throb. Now, at 26 weeks, his movements are stronger and more noticeable – like being poked from the inside. I can also see the movement now." Deon adds that some women may only feel movement after 21 weeks:

"Sometimes, if the placenta lies anteriorly (on the front wall of the uterus, towards mommy's tummy) it can be even more difficult to feel movements, thus they could be experienced even later."

However, a lack of movement can indicate foetal distress or complications, so if you haven't felt any movement by around 22 weeks, it is advisable to go for a check-up.

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Why kicking counts

While pregnancy experts stress that women should not get too obsessed with noting every tiny movement, counting the kicks is an important way to monitor your baby in-between check-ups.

"Most women only see their gynaes or midwives every four weeks until about 32 weeks, and thereafter every two weeks, with only the last four weeks being weekly. That’s a lot of time that baby goes 'unmonitored'," notes Dr Van Zyl.

"If a pregnant woman pays attention to her foetal movements she can notice subtle changes, especially baby moving less than usual. This could be normal, but needs to be checked out as it could be a sign that baby is getting less blood – and thereby oxygen and nutrients – and could potentially require closer monitoring or additional testing."

While there's no ideal number of movements, Heather Pieterse of Pretoria-based Midwives Exclusive says it’s crucial to know your baby's typical movement patterns after the 25-week mark and to be aware of any irregularities.

"The usual rule is that babies should have more than four movements in an hour, but it depends on your baby’s regular rhythm and pattern of movement,' she explains.

"Some babies are and calmer while others are very busy." Aaniyah Omardien, 39, can attest to that. Her first two sons were not big kickers, but her third son (now in the third trimester) is turning out to be a real Lionel Messi: "This baby is kicking and my back is feeling it – I've even had to wear a lower back brace recently."

Dr Gqada on when to worry about postpartum discharge and infections

When to worry

It doesn't much matter if your baby is a gentle tickler or a soccer player, though, Heather says what's important is that "your baby should keep to her usual pattern of movement." If the baby's moving less than usual, always go check it out, urges Deon.

"If your doctor or midwife is not available, go to the labour ward at your hospital – they can also do a test (cardiotocograph) to look at a baby. " "More often than not, the baby is fine," he emphasises.

"Often, most (super) women are extremely busy during the day – running around at the office or after a busy toddler at home – and they just don’t notice the movements as much."

Lastly, Heather says it's important to know that in the weeks leading up to delivery (36 weeks and onwards) babies will often sleep longer and move differently, shuffling side to side rather than outright kicks and shoves. There's no need to panic; you must count those kicks.

Four ways to get baby moving

1. Drink something cold, or fizzy like soda water (avoid sugary and/or caffeinated drinks).

2. Eat chocolate! Babies move around more if moms eat a bit of sugar.

3. Get moving: a few minutes of exercise can jog baby into action.

4. Play music or have a chat.

Studies show babies in utero recognise music and are comforted by the sound of their mothers’ voices and may respond with movement.

"I can't ever feel my baby kick. What's wrong with me?"

Dr Deon van Zyl answers: "Some women simply struggle more than others. Some are extremely busy and only really notice movements when they relax and focus. Sometimes the placenta 'absorbs' a lot of the kicks, especially early on, and it may be very difficult to feel movements."

"Obesity can also make it more difficult to feel movements. Or you might just not be far enough along to feel regular movements yet. But if you haven't felt any movement from around 22 weeks, visit your doctor/healthcare provider as soon as possible for a check-up."

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21-24 weeks of pregnancy

21st week of pregnancy

Development of the baby

At 21 weeks the baby is about 25 cm tall and the fetus weighs 300-400 g. lack of subcutaneous fat, the body is still very thin, and the head seems unnaturally large. At this time, the formation of eyelashes and eyebrows takes place, the baby learns to blink, and his skin gradually acquires a flesh color, thickens, constrictions appear on it. nine0007

At the 21st week, the muscles and skeleton of the fetus are actively developing. The child constantly moves, carefully bends and unbends the limbs, due to its small size it can do somersaults, turns, change the position of its body several times a day, lie transversely in the uterus, turn up or down with its head.

At this stage, the baby hears well, not only distinguishes sharp sounds, but reacts to music, so the expectant mother can listen to classics or favorite songs, contribute to the development of the child. The development of the digestive system continues, taste buds are formed. The fetus is able to distinguish the taste of amniotic fluid. nine0007

Pregnant woman

Pregnant woman at 21 weeks feels normal. The expectant mother clearly feels the movements of the fetus; very often, the periods of sleep and activity of the child and the woman do not coincide, so pregnant women do not get enough sleep during this period, they wake up at night due to the intensive movements of the baby. Painful sensations at this time are quite rare, since the child does not have sufficient physical strength, and his movements do not differ in intensity.

A pregnant woman may put on weight as the baby grows, its muscle and fat mass increases. Expectant mothers eat with pleasure. Their appetite increases significantly, morning sickness and general malaise disappear. nine0007

At this time, the baby's skeleton is formed, for the development of which calcium is needed. Pregnant women should monitor their health, take calcium supplements as prescribed by a doctor, since if it is lacking, problems with teeth are possible. Calcium is washed out of the tissues, the teeth begin to hurt and crumble. It is important not only to consume vitamins, but also to carefully balance the diet, add calcium-rich cottage cheese, sour cream and other dairy products to the daily menu. The consumption of fish, cereals and legumes, vegetables will help to fill the calcium deficiency. nine0007

22nd week of pregnancy

Development of the child

The body length of the fetus reaches 28-30 cm and its weight is approximately 500 g. The child more and more resembles a newborn, his head no longer looks so big, the length of the limbs increases. The kid no longer keeps his legs constantly bent, he periodically straightens them. Intensively increases the volume and mass of the child's brain. nine0007

The baby is in constant motion, he can move his fingers and toes, move his head to the right and left. The child knows how to suck his thumb, he tilts his head forward and accurately puts his finger in his mouth. Such actions indicate an increase in sensitivity and development of the vestibular apparatus, improved coordination; the child already feels the position of his own body in space.

The baby's brain at this time contains a complete set of neurons, the number of which does not change throughout a person's life. With age, only the re-formation of connections between cells and the improvement of the work of the human brain takes place. nine0007

Pregnant woman

At 22 weeks, the uterus of a pregnant woman is located 2 cm above the navel. The abdomen is not yet very large, but the internal organs are already beginning to shrink due to the accelerated growth of the uterus. A woman may experience some discomfort, pain between the lower ribs. In order not to suffer from pain, you must constantly monitor your posture, choose a comfortable chair with a solid back for work. Special exercises, periodic changes in body position, turns and inclinations will help to solve the problem. It is necessary to avoid sedentary work, take short breaks and fully relax. nine0007

The bottom of the uterus can press on the stomach, so a common problem at this time is a feeling of heaviness after eating and heartburn. The position of the stomach in pregnant women changes to a more horizontal one, the muscle relaxes, which closes the transition from the esophagus to the stomach, as a result of which the contents of the stomach fall back into the esophagus, irritate it, the woman feels a burning sensation and an unpleasant aftertaste. The reason for such changes is not only the pressure of the uterus on the stomach, but also a change in the hormonal background of a woman, an increase in the content of progesterone in the body. To get rid of heartburn, you need to chew food thoroughly, eat often, but in small portions. Do not eat before going to bed, as the food will not have time to be digested. If the symptoms worsen, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications and help the expectant mother balance her diet. nine0007

23rd week of pregnancy

Child development

The 23rd week is an intensive formation of the respiratory system. The fetus begins to gradually make respiratory movements. If earlier the respiratory movements were periodic, now their duration can reach up to 40 minutes. In a minute, the child takes up to 50-60 breaths. The development of the respiratory system does not stop at this time, a kind of breathing exercises continue until childbirth, the baby improves skills and prepares to breathe air. nine0007

When breathing in the womb, the baby swallows a small amount of amniotic fluid and then pushes it out. In this case, the epithelium is washed. When amniotic fluid is swallowed, part of it is absorbed by the blood vessels, and the original feces, that is, meconium, are formed from the remnants.

If the baby is very active and swallows water very intensively, diaphragm irritation and contractions, also called "fetal hiccups", may occur. These rhythmic movements are not abnormal; such hiccups pass in a few minutes, does not pose a threat to the expectant mother and child. If the contractions do not stop within a few hours, you should go to the hospital, as a more serious problem, including hypoxia, can be the cause of hiccups. nine0007

The 23rd week is an important stage in the intrauterine development of a person. It is at this time that the formation and improvement of the main components of the circulatory and immune systems, including the liver, lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow, continue. At this time, the thymus gland (or thymus) develops, which plays an important role in the functioning of the human endocrine system. It is in the thymus that lymphocytes mature. After a kind of "training" in the thymus, the cells enter the bloodstream and can resist infection, neutralize foreign cells in the body. nine0007

During pregnancy, the fetal immune system goes through several stages of formation and cannot provide full protection against diseases. The baby is protected by maternal antibodies, while its own immune system learns to recognize potential threats, remember bacteria and viruses, and defend itself against their harmful effects.

Pregnant woman

At 23 weeks' gestation, the uterus rises even higher and is located at a height of 4 cm from the woman's navel. The volume of the uterus increases significantly not only due to the growth of the child, but also due to an increase in the mass and volume of amniotic fluid and the placenta. At this time, the weight gain of a pregnant woman of 5-7 kg is optimal. The expectant mother should carefully monitor the daily diet, do not overeat, since excessive weight gain can pose a threat not only to her health, but also to the baby. nine0007

Intensive growth of the uterus causes a shift in the center of gravity. A woman becomes awkward, may feel discomfort in the joints and pain in the spine while walking or sitting for a long time. At this time, the doctor may recommend that a pregnant woman wear special supportive underwear made from natural materials or a bandage.

24th week of pregnancy

Child development

At 24 weeks of gestation, the baby continues to grow rapidly, it weighs already 600 g, and its height is approximately 33 cm. The fetus occupies the entire uterine cavity, so its movements become less impulsive, but more distinct; sharp movements are replaced by smaller ones. The baby can still radically change the position of his body, but prefers to sort out the umbilical cord, play with it, bend and unbend the arms and legs. The amount of muscle mass, namely the muscle fibers of the child, increases sharply. At this time, this indicator reaches its maximum. At later stages of pregnancy, the muscle mass of the fetus increases due to an increase in the volume of each muscle fiber. nine0007

This week the child's senses are being improved. He knows how to distinguish tastes, hears perfectly and orients himself in space, the baby's skin has a high sensitivity. The fetal brain continues to develop, connections with the senses are formed, so the child's behavior is characterized by a high degree of complexity. Studies have shown that the child reacts to external stimuli: if a bright light hits his mother's stomach, he turns his head away, closes his eyes or covers his face with his hands. A woman should be calm and peaceful, because her fear, excitement is transmitted to the child, he begins to move intensively or freezes abruptly. The baby may react to harsh sounds, noise, or other stimuli. nine0007

Pregnant woman

The weight of the pregnant woman continues to increase, the increase this week is about 500 g. The belly grows, the uterus not only increases in size, but also stretches. A woman may notice pain in the abdomen, but they do not differ in intensity and do not last long.

Rapid weight gain can cause edema. The growing uterus compresses large veins, which, in turn, significantly complicates the outflow of lymph; a woman's ankles and feet, hands swell, in the evening the problem worsens. A pregnant woman should fully rest, lie more, while raising her legs with a roller or placing an additional pillow in order to improve the outflow of venous blood and eliminate the risk of varicose veins. It is important to purchase comfortable shoes, abandon the "boats" on the stiletto heels and provide the feet with the necessary comfort. Wearing compression tights and stockings will help to significantly reduce the risk of developing varicose veins and the appearance of edema. When choosing the degree of compression and models, it is necessary to take into account the opinion of a phlebologist or gynecologist. nine0007

21st week of pregnancy: sensations, signs, fetal development

Pregnancy

Article

2. 9/5 194 reviews

21 weeks of pregnancy is a long-awaited time for mothers. The sixth month has gone and the baby is gaining weight and increasing in size. This is a wonderful stage that brings us closer to the appearance of a small crumb and is accompanied by joyful manifestations. nine0007

4 min. for reading Feb. 17, 2022

In order for mothers to be calm and balanced, they need to know what their fetus is going through during this period and what to expect from their body.

How does the baby feel at 21 weeks pregnant?

The pregnancy calendar indicates that at this time all the indicators of the child are very different from those that were observed a few weeks ago. The fetus has grown, and its body has become stronger. His movements became clear and purposeful. Now mom will not miss his next push, which is felt more and more every week. The baby is more comfortable than ever - there is enough space in the uterus and he can move freely. At the 21st week of pregnancy, it often happens that the biorhythm of mother and baby does not match, and he begins to actively behave in the evening, preventing the parent from sleeping. In this trimester, he already hears sounds well, so calm him down by telling a story or singing a lullaby. Light strokes on the stomach also help. nine0007

The activity of the child now is the opportunity to assess his condition and the comfort of being in the uterus. If the movements are frequent or very few, this may indicate a lack of oxygen. At 21 weeks, the norm is when the fetus performs 200 movements in 24 hours. However, most of them cannot be felt. During the day, mom manages to catch about 15 movements. The lack of oxygen is easily eliminated with frequent air walks, light exercise for moms and breathing exercises. nine0007

The size of the child has already changed. In length at this time, it reaches - 26. 7 centimeters, while its weight is up to 360 grams. But this is not the limit. Its size will still increase, because the internal organs are still being improved. First of all, this is the digestive system - it is preparing for full-fledged, independent work. The baby swallows amniotic fluid all the time so that they pass through the intestines. Thus, they are excreted through the rectum. It already has enzymes and hydrochloric acid in the digestive system in small amounts. The taste of the baby's first foods depends on what the mother eats, what drinks she drinks and whether she has bad habits. Therefore, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat healthy food. nine0007

How does the expectant mother feel at 21 weeks pregnant?

A woman's feelings during this period change - she constantly wants to eat, as the fetus becomes overgrown with fat and needs additional calories. Eat in moderation, but so as not to overeat and not feel hungry. Pregnancy at 21 weeks requires weight control, by this time you can recover by 4. 5 - 6.5 kilograms.

Don't be surprised if you develop unusual food cravings and start liking strange food combinations - this is normal during this period. Now you can not raise your hands above your head, and if this still happened, do not keep them in this position for a long time. The body is already preparing for childbirth, so colostrum can be released at this time. If this happens - do not press, keep hygiene and wipe the chest. Also watch for vaginal discharge - thrush may aggravate. If you find any problems in yourself, contact your doctor immediately. nine0007

Ultrasound at 21 weeks of gestation

The development of the baby occurs in each week of the "interesting position". And if everything goes in positive dynamics for you, then at week 21 the doctor usually prescribes a second planned ultrasound of all trimesters. During the ultrasound examination, the doctor will tell you about the following points:

whether the fetus develops normally;
are there any threats;
confirm or for the first time tell the sex of the baby;
how active and strong the baby is. nine0104

Ultrasound at 21 weeks is a necessary procedure that will help assess the condition of the baby and its level of development. In addition, this is a good opportunity to exclude the presence of pathologies. During the examination, the doctor will carefully examine the baby's organs and compare their sizes with the dimensions of the fetus. Based on these data, conclusions are drawn about the nature of the course of pregnancy.

Nutrition tips for expectant mothers at 21 weeks of pregnancy

Remember that now the baby begins to recognize the taste of food, so it is worth eating only wholesome and healthy foods, as well as leading a healthy lifestyle. In addition, some foods may be harmful to his small body. It is important to consider the following: