21 weeks 
pregnant

Pregnancy symptoms during week 21

Varicose veins

You're more prone to varicose veins now. As your pregnancy progresses, the weight of your uterus puts increasing pressure on the veins in your legs. Higher progesterone levels, which may cause the walls of your veins to relax, can make the problem worse. Minimize varicose veins by exercising daily, gaining your recommended amount of pregnancy weight, elevating your feet to heart level or higher, avoiding crossing your legs or ankles while sitting, and not standing or sitting for long periods of time without moving. Wearing compression socks can also help by increasing the blood flow from your legs.

Bleeding gums

About half of expecting moms get pregnancy gingivitis – inflamed gums that bleed when brushed or flossed. It's not likely to harm your baby or otherwise affect your pregnancy unless you have severe gum disease, which has been linked to some complications. Make sure to practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing daily. It's safe to go to the dentist during pregnancy – in fact, it's especially important to have regular dental checkups, cleanings, and any necessary treatments.

Clumsiness

Starting to feel a bit off balance or clumsy? As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes, so you may begin to occasionally feel a little unsteady on your feet. Try to avoid situations with a high risk of falling; trauma to your abdomen could be dangerous for you and your baby. Slow down, avoid risky tasks (like climbing a ladder to change a lightbulb), wear low-heeled shoes, and walk extra carefully on uneven, wet, or icy surfaces.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks are "practice" uterine contractions that are mostly infrequent, irregular, and painless. They start early in pregnancy, but you probably won't start feeling them until around 21 weeks. (Some women never notice them, and that's okay, too.). It's most common to have Braxton Hicks contractions at the end of the day, when you're dehydrated or have a full bladder, or during or after physical activities including sex. Braxton Hicks are harmless, but they can be difficult to distinguish from preterm labor. If you're having regular contractions, or any signs of preterm labor, call your doctor or midwife right away.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning sensation that often extends from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat. It's common during pregnancy because of hormonal and physical changes. Many women experience heartburn for the first time while pregnant, and although it's generally harmless, it can be quite uncomfortable. To get relief, check out these ways to prevent and minimize heartburn during pregnancy.

Weight gain

At this point in pregnancy, you may be gaining about a pound a week. To learn what a healthy weight gain is for you during pregnancy, talk to your doctor or midwife and use our Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator. Keep in mind that guidelines aren't set in stone. Your target weight gain will be different depending on your health needs. And if you're overweight, obese, or underweight, it's especially important to have a customized approach to your pregnancy weight gain.

Don't see your symptom?

Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page.