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11/15/2008 - by Anne Marie Nielson
  
Pregnancy Week 21

You're Pregnant! Week 21

You may be noticing a vaginal discharge at this point in your pregnancy. Some white discharge is normal for pregnancy. As long as it doesn't smell foul, cause itching or see a red irritation on your genitals, it is probably just the normal leucorrhea. An increase in estrogen and blood flow to the region can cause this discharge. It is whitish in color, and may look a little mucousy. On the other hand, if you notice itching and red, irritated labia you may be dealing with a yeast infection. If the discharge is yellow or green and there is a bad smell to the discharge, it may be a sign of a more serious infection. See your care provider for treatment.

There are things you can do to help avoid a yeast infection. They include always wiping from front to back when you go to the bathroom; wearing cotton panties for a good air flow in the area; panty liners can help absorb excess discharge; and loose-fitting clothing also help with air flow for a healthy genital area. Other things that may encourage a yeast infection are douches and scented wipes and sprays. Besides, our skin in that area is especially good at absorbing chemicals from products that are applied there. Fewer chemicals in the body are a good thing, especially in pregnancy!

Blood mixed with a vaginal discharge should be reported immediately to your care giver. This may be a sign of labor, or that your placenta is located over your cervix (placenta previa). If you notice a discharge that is thin and clear, notify your care giver. This could mean your water has broken.

YOUR BABY

Your baby is moving all over now, and you are very aware of it! It is easy to hear the baby's heartbeat now. The baby has rapid eye movements now as he or she begins to dream. The baby is about eight inches from crown to rump, and 11.5 inches from head to toes. Your little one finally weighs about a pound.

YOUR BODY

Your belly keeps expanding. You're probably definitely in maternity clothes by now, and your back is probably giving you cause to complain. The weight of the growing uterus, packed full of a baby, placenta and fluid, is pulling on the small of your back. Ice packs may help relieve aching muscles. Prenatal massage can make you feel great, too. Some women have good luck with chiropractic care or acupuncture to relieve the strain.

If you feel a sharp, severe pain or cramp in your lower back or hip, it could be sciatica. It can also cause a numb or tingling sensation in those areas. Stretching out your hip can help. If stretching doesn't relieve the pain, you may want to talk to your care giver or chiropractor. They may be able to do something for your discomfort or give you exercises to that may help. Never be afraid that what you may be feeling is too trivial to talk about with your care giver. They are there to help.

At From Pregnancy To Baby, we try to provide you with all of the latest information about going through your pregnancy from your first trimester to the first years of your new babies life. We also provide the highest quality books and products to help you through that time.

Source: http://www.frompregnancytobaby.com/pregnancy-week-21.html