Your pregnancy by week: Weeks 21-25

21 week

Baby: Your child regularly gains fat to keep warm. The growth rate slows down, but his organs are still maturing. Your baby's sebaceous glands form a waxy film called primordial lubricant that coats the skin, keeping it supple in the amniotic fluid. The rudiments of permanent teeth begin to form.

Mom-to-be: You're starting to show yourself! Your uterus begins to expand above your belly button. You have probably gained between 4.5 and 6.5 kg by now.

Tip of the week: If you're interested in prenatal classes, this is the time to start looking.

22 week

Baby: Your baby's muscles are getting stronger every week, eyelids and eyebrows are developing. Your baby moves a lot and reacts to sound, rhythm and melody. If you sing and talk to your baby now, these sounds may soothe your newborn later.

Mom-to-be: your uterus continues to grow and you are probably doing well; no more morning sickness. However, you may still experience cramps in your legs and feet, as well as mild swelling in your ankles and feet.

Tip of the week: To curb cramps, eat more calcium and potassium. Drink a glass of milk before bed, or snack on potassium-rich foods like grapefruit, oranges, and bananas. If you have leg cramps, try curling your toes towards your face and keeping your leg straight.

23 week

Baby: Your baby's skin is still wrinkled because your baby still needs to gain weight. Fine hairs called lanugo sometimes become darker on the body.

Mom-to-be: you probably gained 5.5-7 kg. During pregnancy, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge, usually clear or yellowish, with a slight odor. If the color or smell has changed significantly, see your doctor to see if you have an infection. Do you have small back pain? It is helpful to lie down, massage, and apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to the area.

Tip of the week: When your skin stretches, it can become dry and itchy. Moisturizing the skin with lotions or creams may help.

24 week

Baby: Your baby begins to produce white blood cells that help fight disease and infection and may respond to your touch or sounds. If you haven't experienced baby hiccups yet, you can now.

Mom-to-be: Expect to gain about 500 grams a week this month. Your healthcare provider may test you for gestational diabetes between this week and the 28th week of pregnancy.

Tip of the week: Your partner could hear the baby's heartbeat by placing one ear against your stomach.

25 week

Baby: Your child's skin now becomes opaque instead of transparent. The baby's body is still covered with folds, as it needs to develop in its skin. The heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope or, depending on the position of the baby, when other people put their ear to your stomach.

Mom-to-be: in addition to the fact that your uterus grows up, it can grow on the sides of your stomach. You may have hemorrhoids caused by increased blood flow, constipation, indigestion, and heartburn.

Tip of the week: To soothe hemorrhoids, apply an ice pack or witch hazel, or try a sitz bath (soaking the buttocks in warm, shallow water). OTC suppositories and/or medicated wipes may also help. Do not take laxatives or mineral oil.