21 Weeks

Your baby is now about 10 ½ ounces and measures about 8 inches long – about the size of a large banana. The rapid growth that has happened over the last few weeks will slow down now. Every week increases the baby’s chance of survival outside of the womb now.

The head is now about 1/3 of the size of the body now. Rapid eye movements begin at twenty-one weeks and baby can hear when you talk or sing to them now. Swallowing, which is believed to help baby’s digestive system function after birth, continues at this point. The heart is growing stronger and can be heard when you visit the doctor’s office. Fat continues to accumulate now and the bones and muscles are getting stronger each day.

By now, most people can probably tell that you are pregnant. Your body is changing rapidly as the baby grows. Be sure to get plenty of rest and eat healthy. Exercise is a great way to stay in shape and keep healthy. Check with your health practitioner to find out what types of exercise would be appropriate for your pregnancy

Oh, there's no doubt that I'm pregnant- the basketball shape sticking out from my midsection would confirm that to the most unpracticed eye. I'm still feeling hungry frequently so I guess this banana is still on the growth spurt. I'm feeling more movements all the time. They're still relatively gentle, and reassuring. Yesterday baby must have been doing jumping jacks because I felt it in my bottom and also up at the top of my bump. Kind of a weird feeling.

My lower back gets sore when I'm standing, cooking or doing dishes. Though last week after going to yoga two days in a row my whole body felt really great for a couple of days. I'm only signed up for two days a week, so maybe that's a sign that I should be doing some work at home on my own.

I spoke with my midwife yesterday and she is totally on board with the homebirth thing too. She confirmed she has a birthing tub. She also said it's important that the three of us get together to talk it all through thoroughly. I agree!

I have been agonizing over cloth diaper purchase decisions. Agonzing, but enjoying the process too. There are so many options to choose from! I am looking forward to this adventure. I am leaning toward mainly diaper service quality prefolds with wool or Bummis cover, mainly because of my plans to practice elimination communication (see my posts on EC here and here) and the fact that I stay close to home most of the time. I'll also try a few other types, like pocket diapers and all-in-ones. I found a Winnipeg company, AMP, whose products are highly rated by reviewers, and I am excited to support them and to get a chance to see their products in person when I am in Winnipeg in June. The rest I'll order online.

I know I've said this already, but I am SO EXCITED about the Humanization of Birth conference I'll be attending the weekend of May 1. Dr. Sarah Buckley, whose book I just read, is the keynote speaker. Dr. Michel Odent is a fixture in the natural childbirth scene. His mantra is "Do not disturb the birthing mother". David Chamberlain speaks about birth memories which is a fascinating topic. I have been quizzing the kids about their birth memories and they haven't come up with anything yet- I'm hoping to get some tips about how to ask during this session. Barbara Harper is a waterbirth expert. So many excellent, well respected, well-researched, passionate speakers. I am also so excited that my OB is planning to attend. And I will get a chance to meet an American woman, Joni Nichols, who runs the birth centre Plenitud in Guadalajara.