21 Weeks Pregnant

Got questions about Week 21? Other women have asked...

Q: My back really hurts! What can I safely do to help alleviate this pain?

"Lower back pain or discomfort is a common pregnancy symptom for many women. As you gain weight and hormones loosen joints to accommodate the size of your baby, many women will complain of aches, fatigue, or even moderate to severe pain in the lower back. There are some things you can do to lessen the severity and improve the symptoms..." Read More

Q: Is it normal to have contractions at 21 weeks?

"Contractions usually feel like a balling up or tightening sensation over your lower abdomen, or sometimes in your back. They might feel a little like menstrual cramps. Up to a few contractions an hour can be normal. One way to figure out if this is a contraction is to feel..." Read More

Q: Will having sex during pregnancy hurt our baby?

"This is a fairly universal concern that most fathers-to-be have on their minds. As far as hurting the baby, worry not: The baby is well protected by the uterine wall, the amniotic fluid, and the amniotic sac. The opening to the uterus, the cervix, is also closed and has a mucus plug to protect the uterus and your baby..." Read More

Q: Is it safe for pregnant women to pass through airport screening machines?

"Don't worry! According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), passing through an airport screening machine poses no threat to you or your baby. However, traveling by plane brings up many questions for women who are pregnant..." Read More