Your Pregnancy, Week 21

Your body has been going through some amazing changes. But some may be less than wonderful to deal with! 

As your belly grows, you may notice your back aching. That's because your center of gravity is changing as your uterus grows larger. This leads to muscle strain.  You may also notice pinkish or reddish streaks on your abdomen, thighs, and breasts. These stretch marks are caused by a fast increase in weight and hormonal changes. Although they don't go away after the pregnancy, they often fade and look silver. 

Along with these discomforts, though, should come some relief. As your uterus grows out of your pelvic cavity, there’s less pressure on your bladder. As a result, you may need to urinate less frequently.