:: Thursday, August 28, 2003 ::

Fetal Development - Week 21

The baby is steadily gaining weight to stay warm. A whitish coat of a slick, fatty substance called vernix caseosa begins to cover your baby and protects the skin during its long immersion in amniotic fluid. It also eases delivery. The baby's swallowing more this week, good practice for the digestive system. After your baby takes in amniotic fluid, his body absorbs the water in the liquid and moves the rest into the large bowel.

You may want to look into a childbirth education class if you haven't done so already. Whether you're a first-time parent or want a refresher course, you'll benefit from a structured class either way. No matter what the philosophy behind it, an antenatal class can help prepare you for the rigours of labour and delivery. Plan to have completed the classes by 37 weeks, when you'll be considered full-term and labour could start at any time.

Be extra vigilant about getting enough iron. Your baby needs it to make red blood cells, among other things. In fact, it's almost impossible for you to get too much from food alone without overeating. Iron-rich foods include lean red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals. See our eating well guide to round up everything you need to know.

• Note: Experts say every baby develops differently — even in utero. These fetal development pages are designed to give a general idea of how a fetus grows in the womb.

*these are sources from babycenter.co.uk's website

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