21 Weeks!

21 Weeks, Day 147

At about seven inches in length and almost 11 ounces in weight, your baby is about the size of a large banana.

Your baby swallows at least several ounces of amniotic fluid each day--not only for hydration and nutrition, but also to practice swallowing and digesting--skills your baby will need as soon as he arrives in your arms. The taste of the amniotic fluid differs from day to day depending on what you've eaten (spicy enchilada one day, sweet carrots another). That smorgasbord of tastes won't be lost on your baby. That's because your little one has very developed taste buds already. In fact, researchers have noted that babies who were exposed to certain tastes in utero via the amniotic fluid were more eager to eat foods with that same taste after birth.

Your developing baby still has a great deal of room in your womb--though like anyone who lives in one space for a long time, this tenant will soon begin to feel cramped. Until those uterine walls start closing in, however, there's plenty of space for twisting, turning and even an occasional somersault.

With all that belly dancing going on, it's hard to believe your baby gets any sleep at all. But believe it or not, your fetus sleeps as much as a newborn, perhaps 12 to 14 hours per day!

P.S. A big happy birthday to my wonderful mom! I love you!