EN
try amma today
Baby keeps growing
Pregnancy

Baby keeps growing

2 min readWeek 21
Key takeaways
2 min
  • Monitor your baby's developing movements as they become more coordinated and refined during pregnancy progression.
  • Expect 10-15 periods of fetal activity per day alternating with approximately 18 hours of deep sleep.
  • Watch for taste bud formation on your baby's tongue, enabling them to distinguish between different flavors.
  • Understand that twins may vary in size up to 20% difference, which is completely normal during development.
  • Observe smoother baby skin development due to subcutaneous fatty tissue accumulation and improved heat retention.

Early pregnancy signs include missed periods, nausea, and breast tenderness. As pregnancy progresses, babies develop coordinated movements, taste buds, and smoother skin from fatty tissue accumulation, with 10-15 daily activity periods alternating with deep sleep phases.

amma app

Track your pregnancy in the app

Personalized content for your pregnancy week

Download App

Baby keeps growing

Due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fatty tissue, the baby’s skin becomes smoother and acquires a soft pink hue, their body is also better at retaining internal heat.

Baby keeps growing - Baby keeps growingAs their brain develops, the baby’s movements become even more refined and coordinated [1]. They can now freely turn over, settling in the uterus, then turn upside down and even completely across.

The baby’s nervous system activity is also developing. Periods of activity — usually 10 to 15 per day — are alternating with deep sleep [2]. During wakefulness, the baby’s heartbeat becomes more frequent, respiratory movements increase and short-term muscle contractions are noticeable. But during deep sleep, which averages about 18 hours a day, activity decreases.

This week, taste buds form on the baby’s tongue, and soon they will be able to distinguish between sweet and salty, sour and bitter [1].

If you are expecting twins

We can say that each of the twins is now the size of an average banana. But children, like bananas, come in different sizes! Almost certainly one of the babies is slightly larger than the other. If the difference does not exceed 20%, there is no reason to worry.

What can be seen on ultrasound

The baby is lying on their back and has taken a finger from the left hand to the mouth. Their position indicates that they are calm and comfortable.

The right hand is resting alongside the body, and the palm of the left hand and forearm are visible. The outlines of the head and contour of the forehead are also clear. Along with their tiny mouth and eyes, which are hidden under the eyelids.

Baby keeps growing - Baby keeps growing
Frequently asked questions

Early pregnancy signs include missed periods, nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue. As pregnancy progresses, you'll notice fetal movements and changes in your body that indicate healthy baby development.

Baby movements become noticeable as their nervous system develops. Expect 10-15 periods of daily activity alternating with deep sleep phases averaging 18 hours per day.

Normal development includes coordinated movements, regular sleep-wake cycles, and proper growth visible on ultrasounds. Your baby's skin becomes smoother and they develop taste buds during this time.

Yes, size differences up to 20% between twins is completely normal. Each baby develops at their own pace, similar to how bananas come in different sizes naturally.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Meet our medical experts

Medically reviewed content

Reviewed by healthcare professionals · Updated June 3, 2025

This article is based on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources.

  1. Fetal development: The 2nd trimester. Mayo Clinic.

Track your pregnancy on the go

Rated 4.8417,594 reviews