21 weeks pregnant: iron, vitamin C and KKH's dos and don'ts

At 21 weeks pregnant your womb has almost reached the level of your belly button, KKH says. A lot of women run low on iron in pregnancy, because the body needs more of it to make red blood cells. Vitamin C helps you absorb iron, and KKH's planner names the everyday fruit and vegetables that have it.

Iron and vitamin C

Iron deficiency is common in pregnancy and can lead to anaemia, KKH says. Its planner suggests getting vitamin C from food to help with iron absorption. The list includes:

• papaya, orange, watermelon, banana and apples
• broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage
• lady's finger and spinach

KKH also lists a multivitamin with iron among the pregnancy dos. You'll be screened for anaemia at 24 to 28 weeks. Our guides to eating well in pregnancy and prenatal vitamins go further.

KKH's dos and don'ts

KKH's planner explains the left side: it keeps the baby's weight off a large vein. Our guide to pregnancy sleeping positions has tips for getting comfortable.

Flying and seat belts

KKH's current advice is that commercial flights are generally safe before 36 weeks, or 32 weeks with twins. Flights over 4 hours raise the risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs, so walk along the aisle, flex and stretch your ankles when seated, drink plenty and wear graduated compression stockings. Airline rules for pregnant passengers differ by carrier and destination, so check yours before you book.

In a car, wear a three-point seat belt with one strap above the bump and the other below it, never across it.

What's due in Singapore at 21 weeks

When to call the hospital

Calf pain or swelling, chest pain or breathlessness after a flight need checking that day. So do bleeding, fluid leaking, painful tightening and the pre-eclampsia signs: severe headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling of your face, ankles or feet.

KKH's Urgent O&G Centre, at Basement 1 of the Women's Tower, takes walk-ins 24 hours a day for early pregnancy problems such as pain and bleeding. Under 16 weeks, if the bleeding is minimal or the pain is mild, its Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit can see you the same or next working day by appointment. If you're booked with another hospital, call its O&G clinic or go to its emergency department.

Frequently asked questions

Which side should I sleep on at 21 weeks pregnant?

KKH's planner suggests the left side, which keeps your baby's weight off a large vein.

Can I fly at 21 weeks pregnant?

Generally yes. KKH says commercial flights are generally safe before 36 weeks, or 32 with twins, but check your airline's rules.

Which fruits help with iron absorption?

KKH lists papaya, orange, watermelon, banana and apples, which provide vitamin C.

21 weeks pregnant is how many months?

About five months, counted from the first day of your last period.

Week by week. Previous week: 20 weeks pregnant. Next week: 22 weeks pregnant. Every week from 4 to 40: pregnancy week by week.