21 weeks pregnant: what to expect in Québec

Your baby

First movements felt

Around twenty weeks the baby’s movements become noticeable: bubbles, flutters, then real kicks. With a first baby it is often a little later; with the next ones, a little earlier. At twenty-two weeks the baby measures about 19 cm and is covered in fine down, the lanugo.

You

The trimester you feel better

For many, the second trimester brings more energy and less nausea. The belly rounds out, appetite returns, and it is often the time for plans: sharing the news, setting up the room, choosing prenatal classes. Moderate physical activity is encouraged unless advised otherwise.

Mood matters too

Anxiety and depression can begin during pregnancy, not only after. According to the INSPQ they are treatable, and the sooner the better. If worry or sadness has taken over for more than two weeks, talk to your professional, the CLSC or 811, where Info-Social also answers.

In Québec

The 18-to-22-week ultrasound

The second ultrasound, between 18 and 22 weeks, examines the baby’s anatomy organ by organ, the position of the placenta and the amount of fluid. This is often when the sex can be seen, if you want to know. It is covered by the RAMQ when prescribed.

Prenatal classes

Group prenatal classes are offered by the CISSS and CIUSSS, often at the CLSC, and by community or private organizations, free or with fees. They cover birth, breastfeeding and the baby’s first care, in two to eight sessions depending on the region. Ask your professional or the CLSC what is offered in your area.

A visit every 4 to 6 weeks

According to the Mieux vivre guide, between twelve and thirty weeks follow-up includes a visit every four to six weeks: blood pressure, weight, fundal height, the baby’s heartbeat, your questions. Between visits, 811 answers, and the place of birth in case of bleeding, pain or leaking fluid.

Preventive withdrawal, if your job carries risks

If your job exposes you to hazards for the pregnancy, the CNESST program Pour une maternité sans danger allows reassignment or preventive withdrawal with compensation. The request starts with your health professional, who fills in the certificate: raise it at the first visit.

With Maliah

Your symptoms and questions, ready for the visit

Nausea, sleep, blood pressure taken at the pharmacy, the baby’s movements, questions that come at 3 a.m.: everything is logged in Maliah, by voice or in two taps, and is there at the next appointment. Nothing is interpreted: the app keeps the facts, your professional reads them.

Pregnancy week by week, in the app

In Maliah the pregnancy is followed at its own stage: the current week, appointments, preparation reminders (bag, car seat, birth plan) and your notes, shared with the other parent. The due date calculator gives the starting point.

Related free tools

Sources : INSPQ : Mieux vivre avec notre enfant de la grossesse à deux ans (guide 2026) · INSPQ, Mieux vivre : Suivi de grossesse · INSPQ, Information périnatale : Rencontres prénatales · INSPQ, Information périnatale : Santé mentale en contexte périnatal · Québec.ca : RQAP, choix du régime et types de prestations · Québec.ca : Programme québécois d’immunisation · Directeur de l’état civil : Déclaration de naissance · Québec.ca : Trouver un service de garde et inscrire mon enfant (Portail d’inscription)

This article is for information; it does not replace advice from a health professional. In Québec, call Info-Santé 811 when in doubt (elsewhere in Canada, your provincial health line). In an emergency, call 911. Updated on October 27, 2026.