In the week 19, your baby is
the size of a Tomato
In week 19, your baby is growing fast, and you may start feeling their movements. Explore exciting milestones, body changes, and health tips.
Welcome to week 19 of your pregnancy journey! Your baby is growing rapidly at this stage, and you may start feeling their movements more distinctly. Let's explore the exciting developments happening this week.
At week 19, your body adapts to your growing baby, bringing unique symptoms like increased appetite, leg cramps, and backaches. Let's explore them in detail.
Increased appetite
Your growing baby requires more nutrients, which may increase your appetite. This naturally supports healthy and necessary weight gain.
Dizziness
The increased blood volume and hormonal shifts may cause occasional dizziness or lightheadedness.
Backaches
As your uterus expands and your posture changes, you may experience mild back pain or discomfort.
Oedema and Varicose veins
Leg oedema and varicose veins are common during pregnancy and are caused by hormonal changes and the relaxin hormone, which loosens ligaments and tendons in the feet. Additionally, fluid buildup and the pressure from your growing uterus can contribute to the changes. Oedema leads to swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, while varicose veins may cause itching, cramps, pain, and a heavy feeling.
Leg cramps
Hormonal changes and the added weight of your growing uterus can cause leg cramps, particularly at night.
Every pregnancy is unique, and not all women experience the same symptoms. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
At 19 weeks, your baby is growing rapidly, developing senses, active movements, and protective features like vernix and lanugo. Let’s explore more!
Organ Development
Your baby's kidneys are functioning, excreting urine into the amniotic fluid. Taste, hearing, sight, and smell senses are developing, and nerve cells are forming.
Physical Features
Your baby's skin is coated with vernix caseosa for protection, while lanugo helps regulate body temperature. Hair is growing, and their reproductive system is well-developed.
Weight of the Foetus
At 19 weeks, your baby weighs approximately 240 grams and measures about 15 cm long, similar to a mango.
Movement of the Baby
Your baby is becoming more active, with a sleep-wake cycle similar to a newborn's. They are awake for about 6 hours daily and asleep for 18 hours. Around this time, you may start to feel your baby's movements, known as quickening.
At 19 weeks, your baby is thriving and growing with you. Every flutter is a reminder of the incredible bond you're building together.
During week 19, your body adapts to the growing life inside you. Here are some of the most prominent changes you may notice:
Breast Changes
Your breasts may continue to enlarge as they prepare for breastfeeding. You may need to switch to a supportive maternity bra to accommodate this growth and ensure comfort.
Hair, Skin, and Nails
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can affect your hair, skin, and nails. Some women experience thicker, more lustrous hair, while others may notice increased hair growth on their face and body. Your skin may become more sensitive or prone to acne breakouts or pigmentation changes, such as the appearance of a dark line (linea nigra) running from your navel to your pubic bone.
Respiratory and Cardiovascular System
As your pregnancy progresses, your body produces more blood to support your growing baby. This increased blood volume can cause your heart rate to rise slightly. You may also experience occasional shortness of breath as your uterus expands and puts pressure on your diaphragm.
Vaginal Discharge
Increased vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. This discharge helps to protect the uterus from infections. Consult your doctor if you notice any unusual odour, itching, or discomfort.
Uterus Size and Position
At 19 weeks, your uterus has grown significantly and may reach your navel. As it expands, you might experience mild stretching sensations or occasional discomfort. This is typically due to round ligament pain, which is felt along the sides of your lower abdomen.
Placenta Position
During your ultrasound scan around this time, your healthcare provider will check the position of your placenta. In most cases, the placenta is located on the upper or side wall of the uterus. If the placenta is low-lying (placenta previa), your doctor will monitor its position closely throughout your pregnancy.
Be mindful
Avoid heartburn by eating small and frequent meals during the day to help with digestion.
Gentle workouts
Try swimming, pilates, yoga, or walking at a pace that allows you to hold a conversation.
Eat Healthy
Make sure to add variety in your meals to get energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals
Pregnancy Gains
Your pre-pregnancy weight and number of babies influence your second-trimester weight gain.
Baby’s nest
Get ready to welcome your newborn baby by building a nursery in your home.
If your monthly visit is due, you can schedule one at 19 weeks. You will likely have a detailed ultrasound scan, also known as the anomaly or mid-pregnancy scan, apart from regular check-ups.
Routine Check-Up
At 19 weeks, your healthcare provider will typically measure your blood pressure, track weight changes, listen to your baby’s heartbeat, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Ultrasound
Your doctor may recommend an 18-20 week anomaly scan or anatomy scan. This ultrasound helps to evaluate your baby’s growth, amniotic fluid levels, blood flow, and any abnormalities. In some cases, a fetal echocardiogram may be suggested to thoroughly assess the baby’s heart if there are medical indications or concerns.
Quadruple Screening Test
If not completed earlier, your doctor may offer the quadruple screening test this week, depending on your ultrasound findings and pregnancy's risk profile. This blood test is usually scheduled between weeks 15 - 22 and measures four markers—AFP, hCG, inhibin-A and estriol—to evaluate the risk of conditions like Down syndrome, neural tube defects, or baby's abdominal wall abnormalities.
Urine Test
Routine urine tests may be conducted to detect protein, sugar, or indications of a urinary tract infection (UTI). These tests help assess how your body is adapting to pregnancy.
Yes, it's common to experience an increased appetite during this stage of pregnancy. Your growing baby requires more nutrients, which can lead to a heightened sense of hunger. Listen to your body's cues and eat a balanced diet to support your health and your baby's development.
Leg cramps are a common discomfort during pregnancy, particularly at night. To help alleviate leg cramps, try gentle stretching exercises, massage the affected area, and ensure you're getting enough magnesium and calcium in your diet. Staying hydrated and wearing supportive footwear can also help.
Occasional dizziness or lightheadedness is not uncommon during pregnancy, especially around week 19. This can be due to hormonal changes and the increased blood volume in your body. If you experience frequent or severe dizziness, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms like blurred vision or headaches, contact your healthcare provider.
As your uterus grows and your posture changes, you may experience mild back pain or discomfort. To manage backaches, try maintaining good posture, using a supportive maternity pillow, and engaging in gentle exercises like prenatal yoga or swimming. If the pain is severe or persistent, consult your healthcare provider.
Many women begin to feel their baby's movements, known as quickening, around week 19. However, this can vary from person to person, especially if it's your first pregnancy. The sensations may feel like flutters or gentle kicks, and they will become more noticeable as your pregnancy progresses.
Weight gain during pregnancy is highly individual and depends on factors such as your pre-pregnancy weight, body type, and overall health. On average, women with a healthy BMI before pregnancy should aim to gain between 11.5 to 16 kg throughout their pregnancy.
In most cases, travelling during the second trimester (weeks 14 to 27) is considered safe, provided you have a healthy pregnancy and your doctor has given you the green light. However, it's essential to take precautions, such as staying hydrated, wearing comfortable clothing, and taking frequent breaks to stretch your legs.
The anomaly scan, done between weeks 18-21, checks your baby's growth, organ development, and placenta position. It may also reveal your baby's sex, though it varies from country to country if you can find out.
