Your baby at week nineteen of pregnancy
Your baby’s weight is about 270g and he or she is about the size of a mango. Now heavier than the placenta, your baby’s bones continue to become stronger, whilst his or heart continues to beat strongly at double the rate of your own! Your baby’s skin will start losing its transparent appearance and become more pigmented. The skin will also be covered by a white, waxy substance. This substance will have mostly come off by birth fortunately. At nineteen weeks your little one may have developed hair follicles on their head, but they have it will not yet by pigmented.
By now your baby should be able to hear your voice and will be soothed by the rhythm of your heartbeat and gurgling of your intestines.
Your body at week nineteen of pregnancy
If leg cramps are keeping you awake at night, perhaps due to the exhaustion of carrying the extra weight around and adjusting to your new center of gravity. Try flexing your feet by pointing your toes and ankles up towards your shins, whilst keeping your leg straight. This shift in center of gravity due to your expanding belly may also render you feeling clumsier than usual and more likely to cause minor accidents like knocking things over!
You may be able to feel your baby’s first kicks by now, but it’s harder if the baby’s kicks are directed inwards and you may just mistake these movements for gurgles in your body. The more relaxed your uterine muscles are, the more likely you are to feel these movements, which is why second (or more) time mums may feel these fetal movements earlier and recognize them more quickly because they have felt them before.
What you may be feeling at week nineteen of pregnancy
You may find yourself preoccupied with waiting to feel your baby more. You may have already felt some flutters which is very exciting, although only you can feel this from inside your tummy at this point. It is reassuring to feel this and anticipation of stronger movements and kicks which your partner can also feel is on your mind.
You are almost half way through your pregnancy now and may find that you can think of little else than your anticipated arrival. It is normal to be focused on your pregnancy first and foremost and to feel less interested in your normal activities. This is nature’s way of preparing you for your priority as a mother.
Common symptoms at week nineteen of pregnancy
- Dizziness
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Food aversions or cravings may continue
- Increased energy
- Swollen gums and sensitivity
- Nosebleeds due to increased blood-flow and sensitive nasal passages
- Shortness of breath
- Clumsiness
- Anxiety about your pregnancy and the birth
- Anxiety about your role as a parent and the changes that will bring to your family
Tips for week nineteen of pregnancy
- If you have a history of mental health issues or depression you may find this time difficult as you have many adjustments to make both being pregnant and preparing for life as a mother, or mother of more than one child. If you feel a sadness and anxiety that does not ease speak to your doctor.
- Consider doing some gentle resistance exercise with light weights. This is strengthening and will help keep you supple and lower the risk of unhealthy weight gain. Try a class that is designed for expecting mums which will be companionable and structured so that your pregnant body is not at risk.
If you have any symptoms that concern you it is important to consult your doctor as soon as you can.