Time has flown by quickly, and you have almost reached the equator. Next week will be exactly the middle of the term since a full-term pregnancy lasts 40 obstetric weeks. And now you are 19 weeks pregnant. In a few months, your baby has grown from a tiny cage into a baby who can already make itself felt with slight movements. And even if you still do not feel his movements, your enlarged belly clearly speaks of an interesting position.
19 week pregnancy general information
The second trimester of pregnancy, the nineteenth week and the fifth obstetric month (or fourth calendar month), is when the expectant mother no longer experiences the symptoms of toxicosis she had in the initial trimester. This is the most peaceful time, and most women feel good. Hormonal changes no longer have such a drastic effect on their emotions and they can do enjoyable activities, like taking pictures of their belly that is beginning to show a rounded shape without causing any discomfort.
Fetal development at 19 week pregnancy
Many mothers study with great interest the materials that describe the development of the crumbs every week. It is very interesting to note what the unborn child looks like, what changes he has during the current week.
The fetus has experienced tremendous growth in the last few weeks and is continually mastering new abilities; particular organs and structures have been formed and they have started to work properly, ensuring they are fully functional when the baby is born. The baby’s body is now coated with vernix, a thick layer of grease skin.
It protects the thin and delicate skin of the baby from irritation, thickening, soaking with amniotic fluid and swelling. The coating consists of small hairs falling off (lanugo), exfoliating epithelial cells and natural sebaceous secretions produced by the skin glands of the fetus. Caseous lubrication gradually disappears from the skin closer to childbirth, but sometimes a small amount of it remains in the skin folds at birth (especially if the baby hastened to be born a little).
Size of the fetus at 19 week pregnancy
Every week he adds in height and weight. Now the baby has grown to 21-22 cm and gained about 250-300 g of weight. The size of the uterus during this period is continuously increasing. Its bottom is located in 2 transverse fingers below the navel and the circumference of the abdomen in women varies greatly.
During this week, the weight gain of the expectant mother can be about 100-200 g. The total weight since the beginning of pregnancy has increased by about 3-5 kg (if the mother was underweight before pregnancy, the increase may be more). The weight of the placenta is about 200g, amniotic fluid weighs about 300g.
What happens to the baby during 19 week pregnancy?
This week marks an exciting event – the opportunity to find out the sex of the baby if you did not know prior. By now, the external genitalia are developed and the doctor can easily identify the gender of the infant using an ultrasound scan.
Sometimes babies can be so timid that they shy away from the sensor and hide with their hands, making it a rare occurrence for the gender of the unborn baby to remain unknown. These are not the only things that transpire during this time. The fetus matures, its lungs start to form actively and the skin, covered by a waxy substance, is delicate, smooth, and pinkish as the veins underneath come to light.
There is enough space in the uterus, and the baby freely somersaults, swims and frolics in the amniotic fluid. Most often, it lies with its head up, towards your chest, and the legs are directed towards the exit from the uterus. While it is more convenient for him but closer to childbirth, he will turn around. The baby changes position in the uterus several times a day, so it’s too early to talk about the presentation now.
Now the first hairs are actively growing on the baby’s head. Those areas of the brain that are responsible for the tactile sense, smell, sight and hearing, and the sense of taste are actively developing. The fetus at 19 weeks has a rapid development of the reproductive system. If you have a girl, her uterus, vagina and fallopian tubes have already taken their usual place. Millions of future eggs have already been born in her ovaries. If you have a boy, his testicles and his genitals have formed. However, the testicles will still travel from the abdomen to the scrotum.
Until now, the baby’s skin was very delicate and almost see-through, so the vessels underneath were visible. However, beginning this week, the skin will start to get thicker, and take on color, and the subcutaneous layer will start to form.
What happens to mom during 19 week pregnancy
There are no significant changes in a woman’s well-being at the 19th week of pregnancy.
Primiparous women who have not previously felt the baby’s movements could feel them (usually, this happens at 18-21 weeks). Women who have already given birth can feel the first movements even earlier, starting from the 16th week.
Uterus: Due to its elasticity, by 19 weeks from conception, the uterus increases in size displaces the internal organs and makes fetal movements more noticeable. Its weight during this period is approximately 300-330 grams. The bottom of the uterus is 19 cm above the pubic articulation, i.e., about 1-2 cm below the umbilicus. But if your height of the fundus of the uterus (VDM) at this time is slightly more or less, you should not be afraid. It is considered normal if the fundus of the uterus is 16–21 cm higher than the pubic joint (depending on the size of the fetus).
Pain in the lower back, hips, and buttocks: Pain may become somewhat stronger than before. After all, the uterus grows and squeezes the nerves behind it more strongly, and the load on the abdominal muscles increases. The weight also continues to increase.
The muscles that support the uterus throughout pregnancy are stretched: they bring the greatest discomfort. To reduce discomfort and pain, it is recommended to engage in special gymnastics for pregnant women. In any case, if you feel severe pain, you should consult a doctor.
Stomach: When it comes to the 19th week of pregnancy, many face the question of “how to sleep?”. After all, the tummy is already noticeably rounded. So: it is strictly forbidden to sleep on your stomach – in this position, the uterus is strongly compressed, which can lead to undesirable consequences.
Also, do not lie on your back for a long time. Otherwise, the vena cava will be squeezed, and blood circulation will be disturbed. The best sleeping position is on your side. You can purchase a special pillow for pregnant women for a more comfortable sleep. You can apply relaxed postures for relaxation.
It is normal to experience discomfort in the abdomen, especially at the end of the day or with a sudden change in position. But if these sensations continue, even if you have relaxed your muscles (especially if they are aggravated by spotting), you should immediately consult a doctor.
Allocations: For 19 weeks, vaginal discharge may increase – everything is within the normal range. But at the same time, they should not modify their texture and smell. If the discharge has become green, yellow or gray, and a sharp and unpleasant odor has appeared (this may indicate an infection), you should consult a doctor. If the discharge is cheesy, this may be a consequence of candidiasis (thrush), often found in pregnant women (it must be cured before childbirth). But immediately contact the ambulance service if there is a spot, especially in combination with pain in the lower abdomen.
Skin pigmentation: The increased hormonal background increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation. In addition, there is a natural accumulation of pigment. Therefore, it is not recommended to sunbathe in the sun or a solarium. The dark vertical strip on the stomach is also not a cause for concern. Sometime after the birth, it will disappear (usually, all such changes disappear within six months to a year after the birth).
Excessive redness (hyperemia): Due to the increased blood volume, increased redness of the face, neck, décolleté, and hands under the influence of temperatures or stress is possible. This is generally a normal phenomenon (if we are talking about rosy cheeks and palms), which does not affect the condition of the baby and mommy. If other symptoms appear (itching, blisters, weakness, nausea, swelling, skin tightening, etc.), you should immediately seek help, as these may be signs of an allergic reaction or other diseases.
Some pregnant women periodically cramp their calf muscles. It is also worth telling the specialist leading the pregnancy about this. To quickly stop cramps, it is recommended to lie on a horizontal surface, stretch your legs and pull your socks towards you.
Fetus movements at 19 week pregnancy
Your baby has already become big enough, his muscles are getting stronger every day, and he is more and more active inside the uterus. While these movements are very timid, and light, sometimes mothers confuse them with intestinal motility. Sometimes they are compared with fluttering, rolling inside the abdomen. But every week they become stronger and more confident. Most often, a woman begins to feel fetal movements at 20 weeks.
By the 19th week of pregnancy, the crumbs form cycles of sleep and wakefulness. This leads to the fact that the mother will clearly feel when the baby is mobile and active and when he calms down to sleep. These cycles will not necessarily coincide with your rest minutes, so there may be jolts and wiggles in the middle of the night. It is always dark in the baby’s uterus, so he still lives according to his own internal rhythm.
So far, only you can feel the tremors and movements of the crumbs. They are still too weak to be seen visually or felt by placing a hand on their stomach.
Belly growth at 19 week pregnancy
During the early stages of pregnancy, the stomach did not visibly expand. This is because the uterus was situated in the pelvic region. As the fetus has grown, the uterus has also grown, pushing its lower part beyond the pubic bone, practically up to the level of the navel.
The growth of the abdomen with each subsequent week will be more and more noticeable. Now your stomach is only slightly rounded and does not interfere with your usual life, does not affect your gait.
However, the shape of the abdomen and its size are individual and depend on whether you are carrying one baby or two at once, whether it is the first or subsequent births, and even on your physique. So, in a thin mother whose first pregnancy, the stomach can be quite noticeable and rounded and flatter in multiparous ones.
Ultrasound at 19 week pregnancy
Almost half of the pregnancy has passed. You may be scheduled for an ultrasound at 19 weeks pregnant, or you may be scheduled for the coming weeks. During the procedure, the doctor will determine your child’s approximate weight and height and carefully examine all parts of the baby’s body. Its internal organs, including the heart, to exclude any anomalies. This is the so-called second ultrasound screening. It may be given at the same time as laboratory tests.
You will also have to undergo several tests during your second trimester appointment. Urinalysis, blood sugar, physical examination and other laboratory tests are usually performed during a routine checkup.
Proper nutrition 19 week pregnancy
Rational nutrition is the basis for the proper development of the fetus. In the 19th week, nutrition should be given special attention. The fetus should receive sufficient protein, vitamins and trace elements. For the woman herself, the diet is also important – because of the growing uterus, the stomach and intestines are displaced, and digestion suffers.
At the 19th week of pregnancy, it is recommended:
- Eat food in small portions, 5-6 times a day – this reduces the gallbladder load and prevents bile stagnation.
- Exclude using fast food and sweet carbonated drinks – they irritate the stomach and load the liver.
- Daily eat dried apricots, figs, buckwheat porridge, and beef – they contain iron and B vitamins necessary to prevent anemia.
- Eat dairy products daily – calcium is needed to develop the fetal skeleton.
- Eat bananas and tomatoes, which contain potassium – which is needed for the fetal heart’s normal functioning.
- Limit peas, white cabbage, and pastries – products lead to increased gas formation and discomfort in the abdomen.
- Eat meat and meat offal – the fetus needs protein to develop the skin and muscles fully.
- Cook dishes by boiling, stewing, and steaming – fried food disrupts digestion and causes heaviness in the stomach.
- Drink up to two liters of fluid daily while ensuring your legs do not swell.
Fitness during 19 week pregnancy
Pregnancy is not a reason to give up physical activity (if you were actively engaged before it) or an opportunity to become a healthy lifestyle apologist (if you didn’t go to the gym before the long-awaited two stripes). But it is essential to ensure that the load is feasible and does not harm but allows the body to disperse the blood, relax and tone up before childbirth.
Recommended activities are walking, static exercises, prenatal yoga, swimming, and pregnancy programs. Prohibited:
- Abdominal exercises.
- Jumping, sudden movements.
- Agility and balance exercises.
- Exercises from a prone position.
Checklist for the 19th week of pregnancy
- Pass a general urine test to exclude a genitourinary infection, and determine kidney function.
- Take a general blood test to rule out anemia.
- Enroll in courses for expectant mothers and fathers.
- Measure body weight and determine weekly gain.
- Measure blood pressure daily.
- Count the daily movements of the fetus.
- Read a book about pregnancy.
- Learn Kegel exercises.
- Buy a cream for stretch marks on the stomach.
- Buy a dress or overalls for pregnant women.
- Start wearing a support bandage.
- If you have health problems, visit a gynecologist.
Lifestyle at 19 weeks pregnant
Start thinking about prenatal classes.
Many moms prefer to wait until the third trimester to attend these classes, but you can start taking classes now. Some courses are in very high demand, so sometimes you must sign up for a waiting list.
Stick to the principles of a healthy diet
Your appetite is likely to increase, so it’s important to get the calories you need from healthy foods. Your diet should include enough protein, fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates and pasteurized dairy products.
Exercise regularly and go for walks
Physical activity and exercise are good for you and your child. Precautions for 19 weeks pregnant include avoiding contact sports or activities that increase the risk of falling (e.g., horseback riding). Swimming, Pilates, yoga, and walking are great options for moms-to-be.
Sex at 19 weeks pregnant
Intimate life during this period of gestation is completely safe. Increased libido in the second trimester in pregnant women is normal. Seize this opportunity to savor special moments with your significant other before you start to show, and certain sexual positions become difficult.
You still have halfway to go – only 21 weeks. By now, you will have a neat, rounded tummy, and you can already feel the slight movements of your baby. Just relax and enjoy the moment.
