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It must be overwhelming to discover how far you have come from the beginning of your pregnancy. At the nineteenth week of your pregnancy, you are still in your fifth month and have four months and about two weeks to go.
Where did all the time go? In just twenty-one weeks, you will be meeting your baby. This week, a lot of development is going on in your baby’s body. If you haven’t yet, you should decide if you want to know your baby’s gender or not.
A protective covering called vernix caseosa, a greasy, cheesy-like coating, begins to form on your baby’s skin. This coating lubricates the birth canal and moisturises the skin.
You may feel your baby kick for the first time this week; don’t be alarmed if you don’t. You will very soon.
This week, the main airways (called bronchi) in your baby’s lungs form.
A protective covering called vernix caseosa, a greasy, cheesy-like coating, begins to form on your baby’s skin. This coating lubricates the birth canal and moisturises the skin.
You may feel your baby kick for the first time this week; don’t be alarmed if you don’t. You will very soon.
This week, the main airways (called bronchi) in your baby’s lungs form.
Your baby is continuing to grow and develop, and looking forward to showcasing all these changes to you during your 20-week scan. Vernix, a greasy white substance, now covers your baby’s entire body. This mixture of lanugo (fine hair), dead skin cells, and oil is crucial for protecting your baby’s skin from the amniotic fluid.Â
Without this protective layer, your baby’s skin would look wrinkled, like they’ve had a nine-month-long bath! Some babies, especially those born prematurely, may still have vernix on their skin at birth.
In your baby’s brain, nerve cells responsible for sensory systems—taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing—form complex connections. Sensory development is rapidly accelerating, making your baby aware of various sounds and any stress you might be experiencing.
Your baby’s arms and legs have reached their correct proportions, the kidneys are continuing to produce urine, and fine hair is beginning to grow on the scalp.Â
Your baby will kick your belly with tiny feet, and you might start to feel these movements. Exciting, isn’t it? However, if the placenta is on the front wall of the uterus (anterior placenta), you might not feel these movements until around 23-24 weeks.Â
The bronchioles, which are small airways in the baby’s lungs, have formed. This is a crucial milestone in your baby’s development, as it brings them closer to being able to breathe independently after birth.Â
Another fascinating development at week 19 is that your baby’s adult teeth are growing! It’s amazing to think that your baby already has the teeth that will erupt many years from now, forming inside you. These adult teeth are situated just behind their milk teeth, which will first start to appear when your baby is around 4-6 months.
Between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, it’s common to start feeling your baby move. Initially, you might notice a fluttering, bubbling, or slightly shifting sensation. As your baby grows, these movements will become unmistakable, and you’ll even be able to see your baby kick!
You might also notice some physical changes affecting your agility. As your body changes, be aware of how these changes impact you. During pregnancy, your body releases a hormone called relaxin, which loosens your ligaments to accommodate your growing baby.Â
This can make your back, ankles, and knees feel different as they lack support. Pay attention to how your body feels when changing position, stretching, moving, and walking due to the weight of your bump.
While it might be tempting to crash on the sofa and put your feet up—especially if you haven’t been sleeping well—it’s important to balance rest with gentle activity. Walking, running (if you enjoy it), or any gentle movement is beneficial for your physical and mental health.
At 19 weeks pregnant, your baby bump might be more prominent! While every pregnancy differs, you may have noticed significant growth recently as your uterus expands. By now, your uterus could be nearly reaching your navel, potentially shifting your centre of gravity and making you feel a bit clumsier.
From now on, your pregnancy bump will grow more rapidly. You might feel aching in your abdomen and occasional stabbing pains in your side. These are caused by the stretching of the abdominal ligaments supporting your uterus as it adjusts to the increased weight. This discomfort is normal, but you should contact your GP if the pains become persistent or severe.
If you’re accustomed to sleeping on your side, you may still be getting a good night’s sleep, but if you usually sleep on your stomach or back, your growing belly will make these positions challenging.
Placing pillows around your stomach and between your legs, exercising during the day and avoiding caffeine can improve your sleep quality. The need to urinate frequently and worry about your baby can also cause sleepless nights. Try stress-reducing breathing exercises, to help you relax both during the day and at night.
Stretch marks are another common skin change during pregnancy, affecting up to 90 per cent of women. They typically start appearing during the second trimester. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to prevent them.Â
A recent review found that popular, topical treatments like cocoa butter and olive oil are ineffective at preventing or reducing stretch marks. However, most stretch marks will gradually fade over time after pregnancy.
While you may no longer feel nauseous, you might experience occasional abdominal pain, often due to round ligament pain. The round ligament connects the front of the uterus to the groin and stretches throughout your pregnancy. These sharp pains usually last a few seconds and can be triggered by standing up or coughing.Â
To reduce discomfort, try moving slowly when you stand up or change positions while sitting or lying down. Additionally, avoid lifting anything heavy for the rest of your pregnancy.
Around 19 weeks of pregnancy or in the following weeks, you might experience a stuffy or runny nose. This is due to increased hormone levels and extra blood production in your body, which can cause the mucous membranes in your nose to swell, leading to congestion and possibly even nosebleeds.
Lightheadedness can occur this week because your uterus puts pressure on your blood vessels or because your growing baby crowds your chest and lungs, reducing the amount of oxygen circulating in your body. Dehydration and hunger can also cause lightheadedness, so eating regularly and drinking plenty of water is important.
Backaches are common during pregnancy, particularly from the halfway point onward. This is due to your growing uterus and the hormonal changes in your body. As your centre of gravity shifts, the expanding uterus strains your back muscles.Â
To ease back pain at 19 weeks pregnant, you can do exercises that stretch and strengthen your back muscles, wear abdominal support garments, and use a heating pad to soothe sore muscles.
Leg cramps are often more noticeable when lying in bed at night. While the exact reason for these cramps is uncertain, they tend to disrupt your much-needed sleep. When you experience these painful leg cramps, try straightening your leg and gently flexing your ankle and toes towards your shins to alleviate the discomfort.
If you’re accustomed to sleeping on your side, you may still be getting a good night’s sleep, but if you usually sleep on your stomach or back, your growing belly will make these positions challenging.
Placing pillows around your stomach and between your legs, exercising during the day and avoiding caffeine can improve your sleep quality. The need to urinate frequently and worry about your baby can also cause sleepless nights. Try stress-reducing breathing exercises, to help you relax both during the day and at night.
Stretch marks are another common skin change during pregnancy, affecting up to 90 per cent of women. They typically start appearing during the second trimester. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to prevent them.Â
A recent review found that popular, topical treatments like cocoa butter and olive oil are ineffective at preventing or reducing stretch marks. However, most stretch marks will gradually fade over time after pregnancy.
While you may no longer feel nauseous, you might experience occasional abdominal pain, often due to round ligament pain. The round ligament connects the front of the uterus to the groin and stretches throughout your pregnancy. These sharp pains usually last a few seconds and can be triggered by standing up or coughing.Â
To reduce discomfort, try moving slowly when you stand up or change positions while sitting or lying down. Additionally, avoid lifting anything heavy for the rest of your pregnancy.
Around 19 weeks of pregnancy or in the following weeks, you might experience a stuffy or runny nose. This is due to increased hormone levels and extra blood production in your body, which can cause the mucous membranes in your nose to swell, leading to congestion and possibly even nosebleeds.
Lightheadedness can occur this week because your uterus puts pressure on your blood vessels or because your growing baby crowds your chest and lungs, reducing the amount of oxygen circulating in your body. Dehydration and hunger can also cause lightheadedness, so eating regularly and drinking plenty of water is important.
Backaches are common during pregnancy, particularly from the halfway point onward. This is due to your growing uterus and the hormonal changes in your body. As your centre of gravity shifts, the expanding uterus strains your back muscles.Â
To ease back pain at 19 weeks pregnant, you can do exercises that stretch and strengthen your back muscles, wear abdominal support garments, and use a heating pad to soothe sore muscles.
Leg cramps are often more noticeable when lying in bed at night. While the exact reason for these cramps is uncertain, they tend to disrupt your much-needed sleep. When you experience these painful leg cramps, try straightening your leg and gently flexing your ankle and toes towards your shins to alleviate the discomfort.
If you have a history of depression or mental health disorders, this period might be particularly challenging for you. Having a healthcare professional available to support you during this time is crucial.Â
Several studies indicate that anxiety and depression during pregnancy are associated with a higher likelihood of preterm labour, changes in foetal neurodevelopment, a lower Apgar score, and reduced birth weight. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help if you’re not feeling well.Â
Be cautious of urinary tract infections (UTIs), as the female urethra is relatively short, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. To reduce the risk, always wipe from front to back after using the toilet and make sure to empty your bladder before and after sex.Â
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid delaying urination when you feel the urge. Ensure you empty your bladder each time, and try not to rush, as it’s important for preventing infections.
Pregnancy can worsen chronic conditions. Conditions like hypertension and diabetes can cause a lot of harm to you and your baby. Take all prescribed medication and exercise regularly. Also, regularly checking your blood pressure or blood sugar level is vital.
Eat foods rich in iron and DHA: Maintaining a nourishing and well-balanced diet during pregnancy is crucial. Consume foods high in iron and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid essential for your health and your baby’s development. Iron is vital for preventing anaemia and ensuring proper oxygen supply to both you and your baby, while DHA supports the growth and development of your baby’s brain and eyes.Â
Eating leafy greens, lean meats, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, seeds, and fortified foods can help meet these nutritional needs during pregnancy.
Get phosphorus: At 19 weeks, your baby is busy growing their adult teeth, so they must receive the right minerals to support this process. One crucial mineral is phosphorus, with 85% found in bones and teeth. It’s essential for both you and your baby to get enough to maintain strong skeletons.
Phosphorus also plays a key role in other bodily functions, such as muscle movement, kidney functions, nerve activity, tissue repair and cell regeneration. Pregnant women aged 19 and over are advised to get at least 700 mg of phosphorus daily. You can find phosphorus in foods such as salmon, milk, lentils, peanuts, eggs, and whole wheat bread.Â
Take things easy: You’re nearly halfway through your pregnancy, so it’s natural to want to accomplish a lot before the baby arrives. However, rushing around can cause dizziness or lightheadedness. If you feel tired or off balance, especially when standing up, take your time and move slowly. Everything will get done, so there’s no need to rush.
Exercise your pelvic floor: During pregnancy, the growing baby exerts pressure on your pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to urinary incontinence when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or exercise. Strengthening these muscles through pelvic floor exercises benefits labour and postpartum recovery. Fortunately, these exercises are simple and can be done anywhere without a gym membership.
Improve your sleep: Adapting to pregnancy symptoms and a growing bump can be challenging, particularly when finding comfortable sleeping positions. However, it’s possible to get a good night’s sleep by experimenting with different pillows or positions you might not be used to.
Pillows can offer excellent support for your bump, and placing one between your knees can help ease pelvic pain. Reviewing your bedtime routine and improving your sleep hygiene can make a significant difference. Sleep hygiene refers to the habits that promote better sleep. Monitor your room’s temperature and brightness, and practice meditation before bed to clear your mind and help you relax.
Stay active: Another way to enhance your sleep is to stay active! Contrary to the myth that pregnant individuals should avoid exercise, it is recommended to remain active while expecting. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can enhance sleep quality and duration. Exercise can also help reduce back pain, lower the risk of gestational diabetes, promote healthy weight gain, and improve overall health.
If your pregnant partner is having trouble getting comfortable at night and is tossing and turning, consider getting some extra pillows for them to use. These pillows can be placed between their legs or under their bump. Adding more pillows is a simple way to create a cosy, relaxing bedroom environment that promotes a good night’s sleep.
Engaging in activities your partner enjoys can strengthen your relationship even if they are not your favourite. Make an effort to participate willingly and without complaining. A small gesture of consideration can significantly enhance your connection and show your support.
This week, your baby can be compared to a mango. Your baby weighs about 240 grams and measures about 6.02 inches in length. Your baby’s height and weight have significantly increased in these past weeks, and there is only more growth to come in the following weeks .
At 19 weeks, your baby develops a protective coating over their skin called vernix caseosa. This greasy, white substance may still be visible at birth. Your baby also has lanugo, a fine layer of hair covering their body, and hair is starting to grow on their head.
You’ll see your baby’s nose, ears, and lips at your next ultrasound—how exciting. Your doctor will also likely be able to determine if you’re having a boy or a girl, which is doubly exciting.
Often described as feeling like butterflies or bubbles in your tummy, your baby’s first movements, known as quickening, can be a special moment that strengthens the bond you feel with them during pregnancy. Many people report feeling their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, so you might feel your baby kick at 19 weeks.
Factors that affect when you might feel your baby move for the first time include whether it’s your first pregnancy. You may recognise the feeling sooner if it’s your second or third pregnancy. The baby’s position and the position of the placenta also play a role. However, if you haven’t felt your baby move, try not to worry. If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
It’s common for some people to worry about having a too-big bump during pregnancy. However, like every woman’s body is different, every baby bump varies in size. The size of your bump doesn’t necessarily indicate whether your baby is too large, too small, or if they’re healthy. Bumps come in all shapes and sizes.
Your midwife is there to address any concerns you may have about your pregnancy. There are no silly questions, so don’t hesitate to share any worries about your baby’s growth with your midwife.
At 19 weeks pregnant, your growing bump may bring some additional aches and pains. You might notice swelling in your feet due to increased blood flow and pressure. Dizziness and nasal congestion are common as your body adjusts to the changes. Backaches can become more frequent due to the shift in your centre of gravity.Â
Despite these discomforts, the excitement of feeling your baby move for the first time—those little flutters and kicks—can make it all worthwhile as your little one becomes more active.
This week, your baby can be compared to a mango. Your baby weighs about 240 grams and measures about 6.02 inches in length. Your baby’s height and weight have significantly increased in these past weeks, and there is only more growth to come in the following weeks .
At 19 weeks, your baby develops a protective coating over their skin called vernix caseosa. This greasy, white substance may still be visible at birth. Your baby also has lanugo, a fine layer of hair covering their body, and hair is starting to grow on their head.
You’ll see your baby’s nose, ears, and lips at your next ultrasound—how exciting. Your doctor will also likely be able to determine if you’re having a boy or a girl, which is doubly exciting.
Often described as feeling like butterflies or bubbles in your tummy, your baby’s first movements, known as quickening, can be a special moment that strengthens the bond you feel with them during pregnancy. Many people report feeling their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, so you might feel your baby kick at 19 weeks.
Factors that affect when you might feel your baby move for the first time include whether it’s your first pregnancy. You may recognise the feeling sooner if it’s your second or third pregnancy. The baby’s position and the position of the placenta also play a role. However, if you haven’t felt your baby move, try not to worry. If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
It’s common for some people to worry about having a too-big bump during pregnancy. However, like every woman’s body is different, every baby bump varies in size. The size of your bump doesn’t necessarily indicate whether your baby is too large, too small, or if they’re healthy. Bumps come in all shapes and sizes.
Your midwife is there to address any concerns you may have about your pregnancy. There are no silly questions, so don’t hesitate to share any worries about your baby’s growth with your midwife.
At 19 weeks pregnant, your growing bump may bring some additional aches and pains. You might notice swelling in your feet due to increased blood flow and pressure. Dizziness and nasal congestion are common as your body adjusts to the changes. Backaches can become more frequent due to the shift in your centre of gravity.Â
Despite these discomforts, the excitement of feeling your baby move for the first time—those little flutters and kicks—can make it all worthwhile as your little one becomes more active.
1. Alnawwar, M.A., Alraddadi, M.I., Algethmi, R.A., Salem, G.A., Salem, M.A. and Alharbi, A.A., 2023. The effect of physical activity on sleep quality and sleep disorder: a systematic review. Cureus, 15(8).
2. Cooper, D.B. and Yang, L., 2017. Pregnancy and exercise.
4. Harvard School of Public Health.
5. Korgavkar, K. and Wang, F., 2015. Stretch marks during pregnancy: a review of topical prevention. British Journal of dermatology, 172(3), pp.606-615
6. Lumen Learning. Embryonic Development of the Respiratory System.
7. MartÃnez-Paredes, J.F. and Jácome-Pérez, N., 2019. Depression in pregnancy. Revista Colombiana de PsiquiatrÃa (English ed.), 48(1), pp.58-65.
8. National Institute of Health. Phosphorus Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
9. Now Baby. Week 19 of Pregnancy.
10. OT&P Healthcare. Explore your pregnancy at Week 19.
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