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19 Weeks Pregnant

19 Weeks Pregnancy Scan
 
Sophie Martin
Medically reviewed by
7th Aug 2022

Congratulations, you’re 19 weeks pregnant! Get ready to start feeling your baby kick soon!

19 weeks pregnant is how many months?

If you’re 19 weeks pregnant you’re in month 5 of pregnancy; only 4 more left!

Your baby at week 19 of your pregnancy

Vernix is now covering the whole of your baby’s body; this is a greasy white substance made from a mixture of lanugo, dead skin cells and oil and is vital to protect your baby from the effects of the amniotic fluid. Without it your baby’s skin would have the prune-like appearance of having had a nine month bath! Some babies are born with vernix still on their skin, especially if they are premature.

In the brain, nerve cells that have the job of specialising for the sensory systems of taste, touch, smell, sight and hearing are forming complex connections. At this stage sensory development is accelerating and your baby will be aware of many sounds and also any stress that you may be feeling.

The arms and legs are now in the correct proportions, the kidneys continue producing urine and fine hair is growing on the scalp.

How big is my baby at 19 weeks pregnant?

Your baby is about the size of a mango 15cm (head to bottom) and weighs about 240g...

the size of your baby at 19 weeks pregnant

Your body during week 19 of pregnancy

Your baby's movements

It's common to feel your baby flutter between 18 and 20 weeks pregnant. At first you may feel a flutter or bubbling - or even a very slight shifting of movement. Later on you won't be able to mistake those movements and can even see your little baby kick! It's important to note that there are no set number of movements you should feel, the most important thing is to get to know your baby's usual pattern of movements. If you think your baby is moving less than usual, call your midwife or maternity unit straight away, as your baby will need to be checked.

Suffering from leg cramps?

Leg cramps in pregnancy are a common and sometimes painful problem for many mums-to-be. Whilst we don’t know exactly why they happen in pregnancy. Possible reasons are changes to how your nerves and muscles perform now that you’re pregnant, weight gain, looseness of your joints in the later weeks of pregnancy, changes to your circulation and more pressure on your leg muscles from carrying extra weight. You can find out more about leg cramps, here

Your pregnancy belly at week 19 of pregnancy

From now on your pregnancy bump will grow faster in the weeks to come. Your abdomen may ache and you may experience some stabbing pains in your side; these pains are caused by stretching of the abdominal ligaments that support your uterus to allow for the increased weight. These pains are quite normal but do contact your GP if they become persistent or severe.

Here's how mum-to-be Rebecca's baby bump looked at 19 weeks pregnant...

19 weeks pregnancy belly

It's important to note that every woman's pregnancy tummy at 12 weeks will look different so you shouldn't compare yourself to others.

Pregnancy hormones

The extra oestrogen that is flowing around your body may be causing changes in your skin. Red palms and pigment patches called chloasma may appear as a butterfly-shaped mask across the face. This looks darker on fair skin and light on dark skin. You may also notice that your nipples darken as well as any freckles and scars on your skin.

You may also notice a dark line running from your pubic bone up to your navel. Known as ‘ linea nigra’, this is more prominent on darker skin. All this pigmentation is temporary and disappears soon after birth.

Your feet can also start to become uncomfortable in your shoes because the hormones can make them go up a size - I went up just one size and my feet got wider!

Sarah-Jane

Week 19 pregnancy symptoms

  • Increased appetite
  • Stretch marks may now be forming
  • Constipation
  • Faintness or dizziness
  • Backache from time to time
  • A stuffy nose
  • Leg cramps
  • You may notice your feet go up a size

Antenatal appointments at 19 weeks pregnant

During this time you are due your 18-20 week antenatal appointment where you will be offered an ultrasound to check the development of your baby; the purpose of this scan is to make sure there are no abnormalities with your little one.

 

Tips to keep in mind now you’re 19 weeks pregnant

  • Pregnancy yoga classes can help you exercise and strengthen your body so you are fit for labour.
  • Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun than usual, so use a moisturiser that contains UVA protection and cover any exposed skin with a protection factor of at least 15 before going outside.
  • Pregnancy hormones can weaken your nails, so protect them from splitting and breaking by wearing gloves when doing household chores and gardening. Some women find that their nails are stronger than usual, or that they grow much faster too.
  • You may notice you begin snoring now that you’re 19 weeks pregnant so you may want to warn your partner!
  • Make sure you keep drinking plenty of water, this will also help if you’re constipated
  • If you haven’t already, think about getting a pregnancy pillow as they can be pretty handy at helping you get comfortable in bed

Ami shares her experience and journey of pregnancy week 19

 

 

Approved by healthcare team

 

This content is sponsored by Graco

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