19 Weeks Pregnant

Loving a baby is a circular business, a kind of feedback loop. The more you give the more you get and the more you get the more you feel like giving.

– Penelope Leach

Your baby is now about 15 cm long and 0.23 kg weight. This week your baby is developing a skin coating known as vernix caseosa which is a greasy cheese-like coating that protects the skin of the baby from being wrinkled at birth. This week your baby will start developing its lungs. You will also start to feel the first kick.

Your excitement and anxiety will increase with time and that is absolutely fine. Every mother becomes anxious and wishes to hold their child but hold tight because you are just halfway through your journey. All the pain and discomfort that you are experiencing at this moment will be worth it and this wait as well when you will get to hold your child and see their face. Know that your well-being is directly linked to the well-being of your child so make sure you take very good care of yourself and also keep your mind full of positivity.

How many months are 19 weeks in your pregnancy?

In your 19th week, you will be in the fourth month of your pregnancy. But it is advised not to emphasize the months because your pregnancy period will be measured on the basis of weeks only by your doctors.

Baby’s size during the 19th week of your pregnancy

During the 19th week, your baby will be the size of a Heirloom Tomato. During these weeks your baby is still quite small so enjoy these times because once it will start growing your discomfort and pain will also start growing up. a lot of changes will happen to your body in order to accommodate the size of your baby. So enjoy the days when your baby is still tiny and inside you.

Pregnancy Symptoms of 19th week

  • Enhanced Appetite: By this week you will start feeling an enhanced appetite. Try and eat healthy meals in order to keep yourself full. Avoid junk food, but you can indulge in some treats once in a while.
  • Stretch Marks: Stretch marks are quite common during this period. You can use moisturizers which can help to ease the dryness associated with the stretched skin.
  • Constipation: Constipation is quite common during this period, and it can worse due to some medications. So, make sure you consult your practitioner to adjust your medications accordingly.
  • Dizziness: Since your uterus is growing, this puts pressure on your blood vessels which reduces the blood flow to your brain causing dizziness. Try to relax yourself when you feel so and do exercise caution so that you don’t hurt yourself.
  • Backaches: Backaches are another symptom that is quite common during this period. As your uterus grows you would find the center of gravity shifting forward putting extra pressure on your lower back. Try to take adequate rest and avoid lifting any heavy loads which would make things worse.
  • Stuffy Nose: Since there has been swelling in your nasal passage, it may be quite difficult to breathe. Try and blow your nose carefully without damaging any nasal membranes that may cause a nosebleed.

Changes that will happen to your body in the 19th week.

You will start feeling leg cramps and this can be quite exhausting. Also, starting this week you may start feeling those tiny kicks that are really very beautiful. Also, you might start feeling a round ligament pain around your lower belly. This happens due to the stretching and pulling of the ligaments along the sides of your uterus.

Ultrasound and other tests of the 19th week of your pregnancy.

  • Prenatal Testing scheduled for this week will include
    • Amniocentesis: This is done between week 15 to week 20. Not all would-be mothers would go through this test, only if you have a genetic history such tests are performed.
    • Level 2 Ultrasound: If you didn’t have your level 2 ultrasound, last week it will be done this week. Generally, it is done between week 15 to week 22.
    • Maternal Serum Screening: Generally, the maternal serum screening or quad screen blood test is done between 15 weeks to 22 weeks.

Upcoming Doctor’s Visits

  • Your next routine prenatal visit will be around week 20.
  • You will need to have a screening test for gestational diabetes in between 24 weeks and 28 weeks.

Tips to follow in the 19th week of your pregnancy.

  • Take good care of your diet. At this time your body will be needing a lot of good care and nutrition. So try to add superfoods and lots of greens in your diet. You can visit a dietician who will design a specialized diet according to your pregnancy week keeping in mind what your body requires.
  • Start meditation or yoga. As mentioned earlier you need to keep your mind and body relaxed. Your mind needs to be free from any negative thoughts because this negativity can cause pain and discomfort to your child growing inside you ultimately. So in order to not let that happen, you can meditate. Keep a specific time scheduled for your meditation. If you can, you should opt for yoga as well, it will keep your body flexible and healthy. Other than that the extra weight gain can also be controlled by practicing yoga. But do it only under the supervision of a professional.
  • Take care of your belly. At this point, your belly will be increasing in size and you will feel the discomfort for that as well. You will feel the pain and stretching. So massage your belly, put on hot compresses. If you feel your pain is persisting then make sure you consult your doctor immediately.

To-Do List for this Week

  • Yeast Infection check: In most cases, most women develop an itchy yeast infection during this period. So do ask your doctor regarding it.
  • Childbirth Class: Since you will be taking your childbirth class in your third trimester. Try and do your research and try to know more about the birth process.
  • Small Meals: Since your appetite is enhanced, try and take small meals throughout the day which shall prevent any bloating.

Week By Week Pregnancy

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