At week 19, you are just one week short of completing the 5th month of pregnancy while you are halfway through your pregnancy. With the other half of your pregnancy journey remaining, you may experience the milestone movements (jerks, kicks, fluttering) of your baby if you still haven’t felt them.
The baby this week gets a new greasy coating called vernix caseosa on its skin while the lungs have an intricate bronchial branching. It is also interesting to know that your child is developing its adult set of teeth behind its milk teeth.
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With many more developments in the queue this week, this article gets you involved in the possible pregnancy symptoms and tips to take care of at week 19 of pregnancy.
In this Article
Development of the Baby @ Week 19 of Pregnancy
At week 19, the baby would have gained nearly 240 gms, and the baby as big as a mango would be approximately 15 cm in length. Curious to know the milestone half mark development of your little one?
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Sensitive skin coat
The skin develops a slimy, greasy layer called vernix caseosa over the lanugo. Vernix Caseosa is a white cheezy-like layer that protects the fetal skin from the surrounding amniotic fluid infections and acts as an anti-wrinkle sheath. Though vernix caseosa sheds before delivery, it is noticed in babies born early.
Secondary teeth formations
Although too early, the baby’s adult teeth are lining up behind the milk teeth this week. The fully forming nerve cells send strong messages to the fetal brain for more acrobatic actions and movements. You may also feel the baby’s kick for the first time this week.
And if you can not feel any movements, do not get disappointed. You will soon do in the weeks to come.
Development of bronchioles
The lungs are developing with the delicate airways or bronchioles from this week. The fetal brain now has destined regions for smell, taste, hearing, touching, and vision.
While the baby is growing multifold, mom-to-be can witness tremendous changes within her.
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Mom-to-be @ Week 19 of Pregnancy
Not getting enough sleep is one of the symptoms seen in most pregnant women. Here’s what more mothers-to-be can experience this week.
- Breasts are growing but may not be hurting though
- Painful spasms radiate through the calves causing leg cramps
- Even fatigued leg muscles cannot bear the increasing weight causing pain in the legs and lower back aching.
- Stuffy nose with nose bleeds
- Constipation or difficult bowel movements
- Stretching abdominal muscles can cause stretch marks
- Increasing appetite
- Low blood pressure causes dizziness or lightheadedness
- A dark or pigmentation line may run down the stomach called linea nigra, starting from the navel that is harmless and fades a few months after delivery.
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Things to consider at Week 19 of Pregnancy
It is quintessential to stay active throughout the pregnancy. Since the pregnancy hormone relaxin loosens up the ligaments, the back, knees, and ankle muscles do not get their usual support. You will need to take care of certain things this week, including,
- Practice regular prenatal yoga, walking, and stretching during the pregnancy term.
- Do not run, lift weights, bend.
- Practice a blend of mediation and stretching exercises before hitting the bed to help you sleep well.
- Sleep on the side and give good support to your back, bump, or other aching muscles.
- Increase your fiber intake gradually. Your body will need time to adjust, and too much fiber suddenly can trigger bloating gas and abdominal cramping.
- Exposure to the sun can intensify the pigmentation spots, redness, and chloasma. Avoid exposing yourself to the sun, or use mineral-based sunscreen.
- Ramp up your fluid intake- water, juices, soups, etc., can help ease digestion and bowel movements.
- High-time to go for a 3-D ultrasound if you want to or your doctor recommends it. And if you are due for amniocentesis or prenatal tests or consultations, you will need to check with your doctor and book an appointment.
Is 3D Ultrasonography necessary during pregnancy? How far is it safe?
3D Ultrasonography is not a standard prenatal test. However, it can be opted by the parent(s)-to-be to check the internal organs, heart, fetal malformations such as cleft palate that are not visible in usual sonography. Several studies suggest the waves emitted during the ultrasound cause no biological effect to the mother or the baby and are regarded as a safe, accurate diagnostic tool.
However, doctors do not advise 3D sonography until and unless a medical requirement arises.
Conclusion
At week 19 of pregnancy, the baby is acquiring an anti-wrinkle layer around itself. Besides the tiny bronchioles of the lungs and adult teeth formations, the fetal reproductive systems are well-established. The mother-to-be will see new changes in her body apart from the increased appetite and baby bump. For more queries, prenatal tests, 3D sonography requirements, and abnormalities, connect with your doctor at the earliest.
Reference
Overview | NHS
