It’s been a long time since conception, and the calendar already shows the 19th week of pregnancy. The baby has already made obvious progress in its development. The body of the woman who is carrying it has also undergone some changes. You will probably be interested to know what the new week of your pregnancy will bring with it – about this we will talk.
The 19th week of pregnancy: how the baby is developing
In the mother’s belly in the 19th week of pregnancy, there are whole exercises based on the immune system. We are talking about a huge restructuring of the baby’s immune system – in his blood already appear white blood cells, which “learn” the basics of their behavior and purpose from the bodies of the maternal immune system. All this specialists call the term “passive immunity”.
The brain, as the center of all nerve impulses, continues to complicate and develop. As a training, the brain sends impulses to different parts of the baby’s body, due to which the reaction becomes clearer and faster. In this way, the baby’s body moves more smoothly and purposefully; it also gradually develops reflexes which, after birth, will manifest themselves and work to their full potential. Specifics of movement and “travel” of the baby will show at 19 weeks of pregnancy ultrasound scan, if it is planned by the doctor who conducts your pregnancy.
At this stage, the baby is learning to be active according to a specific schedule at different times of the day. So if you already feel the movements of the fetus inside you, then you should not be surprised when it will make itself known at the most unexpected moments. Also particularly sensitive ladies will be able to count the number of tremors and feel where they are felt.
Continuing the theme of the baby’s waking inside the mother’s body, the intervals may be different, but most often the period of silence in the belly is about four hours. By the way, many women have noted that their babies were actively moving at night, and during the daytime hours they mostly rested. At the moments when the baby is exploring his body and the womb environment, his eyelids are slightly open, but his vision is not working yet, so he does not see anything, although he can already hear sounds.
Fetal size in the 19th week of pregnancy
The fetus at 19 weeks of pregnancy is about 27 centimeters tall and its weight at the beginning of this term is about 360 grams. However, these figures should still increase by about 10 times by the time of birth, so that the baby has standard body parameters.
Active growth of the baby is promoted by the work of the endocrine system and pituitary gland, which are responsible for the production of necessary hormones. Until birth, the fetus must undergo a mass of metamorphosis, so that its organs and limbs acquire the necessary proportions.
The 19th week of pregnancy: feelings
The symptoms of the 19th obstetric week of pregnancy are almost unchanged, but if in more detail, it is worth highlighting the following points:
- Painful sensations in the round ligaments of the uterus in the 19th week of pregnancy – pregnant women are almost used to these sensations by this point. The pain is not characterized by intensity or consistency, but occurs periodically, so it does not cause any special difficulties. Painful cramps can occur with a sudden rise from bed or chair, long standing and similar loads;
- Often expectant mothers complain about back pain – this will also remain with you at this term. Causes of such sensations are hormonal changes, the growth of the uterus, shifting the center of gravity forward (the pelvis visibly protrudes forward), as well as a significant load is put on the muscles;
- Inflammation of nasal mucous membranes up to bleeding – this can be explained by more intense blood circulation in the body of a pregnant woman and the presence in the body of a cocktail of hormones. The phenomenon is temporary, but it is worth stocking up on handkerchiefs and tissues;
- A frequent “visitor” for you will be dizziness – this is also caused by an active blood flow and an increase in blood volume in general. Such symptoms can manifest with a sudden change of position or prolonged standing. Over time, this symptom will disappear, and you can cope with it with some simple exercises and drinking plenty of water.
Ultrasound at 19 weeks of pregnancy
Naturally, at 19 weeks of pregnancy sex can already know the baby by carrying out an ultrasound scan. However, this goal seems to specialists insufficient for the appointment of such an analysis. Doctors have somewhat different goals, for example:
- Detection or exclusion of fetal development abnormalities;
- Establishing the exact gestational age;
- To make measurements of a number of necessary parameters – this is the height, weight of the child;
- Determining the volume of amniotic fluid;
- Study the parameters of the placental disc;
- To check for ischemic-cesmic insufficiency.
Usually, an ultrasound examination at 19 weeks of pregnancy is prescribed as the second required screening. However, such a study may be performed a week earlier or a week later, and it depends largely on the plan suggested by the doctor.
What happens to a mother’s body in the 19th week of pregnancy?
A noticeably enlarged abdomen at 19 weeks of pregnancy is the most noticeable sign at this stage. Many women can no longer disguise their condition, because the roundness and the combination of other signs make the image very distinctive. However, pregnant women who by nature have a large build can still for a while refer to the sharp weight gain.
Also noticeably changes the gait of a woman who is carrying a child. The gait becomes somewhat like a duck’s gait, which is caused by the forward displacement of the hips because of a few pelvic bones. It is also worth mentioning that the woman’s whole body becomes more rounded and feminine, because her hips are spreading out, her breasts are growing (although much slower than in the first trimester), and her abdominal area is rounded.
The quality of skin and hair may also change somewhat. First, quite bright pigment spots may appear on the face and decollete area, which are often called the “pregnancy mask,” but this does not appear 100% of the time. Secondly, the skin and hair become more well-groomed and healthy in appearance, which is caused by a huge amount of hormones, vitamins and increased blood circulation.
However, some women complain about brittle nails and their dull color, which may indicate that the developing fetus “drank” calcium. Another mandatory sign of pregnancy is the rapid weight gain. If weight is gained smoothly and gradually, then pregnancy proceeds as planned, that is, no threat to the pregnant woman or baby. Otherwise, you should reconsider your diet, do further tests and determine the cause of this phenomenon.
19th week of pregnancy: what to pay attention to
Many experts recommend paying attention to the sensations in the abdomen in 19 weeks of pregnancy, namely, how and when the baby pushes. Such self-diagnosis will not only help to get pleasure from the realization that your own baby is developing inside you, but also instinctively recognize a threat, if there is one.
It is worth remembering that every woman’s pregnancy proceeds differently – from this individuality of symptoms, sensations, external signs. You need to understand what symptoms and sensations are typical for you, so that if necessary in time to react, thus saving the life of the child. This is why it is important to register at the antenatal clinic in time.
The 19th week of pregnancy: What to discuss with your doctor
A 19-week pregnancy is not considered potentially risky, but some risks are present. At your next visit to your doctor for a routine checkup, you should clarify exactly what the threats to pregnancy are. A specialist will probably give advice to note some symptoms in your condition, namely:
- An increase in temperature over 38 degrees;
- Severe pain in the abdominal area;
- A discharge with blood or vaginal discharge (in premature labor);
- Prolonged headaches;
- Severe pain when urinating;
- Vaginal discharge has an unpleasant odor;
- Increased toxicosis with vomiting (there may be an admixture of blood).
Many pregnant women wonder about sex while carrying a baby. You will do the right thing if you consult a specialist about this point. Your doctor probably will not forbid intercourse, if there are no significant contraindications.
By the way, sex in general has a positive effect on a woman’s mood and well-being. And if intimacy is dangerous for you, your doctor will certainly tell you about it and give you detailed explanations.
What kind of physical activity is allowed in this period – you can also ask your doctor this question. If you are accustomed to being in motion and active throughout the day, the common norms for pregnant women – peace, slowness and accuracy of every movement – you are unlikely to like.
Your doctor will certainly be able to give you recommendations on this issue, taking into account the peculiarities of pregnancy. But it is worth noting that physical activity, if it does not carry a clear threat to the fetus, is allowed, and even recommended.
The 19th week of pregnancy: tips
We advise you to be especially attentive to your diet during this week, because your baby has entered a stage of active development and building muscle mass. To get the most out of these processes, you need to give your body the maximum amount of nutrients, especially calcium. If you do not have enough calcium in your diet, it is worth taking additional calcium supplements.
Do not be too surprised that you are still bothered by edema – it is a typical problem for many pregnant women. Not always the cause of excessive swelling is the consumption of large amounts of water, very often the uncomfortable and tight shoes should be blamed. To reduce discomfort in the legs will help to take baths with cool water.
If you are faced with hypersensitive skin, then you can find salvation in taking warm baths with uncooked decoction of chamomile. You can also buy safe creams and lotions that can be used periodically to eliminate itching and irritation on the skin. But it is worth remembering that such a skin reaction may indicate an allergy, so it is not unreasonable to consult a doctor who oversees your pregnancy.
Remember that you will have a maternity leave, and there are many formalities connected with it, and you should start to arrange them right away. Regarding your work, you may find it difficult to perform certain duties, so it is worth checking with your boss to see if you can switch to lighter work or reduce your working hours.
At this period you may be troubled by excessive sweating and it may cause a lot of inconvenience. Blame it on the raging hormones and high blood circulation, which is natural for pregnant women. Radical measures do not have to take, just follow a few simple recommendations:
- Try not to worry – this will be somewhat difficult to do, because pregnant women tend to worry about every little thing;
- Pay more attention to your hygiene, that is, take a shower more often and freshen up your body;
- You may need to change your underwear and clothes several times to feel as comfortable as possible.
Pay attention to your rest – this is not only a night’s sleep, but also a couple of hours of rest in the middle of the day. If you have the opportunity to lie down, be sure to take advantage of it, especially in peace and quiet. Getting enough rest will not only give you more energy during the day, but it will also have a positive effect on how you feel.
As before, you should not worry. To defuse yourself, many experts advise you to get creative, talk more, and spend time with your family and other pleasant things. Many pregnant women are helped by talking to their baby, because he already knows how to hear you and feel your emotions.
Week 19 of pregnancy: Questions and answers
Nineteen obstetric weeks of pregnancy is a pretty solid time. Both you and your baby have done a lot of work, but there are still a lot of metamorphosis and challenges ahead. To be as prepared as possible, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. We advise you not to pass up the opportunity to solve some questions right now with our help.
What does the abdomen look like at 19 weeks of pregnancy?
The abdomen at 19 weeks of pregnancy can vary, but the roundness should already be noticeable. Especially noticeable belly in fragile women, and plump women are still able to keep it a secret that they are in the position, because the roundness is not as striking to the eye.
What should be the movements at 19 weeks?
There is no definite answer to this question, because every pregnant woman feels the first tremors of her baby differently. For some, these tremors are like the gliding movements of a small balloon inside the womb, while for others it’s like a tickle or the formation of gas in the intestines.
Where can I feel the movement at 19 weeks?
Typically, the first faint tremors or movements are felt in the lower abdomen. As the fetus develops, the tremors will only get stronger and their location will change.
19 weeks – how many months pregnant is it?
At 19 weeks, the fifth month of pregnancy continues, which is still the second trimester. This term is characterized by a very active development of all organs (internal and external) in the baby.
What is the baby doing at 19 weeks of pregnancy?
If we say briefly what the fetus is doing in the 19th week of pregnancy, the description can be depicted in one word – growing. If we say in more detail, the limbs are gradually lengthening and strengthening, and the head, on the contrary, slows its growth, due to which the proportions are smoothly aligned. Also all systems inside the fetal body continue to become more complex.
