Note: The length, weight and size mentioned below are only a guideline, as these vary from baby to baby and from one pregnancy to another.
What is going on with your baby during week 19?
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- From crown to rump your baby measures at 5-6 inches and weighs about 7oz. Fetus is the size of an apple.
- This week baby's skin becomes covered with vernix, the white, slippery, fatty coating that provides protection against chapping.
- Under the vernix is the fine down like hair called lanugo which covers the skin.
- The kidneys are developed enough to make urine this week, which is secreted into the amniotic sac.
- Baby's hearing is well developed now - she may be able to hear your conversations!
- The brain is developing millions of motor neurons, nerves that help the brain muscles to communicate.
- Your baby may already have a preference for the left or right hand.
- In the brain the nerve cells that serve the senses of touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing are forming complex connections - loud sounds or any feelings of stress may be communicated to the fetus. Baby responds by becoming more active.
Week 19 Fetus
Changes in you at this stage Week 19
- You may experience back pain as the weight of your expanding uterus causes your back to work harder at keeping you upright.
- Bulges start to show - bigger breasts and the bump above your pelvis.
- You still find yourself worrying that something could go wrong although the first trimester is over i.e. when your pregnancy is most vulnerable!
- In the next week or so you will have an ultrasound to check your baby's organs.
Good to Know in Week 19
Definitions of time
- Back pain is mostly associated with the third trimester. Unfortunately it often strikes in the second trimester even though you not that big yet. Your pelvis is expanding and the ligaments supporting your abdomen are softening causing the joints between your pelvic joints to soften as well. That's why the backache!
Wholesome Advice in Week 19
- Low-fat, low-carb foods and most sugar substitutes have unhealthy chemicals. Though you wish to keep off the extra kilos, you need your carbohydrates and the full effects of sugar substitutes are not known. Therefore plain old sugar in moderation is the best.
- If you find yourself getting irritable for no good reason, try a snack. Low blood sugar can make you tired and crabby
Your actions can impact your baby's growth at this stage
The importance of Water
- Your organs need water in order to function
- Water is needed to make the plasma, an essential part of blood. Since blood volume has expanded more plasma will be made requiring more water
- Water is needed to form the amniotic fluid
- Waste needs to be flushed out by water
- Water can help prevent bladder infections
- Water helps urine stay diluted hence lessening the chance for bladder infection
- Drinking plenty of water wards off constipation
- The more water you drink the less likely you are to be bothered by swollen body parts
Omega-3 Fish Oil
- There are two types of fish oil supplements - those derived from fish liver and those made from fish body.
- Supplements from liver such as cod liver oil contain retinol form of vitamin A; it needs to be either totally avoided or consumed in careful dosage (should not exceed 3300 mcg)
- Fish oils derived from fish bodies are important for the formation of baby's eyes and brain. It is important to choose a version that is suited to pregnancy
Common Concerns in in Week 19
Should I try harder at not giving in to my food cravings?
- It all depends on your cravings. If you crave for sugary foods and fatty foods, go ahead and indulge if the craving is rather strong. But bear in mind the nutrients your growing baby needs and try to work them into your sugar or salt fix. In other words eat in moderation.
Are there ways to control unhealthy food cravings?
- Eat breakfast everyday! This will help you cut back on mid-morning junking
- Exercise regularly. A good walk for instance will help keep boredom and anxiety at bay
- Get the emotional support you need right now; pregnancy makes you vulnerable to mood swings which can lead to snacking or comfort foods
- Eat small portions and that includes your craved foods. Eat few spoonfuls of ice cream or pieces of chocolate instead of the entire tub or bar.
- Don't indulge everyday - see it as a treat and do it once in a while.
Weekly Nutrition advice in Week 19
Herbal use in Pregnancy
- In the past some of you may have used herbs and botanicals in the forms of teas, pills or powders to treat various ailments. Now that you are pregnant it is advisable to not treat yourself with herbal remedies without asking your doctor first.
- You may think herbal remedy is safe and therefore OK to use but it could be dangerous during pregnancy.
- For example, if you are constipated, you may decide to use senna as a laxative. However senna may stimulate uterine muscles causing you to miscarry.
- Some herbs may irritate your bowels and baby's bowels too. So play it safe - be extremely careful with any substances your doctor has not specifically recommended for you. Always check with your physician before you decide on any step or action.
Pay attention to Calcium
It is very important to get enough calcium every day. You need 1200mg daily - 50%
more than your pre-pregnancy days.
