What To Expect When You Are 19 Weeks Pregnant

The changes that take place from pregnancy week 19 onwards are truly remarkable. From this week till the time you deliver, your baby will increase almost 15 times in size. Your little one might be as big as 6 inches in length and may be 8.5 ounces in weight.

During this week the baby begins to produce a substance called Meconium, which is responsible for the baby’s first bowel movement. This substance is a combination of the fine hair covering the baby’s body, bile, amniotic fluid and the cells that are shed by the baby’s skin and intestines.

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This substance is generally passed after delivery however it is a sign of fetal distress if it is passed while you are still pregnant. The baby will also produce a substance called vernix which covers the little ones skin in order to protect it from any infections. This substance is waxy in texture and is secreted from the sebaceous glands and provides a waterproof like coating. This substance is also responsible for keeping the baby’s skin soft and supple. The baby’s ears stand-out from the sides of its head and the teeth also develop in the gums and permanent teeth buds also start to form behind the milk teeth buds. During the stage of pregnancy the baby’s brain develops pockets that specialize in the 5 senses i.e. smell, vision, hearing, taste and touch.

19 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

At week 19 many expecting mothers find it difficult to balance themselves. This is because the center of gravity is off. Many women find it difficult to walk up or down a hill. Some feel dizzy and light headed. These symptoms are generally noticed when they change their posture. Some other symptoms experienced are; frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate, indigestion, constipation, stretch marks and your breasts become tender, heavy and the areola darkens. During this stage the baby is very alert and responds to sounds, touch and movements and might move around vigorously in the mothers’ womb. Many expecting mothers have ultrasound scans done during this week. It is also possible to tell the sex of your baby at this stage. As your stomach continues to grow you will experience a lot of aches in your lower abdomen and some times extreme pain on both sides when you shift position. This pain experience is called round ligament pain. This is because the ligament that supports your uterus stretches in order to bear the increasing weight.

Like every other happening in life, pregnancy too has its ups and downs. At 19 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother is almost halfway through the wonderful 40 week pregnancy term. However, throughout her pregnancy, she goes through numerous physical, emotional and hormonal adjustments. Some of the 19 weeks pregnancy symptoms that expectant mothers have to deal wit include mild abdominal pain, back aches and joint pain owing to the various physical changes that her body is undergoing. To accommodate the growing baby, the uterus expands. The increase in weight and size of the uterus exerts pressure on the ligaments holding it in place. This causes a stretching feeling and at times, pain, on either side of the uterus. The increasing weight of the uterus also exerts pressure on the lower back and the main blood vessels in the pelvic region. This makes back ache and cramps common 19 weeks pregnant signs. In some women, the uterus presses against the bladder making visits to the toilet a frequent affair. On the other hand, in some women, the uterus puts pressure on the ureters making it difficult to pass urine. This leads to an increased risk of urinary tract disorders. At times, the uterus may also press against the sciatic nerve causing severe pain traveling down the back to the feet. The increasing weight of the uterus also leads to a change in posture in pregnant women as they try to balance their bodies. Weight gain is a part and parcel of pregnancy and the increase in weight makes joint pain a common occurrence during pregnancy. At 19 weeks pregnant symptoms also include varicose veins and water retention. Breast tenderness owing to the hormonal changes in the body is an inevitable part of pregnancy. The breasts also become fuller and the veins become more prominent due to the increased blood supply to the breasts. Constipation and heartburn are other 19 weeks pregnancy symptoms owing to the sluggish digestive system. The increase in estrogen and progesterone levels and the production of the hormone hCG also have a part to play in 19 weeks pregnant symptoms. Mood swings, nausea, vomiting, aversions and cravings are all commonly seen during pregnancy. At 19 weeks pregnant these symptoms are usually experienced in the first trimester. Nonetheless, some women do experience them throughout the pregnancy term as well. As the baby becomes more active within the womb, its movements can be felt by the expectant mother in the form of a fluttering sensation called quickening. One of the most common among pregnancy complications is vaginal bleeding at any point during the pregnancy term.

No form of vaginal bleeding should be taken lightly as it could be an indicator of a serious pregnancy complication. Consulting a doctor at the earliest is recommended if bleeding is experienced. Due to ignorance, many women ignore 19 weeks pregnant bleeding thinking that it is a result of the implantation process. However, this is not true as 19 weeks implantation bleeding is impossible as implantation takes place in 5 weeks pregnant. If successful implantation does not take place at that time, the fertilized egg is passed out with heavy bleeding at that stage itself. The pregnancy cannot continue without implantation. Similarly, a 19 weeks pregnancy period is also not a possibility as menstruation ceases on implantation. 19 weeks vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, especially if heavy and accompanied by lower back pain and abdominal cramping, could be a sign of pregnancy loss. This could be the result of early labor or fetal demise. In a less serious condition, ruptured blood vessels in the cervix could also lead to mild bleeding.

19 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound

An ultrasound is the best way of getting an idea of what is actually happening within the human body. Most gynecologists recommend a 19 weeks pregnant ultrasound examination of the abdomen to ascertain the actual status of the uterus and the pregnancy as it reveals what is actually happening within the mother’s body. An ultrasound helps to rule out a possibility of pregnancy abnormality like a molar pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy. It also assists in finding out if there if any deformities in the developing baby like a genetic disorder similar to Down’s syndrome. A 19 weeks pregnancy ultrasound also reveals if the organs of the baby and the skeletal system are formed properly and if the body structure is free from irregularities. Knowing these facts at 19 weeks of pregnancy helps the expectant parents to prepare to deal with the special needs of the baby. It also helps parents and doctors to decide on the future course of the pregnancy. 19 weeks pregnant ultrasound also comes handy in determining the source of bleeding if the mother is experiencing vaginal bleeding. It also reveals the positioning of the placenta and provides details regarding the amniotic sac, cervix and uterus. 19 weeks pregnant 3d shows the size of the baby and helps in assessing if the growth is in proportion to the gestational age of the baby. It also provides the estimated due date. At 19 weeks, the baby would weigh approximately eight and a half ounces. In most cases, an ultrasound at 19 weeks would show the baby swimming around or tossing and turning in the amniotic fluid. The areas of the brain are getting defined and the cartilage is hardening to form strong bone. The sex of the baby can be determined at this stage. The baby’s body starts getting covered with a protective layer called vernix. The baby’s kidneys start functioning and producing urine.

19 Weeks Pregnancy Weight Gain

Weight gain and an unbalanced figure are part and parcel of pregnancy owing to the requirements of the quickly developing baby. 19 weeks weight gain during pregnancy due to baby is seen as the uterus becomes a little larger than the size of a melon and can be felt below the navel. Throughout the term of the pregnancy, women gain between 25 and 35 pounds. However, extremely thin women would need to gain up to 40 pounds of weight while obese women may be advised just about 15 pounds of weight gain. The average 19 weeks pregnant weight gain is 8 to 12 pounds. At 19 weeks of gestation, the expectant mother’s tummy begins to show. In most women, the hips and breasts also tend to become heavier with every passing week. Others may experience an evenly distributed weight gain pattern. 19 weeks pregnant weight gain and weight gain for the entire term of the pregnancy must be through a wholesome, evenly balanced out diet. A good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and the essential vitamins and minerals is essential for optimum growth of the little baby. Doctors may also advise folic acid, iron, calcium and omega 3 fatty acid supplements for the proper development of the little baby. Salads and fruits are especially beneficial as they are loaded with nutrients and help in fortifying the mother’s immune system. Poultry and fish are also recommended. A regular non- strenuous exercise schedule and sufficient rest also play their part in a healthy pregnancy. Since the digestive system slows down due to the hormonal changes, opting for 5 to 6 light meals spanned over the course of the day is recommended as 3 major heavy meals may be difficult to digest. Keeping track of weight gain is also essential to determine if weight gain needs to be curbed or increased.

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