You're 19 weeks along in your pregnancy! Your third trimester is coming up quick. Before you know it, you'll be a new parent! We know this time can be both confusing and exciting. There's a lot that's happening with you and your baby. We've got all the info you'll need to know about being 19 weeks pregnant in this article, so read on to find out all about you and your baby at this stage.
Key Points
- It's safe to have sex at this stage, although you might experience significant fluctuations in your sex drive. This is totally normal!
- You may experience sleeping difficulties at this stage. If you're finding it especially hard to sleep, consider sleeping on your side and using supportive pillows.
- Your baby is between five and six inches long, and weighs about seven ounces at this stage! They're also beginning to develop brown fat, which will help keep them warm once they're born.
Body Changes at 19 Weeks Pregnant
Around 19 weeks pregnant, many women wonder whether having sex will hurt their developing baby, and the answer is no. Sex is considered safe at all stages of pregnancy, as long as your pregnancy is normal. Many expectant women find that their desire for sex fluctuates during the various stages of pregnancy, depending on their fatigue, growing size, anxiousness over the birth, and a host of other body changes.
During your week 19 prenatal checkup, your doctor will likely check your weight, your blood pressure, urine, your uterus, and your baby's heartbeat. Talk to your doctor about anemia, and signs to watch for.
You may start to notice blotchy patches on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. You also may begin to develop stretch marks and the dry, itchy skin that comes with them. You may also notice that you're having sleep difficulties. If these are becoming especially difficult for you, you can try sleeping on your side or using supportive pillows to help you sleep.
Your Baby's Growth and Development at Week 19
Nineteen weeks into your pregnancy, your baby is about 5.2 to 6 inches long and weighs about seven ounces. Your baby is also getting a lot more active by kicking, turning, twisting, moving its arms, and wiggling its fingers and toes. This may feel as if you have butterflies; a lot of first-time mothers may not feel the classic kicking until they are 26 weeks pregnant.
At 19 weeks your baby starts to develop brown fat, which will help keep your baby warm after birth. During the last trimester, your baby will add more layers of fat for warmth and protection.
Your baby is now covered with a white, waxy substance called vernix caseosa, which helps prevent delicate skin from becoming chapped or scratched. Premature babies may be covered in this cheesy coating at delivery.
Their skin is developing and is transparent, appearing red because blood vessels are visible through it. Your baby is developing nerves that connect the muscles to the brain.
Things to Do At 19 Weeks Pregnant
At 19 weeks pregnant, there are some things you'll want to do and continue doing to ensure you and your baby remain happy and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, always speak with a medical professional.
Consider where you want to give birth. You're at the halfway point with your pregnancy, assuming you deliver on time. Now is a great time to begin seriously considering where you want to give birth. Talk over your options with your doctor, and consider the pros and cons of each location. If you decide to give birth in a hospital or birthing center, consider which one you'd like to go to. Try to pick one that's within 30 minutes of your home. If you live further than that from any medical center, consider if there's someone you can stay with closer to the birth who lives closer to a medical center.
Keep up with all prenatal appointments. These appointments may sometimes feel stressful, but they're absolutely essential to the health of you and your baby. If there are any issues with your pregnancy, keeping up with your prenatal appointments will help catch them early. If you have to cancel one, make sure you reschedule it as soon as possible.
Continue avoiding alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs, and caffeine. These substances can be detrimental or even dangerous to your baby. It's very important that you avoid them during the entirety of your pregnancy. If you are struggling to avoid them, speak with your doctor. They can direct you to resources that can help.
Tell your employer. If you haven't yet told your employer about your pregnancy, you need to. Your delivery date is drawing closer and closer, so you need to make sure your employer is notified. Once you've notified your employer, you'll gain certain legal protections. You'll also want to give your employer ample time to prepare for you to go on maternity leave.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Everything you need to know about being 17 weeks pregnant. Hopefully this answered all the curiosities you have, but speak with a medical professional if you have any further questions or concerns. This is a very exciting time for you! Feel free to check out our other articles on pregnancy, childbirth, and life with a newborn. We've got dozens of articles on these topics, and others, for you to check out as you prepare for the arrival of your new one!
The information in this article should not be taken as professional medical or legal advice. Always seek the advice of a doctor for any medical questions or concerns. Always seek the advice of a qualified attorney for any legal questions or concerns. Moms Who Think is not responsible for any outcomes that may arise as a result of actions taken based on information we provide. It is your responsibility to do your own research and to take the appropriate measures to protect your health. It is also your responsibility to do your own research regarding legal matters.