Week 19 at a glance
19 weeks pregnant! Now that’s cause for celebration (with non-alcoholic bubbly, of course).
You’ve had this tenant hanging about for over 4 months now, paying their rent in sheer cuteness.
It’s only fair that you find out what exactly they’re getting up to in there.
So if you’re asking what is my baby doing at 19 weeks in the womb, here’s what you can expect:
In this article: 📝
- Week 19 at a glance
- Baby development at 19 weeks
- Pregnancy symptoms at 19 weeks
- Pregnancy tips at 19 weeks
Baby development at 19 weeks
At this point, your little peanut is about 6 inches long from head to butt.
That’s about the length of a banknote, one sixteen-thousandth of the Grand Canyon and, of course, a half the length of a footlong.
What?!
How did they get so big, so soon?
Seriously. It’s practically time to start on college applications.
Here’s a glimpse at what else you can expect from your 19 week fetus:
They’re getting ready to take in the world.
At this point, your Mini-Me has developed the organs they need to get to the job of human-ing.
Their next mission?
To develop senses so that they can see, touch, hear, taste, and smell the world they are going to be bursting into.
They can now hear the thump thump of your heart but maybe just hold off talking to them just yet, as they’re not quite able to hear outside the womb at this point.
Just give it a bit more time until week 27 and they’ll be hanging on to every word you say to them.
They’ve got fingerprints!
So, this is pretty awesome.
A 19-week-old fetus is ready to make their mark on the world.
That’s because, at about this stage, their finger and toe prints have patterned their way into something unique: a personal signature.
(You know what else is rather adorable ‒ minute fingernails and toenails to go with their finger and toe prints.)
Their proportions look a little more human.
By the time you’re 19 weeks pregnant, your fetus will be looking a little less like a Picasso and a little more like a da Vinci.
Their arms and legs are now more in proportion to one another, and, in turn, to their tiny bodies.
They’re adorning themselves in armor.
With your help, your 19-week fetus grows what is called the vernix caseosa ‒ a soft antibacterial coating that prevents their skin from wrinkling like they’ve been in the bath too long from all that time in amniotic fluid.
This coating also helps your baby make their way through the birth canal eventually.
Your baby might pop out into the world with its protective coating still on, so you might even catch a glimpse of it.
(Fun fact: vernix caseosa means “cheesy varnish” in Latin. Amazing? Gross? A bit of both, really.)
Pregnancy symptoms at 19 weeks
While the second trimester can be a little easier on you when it comes to fatigue and morning sickness, you may have some fun new symptoms heading your way.
Pregnancy brain
Yup, it’s a real thing.
The “why did I come into this room again?” kind of confusion can make your work life a little challenging, but it will pass.
Hot tip: post-it notes help.
As do frequent breaks from a task that feels all-consuming.
Also, sometimes pregnancy brain can be coupled with dizziness.
Seriously: rest when you need to.
Abdomen aches and pains
Some expectant mamas experience what is known as round ligament pain.
This is because there’s a whole lot of growing and stretching going on inside you ‒ and we all know how well pain and growth go together.
Cramps in your legs.
Yup, it’s not just your abdomen that has to suffer.
Your legs can go through all sorts of weirdness at this point.
Gentle exercise, massages, and compression socks can go a long way here.
Can you feel kicks at 19 weeks?
You can. You most certainly can.
You might also be going for your mid-pregnancy ultrasound around this point.
That means, not only will you get to feel your little one at work, but see them at it too.
Pregnancy tips at 19 weeks
Finally, a lot is going on inside you at 19 weeks pregnant.
There’s no right or wrong here.
If you’re worried about anything, check in with your doc ‒ and know that every mama’s experience is unique.
Here’s your 19 weeks pregnant checklist:
- Get your prenatal appointment scheduled: It’s time to see your little one again! Book your next appointment for around 20 weeks and get ready to hear that sweet heartbeat.
- Design that nursery: Time to get creative and design the perfect space for your little one.
- Get your registry on: Start gathering all the cute and practical items you’ll need for your little bundle of joy. Create a baby registry and let your loved ones spoil you.
- Yoga it out: Stretch it out and destress with some prenatal yoga. Not only will you feel more limber, but you’ll also get to hang out with other expecting mamas and swap tips and tricks.
- Take a babymoon: Because why not? Treat yourself and your partner to a relaxing vacation before baby arrives. Whether it’s a beach getaway or a cozy cabin in the woods, enjoy some much-needed R&R.
- Plan those parties: Get ready to celebrate your little one! Plan a gender reveal party to share the news with friends and family. And don’t forget about the baby shower ‒ it’s a great opportunity to stock up on all the cute baby gear.
- Get that birth plan in motion: Start brainstorming your preferences for the big day and create a plan that works for you.
- Say cheese: Book a maternity photoshoot to capture that beautiful baby bump. Get creative and have fun with your poses and props!
- Name that baby: Time to brainstorm some baby names! Whether you’re looking for something unique or classic, we’ve got you covered.
- Treat yourself: Invest in some cute and comfy maternity clothes that make you feel amazing. Who says you can’t be stylish and comfortable at the same time?
- Get educated: Take a childbirth education class and become a childbirth champ! You’ll learn all about pain management, breathing techniques, and more.
Ultimately, keep up with the prenatal vitamin intake, eat iron-rich foods, and be kind to yourself.
See you next week, mama!