You’re nearly half way to your estimated due date at this point. What’s going on with you and baby?
Your Body at 19 Weeks Pregnant
The top of your uterus is just half an inch under your belly button. You’ve probably gained a little bit of weight by now, ranging from 8 to 14 pounds, however, you may or may not be showing at this point; either is normal.
You may feel off balance, or uncoordinated lately. This is due to your expanding uterus. The weight in your growing uterus will shift your center of gravity, which can make you, at times, seem clumsy and uncoordinated. You might also notice you get dizzy when changing positions (such as going from sitting to standing, or laying to sitting), so take extra care and move slowly when changing positions.
Although now is not a good time to undertake a new or especially strenuous exercise routine, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re getting a decent amount of physical activity in your daily routine. Although it may be tempting to just lounge around (like you may have the last few months, hunched over the porcelain bowl), it’s best not to! Simple exercising like walking, are great for your heart and help ton pelvic muscles and keep your heart strong.
By this point, you may be having a difficult time getting comfortable at night. You may want to consider getting a body pillow (a long four to five foot pillow) and lie on your left side with your arms around it, and one or both legs drawn up over it. This may make sleeping much more comfortable.
If you haven’t already, you may begin to experience what is known as round ligament pain; sharp, stabbing, shooting pains on the sides of the lower uterine area. These pains are the result of the round ligaments stretching to accommodate your expanding uterus.
You may also experience skin problems, such as discoloration, patches of dry skin, peeling skin, red palms and itchiness. Lotions and oils may be used to alleviate dry and itchy skin, but discoloration will most likely fade after birth.
Your Baby at 19 Weeks Pregnant
Your baby now weighs about seven ounces and measures between five and six inches long! At this point, your baby is about the size of a large tomato!beginning to function.
Your baby is now covered in a fine, downy hair known as lanugo. This hair is meant to help insulate and keep your baby warm as it begins to put on its own insulating fat in the months to come. This hair also helps keep that waxy, white, cheese-like substance known as vernix on the skin, protecting and sealing it away from the watery environment your baby is thriving in.
Your baby has begun to produce meconium (the first bowel movement) in his or her intestines. This meconium will not be passed until after the birth, and it can be dangerous, as well as a sign of fetal distress if meconium is passed prior to birth.
Your baby is developing the specialized areas of the brain, such as speech, vision, hearing, taste and smell at this point. She can hear you and may even react or respond to your voice!
If you are having a girl, she has already developed over six million eggs in her ovaries! This number will reduce before birth, but still an amazing feat!
References
Curtis, Glade B., and D. F. Hawkins. Your Pregnancy Week by Week. Shaftesbury, Dorset: Element, 1996. Print.
“Pregnancy Calendar Week 23.” Pregnancy: Week-by-week Calendar and Free Pregnancy Tickers. Web. 21 Oct. 2010.
“Pregnancy Week 23 – Weeks Pregnant.” Pregnancy Week by Week, a Guide for Mothers to Be! Web. 21 Oct. 2010.
Pregnancy Week – 23 Weeks Pregnant – Pregnancy Week by Week.” Women’s Healthcare Topics Is Your Source for Women’s Health, Beauty and Nutrition,pregnancy Health and Pregnancy Week by Week Guide. Web. 21 Oct. 2010.
“Your Pregnancy: 23 Weeks | BabyCenter.” BabyCenter | Homepage – Pregnancy, Baby, Toddler, Kids. Web. 21 Oct. 2010.
“Pregnancy Week 23 – A Week By Week Pregnancy Calendar.” Babies Online – Baby, Pregnancy, & Parenting. Web. 21 Oct. 2010.
