19 weeks pregnant: symptoms, tips and more

You are almost halfway through your pregnancy....Congratulations!

If you haven't felt your baby move yet, chances are this is the first week you'll feel that little jolt...it's hard to tell at first that your baby is moving...but you will soon, especially as your baby gets bigger and more active.

This week could also be the week you go for another ultrasound....Another ultrasound is normal at this stage of pregnancy but not required....This imaging provides a greater level of detail of the baby's organs than the previous ultrasound that was usually done in the first trimester.

This method shows whether your baby is growing according to the plan or not and shows the location of the placenta.. The level of amniotic fluid and the fetal heart rate are also measured.. This ultrasound will probably determine the gender of your baby.

Your physical changes

Your body is working hard to make a temporary home for your baby... Most women usually have more energy in the third trimester, but you may still experience moments of fatigue.

Other physical changes include continued weight gain....your breasts may become two sizes larger....you may also have a dark line that starts at your belly button and runs down your belly....this line is black and usually fades a few months after giving birth.

Your child

Your baby is about 18 cm tall and weighs about 200 grams....and many new changes have occurred....your baby's kidneys are producing urine....the sensory parts of his brain are developing....and the hair on his head is starting to appear.

The soft and fluffy hair called lanogo (longo) that covers the baby's body is also forming.... In addition, vernix caseosa is an oily substance that protects the skin while the baby is growing in the womb.

If your baby is a girl, her uterus has formed and her ovaries have about 6 million eggs.

Twin development at week 19

Your baby's skin is now covered with a waxy substance called vernix caseosa. This protects the baby's skin from getting wrinkled or scratched in the amniotic fluid.

Symptoms of pregnancy in week 19

In the second trimester of pregnancy, you may experience these symptoms during the 19th week:

• fatigue
• Urine frequency
• weight gain
• Breast enlargement
• Dash line on lower abdomen
• Sleep problem
• Headache
• dizziness

You may also experience other symptoms, including:

Nausea

Fortunately, all the morning sickness you had in the beginning is gone....If you still have nausea, talk to your doctor about ways to treat these symptoms.

Natural remedies like ginger and peppermint can help you feel better, but check with your doctor about other herbal or other medications.

Eating small and frequent meals may help reduce nausea.... It is also important to keep hydrated throughout pregnancy.

Round ligament pain

Although you may no longer feel nauseous, sometimes you may feel pain in your abdomen. This pain is usually round ligament and often starts on one side of your abdomen or thigh area..

Try to move slowly when standing or changing positions in a sitting or lying position.

Sleep problem

If you are used to sleeping on your side, you can still enjoy a good night's sleep. If you are used to sleeping on your stomach or back, your growing belly will make it difficult to sleep in these positions.

Putting a pillow around your stomach and between your legs may help.. Exercising during the day and avoiding caffeine may also help you sleep better.

It may be difficult to sleep for other reasons....you may need to pass urine more often....worries about the baby and other things may also lead to sleepless nights.

Try some stress-reducing breathing exercises to relax throughout the day and night... Learn more about sleeping position during pregnancy.

hair

If you experienced premature hair loss a few weeks ago, it's probably reduced now... your hair may be fuller and shinier than before.

When to call your doctor

If occasional round ligament pain persists even after rest, you should let your doctor know. The same is true if you experience any type of severe pain that lasts more than a few minutes.

As always, if you have pain with other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, bleeding, or changes in vaginal discharge, call your doctor right away.

Remember that headaches are common during pregnancy...but tell your doctor if you have frequent headaches or if they are more severe than usual...Also, talk to your doctor about using pain relievers, including over-the-counter pain relievers.

You're almost halfway there

At the end of this week you will be half way through this amazing journey... You have already experienced a lot and more experiences are yet to come.

Never hesitate to ask your doctor questions... As you prepare for the second half of your pregnancy, knowing more about what's going on for you and your baby will give you peace of mind.

For advice on childbirth and pregnancy, you can refer to the list of gynecologists.

Source: Healthline