19 weeks pregnant
At 19 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a mango: around 15.3 cm crown to rump and 240 g. A protective, creamy coating called vernix covers the skin.
Your baby at 19 weeks
A protective, creamy coating called vernix covers the skin.
| Size | About the size of a mango |
|---|---|
| Length | 15.3 cm crown to rump |
| Weight | 240 g |
A thick, creamy coating called vernix now covers your baby's skin, protecting it from the amniotic fluid. Areas of the brain for taste, smell, hearing, sight and touch are developing quickly. Your baby's kidneys are making urine, and the arms and legs are now in proportion with the rest of the body. Your baby is about 15 cm from head to bottom.
How far along are you at 19 weeks?
At 19 weeks pregnant you are in the fifth month of your pregnancy and the second trimester. You have about 21 weeks to go until your due date. Doctors count pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from conception, so at 19 weeks your baby has been growing for about 17 weeks. Not sure of your dates? Use our due date calculator.
Your body at 19 weeks
You may feel the first flutters. The detailed anomaly scan usually happens around now. Backache is common as your posture changes.
Common symptoms at 19 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and you may have some, all or none of these.
- Hip pain. Your joints are loosening and your weight is shifting.
- Dizziness. Avoid standing still for long and drink plenty.
- Round ligament pain. Still common as your bump grows quickly.
- A blocked nose. Pregnancy rhinitis may hang around.
- Leg cramps. Stretching before bed can help.
- Darker skin patches. Sun protection keeps them from getting darker.
Your checklist for week 19
- Have your anomaly scan if it is due.
- Write down any questions for the sonographer.
- In hot weather, carry a water bottle and avoid the midday heat.
- Start thinking about your birth preferences: where, who will be with you and pain relief.
- Look at which antenatal classes your hospital offers.
Tip of the week: Stay cool and hydrated
Pregnant women overheat more easily and dehydration can cause dizziness, headaches, constipation and even practice contractions. Drink water through the day and aim for pale yellow wee; you may need more than two litres in a hot climate. Stay in the shade, use air-conditioning and avoid long spells in the sun or in a hot car.
For your partner
She may feel the first kicks. You might soon too.
- Put your hand on the bump in the evening
- Join the anomaly scan
- Talk to the bump; baby will hear you soon
When to call your doctor at 19 weeks
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day if you have:
- Severe dizziness, fainting or a racing heart.
- Bleeding, tummy pain or fluid leaking.
Call your doctor or hospital straight away for bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, severe headache or vision changes.
Questions about 19 weeks pregnant
What does the anomaly scan check?
The 20-week scan looks in detail at your baby's brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, kidneys, arms and legs. It also checks the position of the placenta, the amount of fluid and your baby's growth. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
What if my placenta is low-lying?
A low-lying placenta at 20 weeks is quite common, and in most women it moves up as the womb grows. You'll usually be offered another scan at about 32 weeks to check. Tell your doctor straight away about any bleeding.
Can I find out the sex at the 20-week scan?
Often, if your baby is lying in a good position and local law allows it to be shared. Sonographers aren't always certain, and some hospitals have a policy of not telling. In India, it is illegal to tell parents the baby's sex.