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19 Weeks Pregnant

21 Weeks to Go!
6
inches
A MANGO
8.5
ounces
Baby is as big as a mango
|
Updated May 31, 2024
|
Fact Checked by Elizabeth Bryson

Key Takeaways at 19 Weeks Pregnant

  • If your provider has suggested an amniocentesis, it’ll probably happen in the next week or so (if it hasn’t already). During this procedure, a doctor will use ultrasound to guide a needle and extract a small amount of amniotic fluid. It tests for diagnosing genetic disorders.
  • Your mid-pregnancy ultrasound (a.k.a. anatomy scan) should be scheduled for the next week or so. Make sure you decide if you want to find out baby’s sex (if you haven’t already).
  • Remember, you want to be sleeping on your side at this point in the game to allow for optimal blood flow to baby. You might consider investing in a maternity pillow!

Most parents-to-be think of the mid-pregnancy ultrasound as the chance to find out baby’s sex (if you didn’t already through prenatal testing), but you’ll actually see a lot more than baby’s genatalia. You’ll see all of baby’s body—inside and out—and you’ll be amazed at all the development going on at week 19 of pregnancy. That’s exciting!

Video Highlights at 19 Weeks

Watch Week 19 Highlights

3D Views: My Baby, My Body

See their progress for yourself with our 3D interactive tool.

Baby at Week 19

What is baby doing at 19 weeks in the womb? At 19 weeks, baby is working on their five senses. Yep, nerve cells for their sense of taste, hearing, sight and smell are all developing in baby's brain. A 19-week fetus has already learned to suck and now adds swallowing to their bag of tricks. And, of course, baby is very busy moving around!

Baby begins developing brown fat right about now, which will keep their body warm when they leave the cozy confines of your womb. Like white fat—the most plentiful kind found in your body—brown fat stores energy. But it takes up less volume and serves a number of other purposes, including regulating your metabolism and insulin levels. Brown fat gets activated when you’re in cool temperatures, helping the body to burn calories (in the form of sugar and fat) before you actually feel cool.

Already picturing your child’s toothy smile? Baby’s getting ready for their first close-up too. By week 19, adult teeth are beginning to form. The substance that makes up teeth appears at around week 6 of pregnancy. When baby is born, all 20 of their baby teeth—and part of their permanent teeth—will be nestled under those nubby gums. Baby’s first tooth will come in between 6 and 12 months of age, while the first baby tooth will fall out at around 6 years of age. (All kids are different, so there’s no way to predict exactly when your little one will hit either of these milestones!)

How big is baby at 19 weeks?

Baby is as big as a mango at 19 weeks of pregnancy. Ranging from 6 to 7 inches long and weighing between 7 and 8.5 ounces, your 19-week fetus continues to get bigger!

What does baby look like in the womb at 19 weeks?

Your 19-week fetus is developing a protective coating over their skin called vernix caseosa. It's greasy and white, and you may see some of it at birth. Baby also has lanugo, a downy dusting of hair all over the body, and hair is coming in on their head too. At the next ultrasound, you’ll see baby’s nose, ears and lips—how exciting! (And your doctor will likely be able to tell you if you’re having a boy or a girl—doubly exciting!)

On that note, if you’re carrying a baby girl, her vagina and cervix are taking shape. Until about week 10 of pregnancy, sex organs are the same whether baby will be born with male or female parts. All babies start out with the same pair of urogenital “ridges,” which will eventually differentiate to become distinct boy or girl reproductive organs. Baby’s sex is determined by their genes. For baby girls, two X chromosomes tell the body to build a uterus and vagina. For baby boys, a Y chromosome directs the body to create testes, which pump out hormones to form the penis and other parts of the male anatomy.

19 weeks pregnant is how many months?

Nineteen weeks pregnant is four months pregnant, but remember, doctors track your progress through pregnancy by week, not month. In another week, you’ll be halfway through. Can you believe it?

19 week ultrasound

At your mid-pregnancy ultrasound, which is coming up very soon, the technician will scan pretty much all of baby’s body—including the brain, spine and heart—to make sure everything’s developing properly. It’s so cool to see all that up close! And, if you want to know baby’s sex, the technician will probably be able to tell you. Don’t leave without getting some printouts from the scan to take home with you and show off.

Of course, going in for your ultrasound isn’t the only thing you should be planning ahead for around week 19 of pregnancy; you should also probably start the search for a pediatrician. Start by asking some family and friends for recommendations and then make a few appointments to meet with the staff. Ask a lot of questions to find out which doctor you most jive with. It’s important to find someone you trust, since you’ll be seeing a whole lot of each other in baby’s first year.

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Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 19

Normal 19 weeks pregnant symptoms aren’t severe—they’re more like annoyances. Of course, that doesn’t mean that dealing with them is easy. These are a few of the not-so-fun symptoms you may be feeling at 19 weeks:

Abdominal aches and pains

Round ligament pain is that discomfort in your lower 19-week pregnant belly. It’s caused by your muscles stretching to accommodate baby. Let your OB know if any ache or pain concerns you, but as long it’s not intense or accompanied by other symptoms, these are just growing pains.

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Feeling faint? We’ve been witness to more than one pregnant woman passing out. If it happens to you, know you’re not alone. Dizziness during pregnancy can happen because your growing uterus puts pressure on your blood vessels. Plus, baby is crowding your lungs, so there’s less oxygen for you! But there are other things that contribute to lightheadedness, including dehydration and hunger, so take care of yourself and eat and drink regularly.

Leg cramps

Ugh—we feel your pain! One way to ease these ouchies: stretching. Extend your leg and flex your ankle and toes toward your knees. (Some prenatal yoga might help too.) Or enlist your partner for a calf (and back!) massage.

Hip pain

If hip pain bothers you at night, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees. Those giant body pillows might seem big and dorky, but we can’t sing the praises of them enough—especially if you’re 19 weeks pregnant with twins. Cave in and get one.

Your Pregnant Belly at 19 Weeks

At 19 weeks pregnant, weight gain might start to concern you, since you’ve probably put on between 8 and 14 pounds so far—that’s totally normal. During a typical pregnancy, women should gain about one to 5 pounds in the first trimester, then add half a pound to one pound a week in the second trimester. If your weight gain to date is higher or lower than that, talk to your doctor about whether or not it’s cause for concern.

Can you feel baby move at 19 weeks pregnant?

Whoa! Did you feel that? There’s nothing like feeling your baby kick for the first time! That special moment, called the quickening, usually takes place sometime between weeks 16 and 22. With baby at 19 weeks, you’re definitely ready to feel some fluttering, if you haven’t already! It won’t be time yet for your partner or anyone else to feel those kicks, so savor this bonding time between you and baby.

Here in week 19, birth might seem like a lifetime away, but as a labor and delivery nurse and childbirth educator, this is actually the perfect time to start thinking about birth (and beyond!). You see, investing in comprehensive childbirth and newborn education is one of the best things you can do to erase the unknowns and approach your birth with the confidence and control you deserve.”

BSN, RN, founder of Mommy Labor Nurse

Tips for 19 Weeks Pregnant

You’re almost at the halfway point. Here’s what you can do to prioritize your health and wellness in this exciting stage of pregnancy.

Baby your belly

Ease round ligament pain in your 19 week pregnant belly by applying warm compresses, resting when you can and gently stretching with a cat/cow pose. If you experience pain that doesn’t go away or makes it difficult to get through your day, talk with your doctor to rule out other causes.

Take things slow

You’re almost at the halfway point of your pregnancy, so you may be trying to get a lot done before baby comes. But rushing around can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. Move slowly if you feel tired or out of sorts, especially when you're standing up from a seated or prone position. Everything will get done, so take it easy!

Add superfoods to your diet

Eating well throughout pregnancy is key for both you and baby. Incorporate nutrient-packed foods into your meals, including eggs, salmon, leafy greens, nuts, yogurt and oatmeal. They’re nutritious and delicious!

Strike a pose

Prenatal yoga is a great antidote for pain from leg cramps, backaches and hip issues. Don’t try it without clearing it with your doctor first, though, and make sure you find a prenatal class with modified poses for pregnant women.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes leg cramps during pregnancy in week 19?

Wake up with your calf in a knot? The cause of leg cramps during pregnancy—which affect up to half of pregnant women—isn’t exactly clear. It could be your doubled blood volume, which causes your circulation to slow, potentially leading to swelling and cramping. Your growing uterus could also be to blame, as it bears down on your blood vessels. Your changing diet needs may impact your calcium and magnesium levels; mixed studies suggest low levels of these minerals might lead to leg cramps. Drinking plenty of water, stretching your calves and talking to your doctor about strategic dietary supplements can help.

What is normal vaginal discharge at this stage of pregnancy?

Throughout your pregnancy, it’s normal for vaginal discharge to be a bit different than before. Vaginal discharge flushes out your vagina, to keep potential infections from reaching baby. At this stage of pregnancy, it should be thin and milky white. You may also experience light spotting (a few drops of blood once in a while). Be sure to check in with your doctor if your discharge has a strange smell and/or is green or yellow, or if you experience a heavier flow of blood (i.e. you’d need a pad to protect your clothes).

How big does the uterus get during pregnancy?

The uterus is made up of stretchy tissue that’s designed to expand and grow with baby. Over the course of pregnancy, the uterus grows from roughly the size of a lemon to the size of a watermelon. By 40 weeks, your uterus alone will account for up to a full 2 pounds of your pregnancy weight gain—but it’ll shrink down to its normal size within about six weeks of delivery.

How can I relieve swollen feet during pregnancy?

In general, swelling happens when your body holds on to extra water. Often, that water ends up where gravity pulls it: in your feet. During pregnancy, increased blood volume is a major culprit behind swelling, since it slows circulation. To help reduce swollen feet during pregnancy, try not to stand for long stretches of time, kick up your feet (when you’re not on them), and sport comfy socks and shoes. Getting regular exercise—even just frequent short walks—and drinking lots of water can also help reduce swelling.

When should you take maternity photos?

The right time to take maternity photos depends on your personal preferences. Many photographers suggest scheduling a shoot in the early-to-mid third trimester—roughly weeks 28 to 34 (months 7 and 8). At that point, you’ll have a real bump. Wait much longer, and you may be uncomfortable standing for extended periods of time (plus, you might risk missing the shoot altogether, if baby arrives early).

Seeing baby's tiny fingers and toes on screen makes it all so real. My first baby didn't want to cooperate for the tech, which meant I got an even lengthier ultrasound experience. I didn't mind. It meant more time admiring my little one.

Maryann L., mom of three

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Pregnancy Checklist at Week 19

Reminders for the week:

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Sources

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Cleveland Clinic, 20-Week Ultrasound (Anatomy Scan), April 2022

Sleep Foundation, Sleeping While Pregnant: Second Trimester, March 2023

American Pregnancy Association, 19 Weeks Pregnant

Johns Hopkins Medicine, The Second Trimester

American Pregnancy Association, First Fetal Movement: Quickening

Mayo Clinic, Pregnancy Week by Week: Fetal Development: The Second Trimester, June 2022

Cleveland Clinic, Lanugo, March 2022

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, How Long Does Pregnancy Last?, October 2020

Boston Children’s Hospital, Ten Questions to Ask When Choosing a Pediatrician for Your Family, February 2021

Cleveland Clinic, Round Ligament Pain, July 2021

American Pregnancy Association, Dizziness During Pregnancy

University of Pennsylvania Health System, Pregnancy Got You Dizzy? It Could be Your Blood Pressure,

American Pregnancy Association, Leg Cramps During Pregnancy

American Pregnancy Association, Hip Pain During Pregnancy

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?, August 2021

Cleveland Clinic, Quickening in Pregnancy, April 2022

National Library of Medicine, Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Uterus Round Ligament, July 2023

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Eat Healthy During Pregnancy: Quick Tips, September 2023

Mayo Clinic, Women’s Wellness: What You Need to Know About Prenatal Yoga, January 2019

Nemours Kids’ Health, Week 19

Cleveland Clinic, Brown Fat, August 2022

NHS, Week 19

Johns Hopkins Medicine, Anatomy and Development of the Mouth and Teeth

Better Health Channel, Teeth development in children

Mayo Clinic, Fetal development: The 2nd trimester, June 2022

StatPearls, Embryology, Uterus, July 2023

Differentiation, Development of the human female reproductive tract, September 2018

Developmental Biology, Chromosomal Sex Determination in Mammals

UNM Health, What Causes Leg Cramps in Pregnancy?, July 2021

Mayo Clinic, What causes leg cramps during pregnancy, and can they be prevented?

NHS, Vaginal Discharge in Pregnancy

Mount Sinai, Vaginal Bleeding in Early Pregnancy

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Cleveland Clinic, Uterus, March 2022

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UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5 ways to manage swollen legs and feet during pregnancy, September 2021

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