19 weeks of gestation: how is the baby? How many months is it?

Changes in the body: what does a woman feel at 19 weeks of gestation?

If some mothers were able to disguise their bellies (whether they wanted to or not), at this stage, for most of them, it becomes a little more difficult. The womb is more evident and the mother herself begins to feel that weight.

It is time to pay attention to the positions of lying down and sleeping, in addition to avoiding long hours of standing, whenever possible. Other symptoms can also occur, such as:

Sickness

They are very common at the beginning of pregnancy, back in the first trimester. Then, for many mothers, nausea and cravings tend to alleviate around the 3rd month. However, at 19 weeks, the mother can experience the stomach discomfort again.

Tiredness

The baby starts to get heavier, so there may be more effort from the mother. This causes tiredness and can make movements and activities even more difficult. It is usually not as intense or limiting, but it can increase as the pregnancy progresses and the belly grows.

For mothers who are in good physical condition, it may be that the activities are not so compromised, but for those on their first trip and those who do not have an activity routine, the baby may require that small breaks throughout the day be made.

Increased sweating

It may be that during that week the mother feels more heat or that her hands and feet are sweating more than normal. Even on not too hot days, this is quite common. The extra weight on the belly and hormonal changes can be associated with excessive sweating.

As the body heats up more, the body itself tries to cool it down by sweat. This can cause sweating to be greater.

Skin changes

Some typical changes in pregnancy can occur at this stage. The black line, or linea nigra, is that typical darker line that appears in the pregnant belly. It normally occurs in the 2nd trimester and it may be now, in the 19th week, that it manifests itself.

The appearance is due to the increased production of melanin (skin pigmentation) and usually disappears alone after delivery. But it is not just the belly that can manifest pregnancy marks.

Sardines or small spots may appear all over the body, especially on the face or in regions where skin friction is common (such as the thighs and arms).

Like the black line, these spots tend to soften after delivery. But the ideal is always to hydrate your skin well and use sunscreen.

If the pregnant woman has doubts about how to take care of these skin changes, monitoring by a dermatologist can help.

Back pain

Whether due to posture or the weight that begins to become more evident in the lower back, back pain is common among pregnant women.

If the woman needs to stand for a few hours or work seated, the discomfort can be accentuated due to the strain and pressure on the spine.

Therefore, it is good to always seek comfortable positions, the use of pillows and back support, in addition to doing small stretches throughout the day.

A few extra pillows at bedtime or sleep can be a good outlet as well. Finding a position that aligns the body and prevents the mother from spending long hours in positions that force the lower back avoids discomfort the next day.

How many centimeters does a 19-week-old fetus have?

At 19 weeks, the fetus is already about 13cm to 15cm and weighs between 140g and 200g. It is not always easy to get a sense of this size, but it is something compared to an average banana .

Increasingly, the mother’s belly will become evident. In addition to growing, the round appearance will be accentuated.

How is the baby’s development?

At this stage, the baby’s senses, such as hearing, are in full development. Therefore, sound stimuli can be good options to be part of the routine from now on.

Listening to music, singing, talking and exposing the belly to sounds pleasant to the mother (like nature) are suggestions. In addition to gradually accustoming the baby to external sounds, this moment helps to strengthen maternal bonds.

The body temperature regulation system is also improving. And the vernix, which is a protective layer of the skin, is forming. The bones of the ears are firming and the little eyes, although they are still closed, are already moving.

If the fetus is a boy, his genitalia continue to develop. If it is a girl, the ovaries already contain primary oocytes and the uterus is formed.

It may seem early, but girls are already born with all the eggs formed, as if it were a stock. It is between the 16th and the 20th that they graduate, varying between 300 thousand and 500 thousand.

Food: what to eat at this stage of pregnancy?

Caring for food is very important at all stages of life. But during pregnancy, the mother needs to remember that what she eats helps to nourish the baby too. The risks of various illnesses in the baby are minimized if the mother adopts a balanced and nutritious diet.

At this stage, investing in water-rich fruits and enhancing hydration is very important. Fresh foods are options to accompany the mother in those afternoon snacks.

In addition, foods rich in iron and folic acid help to keep nutritional rates well balanced, preventing anemia.

Controlling sodium, in addition to reducing changes in pressure, prevents fluid retention, which is quite common.

Other important nutrients that should be part of the pregnant woman’s diet are:

• Fibers: such as leaves and whole grains;
• Omega 3: like salmon and sardines;
• Calcium: milk and dairy products;
• Vitamin D: like fish and dairy products;
• Proteins: like eggs and lean meats.