The obstetric 19th week of pregnancy occurs at the end of the fifth calendar month. The most difficult (first) trimester is behind, there is time to enjoy your interesting position. During this period, many mothers feel the first movements, at the ultrasound they find out the sex of the future baby, begin to talk with him and even read him fairy tales. He can already hear, the connection between mother and baby is strengthening. What happens during this period, what changes are observed in the body of a woman and a child? Let's take a closer look.
19 week of pregnancy: fetal development
The relationship of mother and child at this time becomes more emotional, the baby is actively developing. At the beginning of the 19th week of pregnancy, the weight and size of the fetus increase significantly and are already approximately 200 grams with an increase of 15 centimeters. On the fingers of the baby, their individual drawing is laid. The fetus already has the correct proportions, the adipose tissue increases, the vessels appear much less translucent, and the skin takes on a pinkish tint.
The location in the uterus at this time can be very different: oblique, transverse, head, pelvic. All this is considered the norm, because what happens to the baby at the 19th week of pregnancy seems to be free swimming. There is a lot of space around the fetus, so it can take any position.
The heart has already fully formed by this time, the immune system continues to strengthen. The nervous system and brain develop. The kid begins to respond to loud sounds and bright lights, hears the affectionate words of his mother. From this moment, doctors recommend more often to communicate with the child, to strengthen communication. The pens are already so large that they can be pulled over your head. During this period, the baby begins to move its limbs, so at this time, mothers begin to feel the first movements and tremors.
What kind of mom feels at the 19th week of pregnancy, how does the body change?
At this time, in many women, the abdomen is already clearly visible. Weight gain can reach five kilograms, and the fruit weighs only 200-250 grams. The rest of the weight falls on the placenta and amniotic fluid, increases in the size of the chest and buttocks. Expectant mother notices that her hair becomes more shiny and thicker, and her skin is more sensitive than ever. At this time, it is especially noticeable how a woman prettier.
According to the pregnancy calendar, colostrum begins to form at 19 weeks. Do not try to express it, this will cause uterine hypertonicity, which is fraught with miscarriage. Wipe the area of the nipples with a soft cloth and use special inserts if there is a lot of discharge.
The uterus below the navel has already fallen by 2 centimeters. There is pressure on the internal organs. How is it shown? Sometimes tormented by heartburn and grumbling in the stomach. Due to the increase in the fetus, pain may occur in the navel, they pass quickly enough.
Multiparous women begin to feel the first tremors and movements. Birthright should not worry, they will feel it a little later.
Some at this time suffer from a feeling of weakness and low blood pressure, in which case you need more rest.
Positive period
At 19 weeks, vaginal discharge may increase - this is not a cause for concern. There is a physiological process of restructuring the body. The main thing is to pay attention to the fact that the nature of the discharge was normal. They should not have a pungent odor, greenish or brown in color, in such cases it is necessary to inform the gynecologist conducting the pregnancy.
Most often at this time, women feel positive, they have high spirits. The reason for this is estrogen activity. Compared with the first trimester, when toxicosis tormented, now a woman is full of strength and energy. It's time to think about arranging the nursery, as well as on preparing things for childbirth. Psychologists recommend doing everything together with your loved one.
The situation is more difficult for those who expect twins. A growing belly already brings discomfort and pain in the uterus. Moms are recommended to use to support the bandages and pay attention to strengthening the back.
Ultrasound scan
In addition to the sensations at the 19th week of pregnancy, ultrasound excites mom no less. After all, it is at this time that a mandatory second screening is done, on which possible chromosomal diseases are revealed. What happens at 19 weeks of gestation with fetal development? The doctor will be able to answer this question with all the details.
Ultrasound already clearly determines the gender of the long-awaited baby. The doctor must make sure that the pregnancy is proceeding normally. He will talk about the state of amniotic fluid, evaluate the development of the child, determine the presence or absence of pathologies, comment on his motor activity. It is recommended that you come to this event with your future dad. This first acquaintance with your baby remains in memory for a lifetime.
Analyzes
In addition to ultrasound, the necessary tests are included in the screening. It will be necessary to pass:
- urine tests to detect the possible presence of protein;
- blood test for hemoglobin and sugar;
- hormonal blood test, which will confirm the absence of abnormal development of the fetus.
Possible deviations
The description of the 19th week of pregnancy most often indicates a calm course and the absence of sharp hormonal jumps. During this period, the probability of a missed pregnancy is very low. However, you need to be careful and listen to the body. Deviations can be considered:
- Specific discharge. You should be careful if they are too thick, foaming or have a curdled consistency. Be mindful of color. As already mentioned, it should not be green, gray, yellow, brown, and even more so with streaks of blood.
- Cramping pains. Minor pain may occur at week 19. But if they have a pulling, sharp, lingering character, this means that the uterus is in hypertonicity. High probability of miscarriage.
In such moments, the life of your future baby depends only on you. For any abnormalities, seek medical attention immediately.
Future mother's diet
At the 19th week of pregnancy, it is very important to eat right. This is an important condition for the normal development of the fetus and the general condition of the woman.
Teeth are actively formed at this time, so it is so important that a sufficient amount of calcium is present in the diet. Eat natural yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, lean meat and baked fish.
If the weight grows too fast, adjust the diet. Eliminate fats and plenty of fast carbohydrates. Lean more on cereals, baked and fresh vegetables, fruits, white meat.
Eat more greens and fiber. Drinking regimen must also be observed. Drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day. Eliminate salty foods. Talk with your doctor about taking extra vitamins.
Do I need to take vitamins?
There is no single answer to this question; an individual approach is required. Naturally, a lack of vitamins negatively affects the development of the fetus, but their overabundance leads to many problems. It is worth consulting with a doctor about what vitamins you will need at the 19th week of pregnancy.
Conventional vitamin complexes have a standard composition and do not take into account the individual needs of the body. It can depend on living conditions, the region, as well as on the time of year. When do you need to drink vitamins? If a woman had a deficiency of iron or vitamin B12 before pregnancy, as well as a cold season in the yard, taking the complex can be fully justified. Pharmacy vitamins are also necessary if there is an allergy to certain products containing the desired vitamin.
The best period is summer. At this time of year, a woman can eat fully and properly. Fruits, vegetables and greens may well provide the body with all the trace elements and vitamins, so taking complexes during this period is pointless.
Most often, vitamin complexes are prescribed to pregnant women after the age of 30 years, as well as to those who have had an unsuccessful pregnancy, abnormalities in the development of the fetus.
Contraindications include urolithiasis, as well as an excess of vitamins D, A, calcium and iron in the body. Uncontrolled intake of drugs can lead to serious violations.
Vitamins in the second trimester of pregnancy
According to the pregnancy calendar, week 19 refers to the second trimester. What vitamins are most important during this period? The leading role is played by iron, iodine and calcium.
Iodine is very important for metabolism and for the endocrine system of not only mom, but also the unborn baby. This element plays a large role in the mental development of the baby. Every day, a woman should receive at least 250 IU of iodine.
Calcium is recommended to be taken in vitamins, as it is poorly absorbed by the body from foods. It is necessary for the normal formation of the skeleton, the work of the kidneys and the endocrine system. The daily dose should be 1500 mg.
Iron is important for protein synthesis, it prevents anemia, is important in the prevention of uterine tone. Its norm is 30-60 mg daily.
Skin Care and Physical Activity
At the 19th week of pregnancy, stretch marks on the skin become noticeable. Take care of this in advance, carefully care for the skin, use healthy lotions and creams. Take a closer look at special supportive bandages and bras during this period.
Pregnancy should not become a reason for immobility. Exercise as hard as you can. Instead of cardio and strength training, switch to water aerobics, yoga for pregnant women and other classes. Go to special courses where a competent instructor prepares moms for childbirth.
An increase in the load on the legs can lead to varicose veins, discard heels and wear compression underwear (stockings, tights), it will help the correct distribution of pressure on the limbs.
Sexual relations
At this time, an estrogen explosion occurs in women, this leads to an increase in libido. This situation may surprise your partner. After toxicosis in the first trimester, when you only wanted peace, he is already wary of your body. Men have concerns that harm may be caused by intimacy. To calm down, go together to see a doctor, he will explain the situation. Intimate contacts at this time are not harmful.
Appeal to men
Your woman shines with beauty, her forms are rounded, she has become even more feminine and seductive. During this period, it is possible to enjoy each other, because there is still a long road ahead and many difficulties. Do not miss the opportunity to be together. Emotional connection and close relationships will positively affect the psychological state of a woman and the development of pregnancy in general. As you know, if peace, love and mutual understanding reign in a family, any adversity is much easier to overcome. In everything, support and pamper your beloved woman, even if she is a little naughty.
General recommendations
Sensations at the 19th week of pregnancy for each woman can be different. We are all different individuals, someone easily endures any difficulties, while someone is too gentle and sees problems in everything.
In general, we described what happens to a woman and a child at this time, and now we will give general recommendations.
Slow down your rhythm of life if you are too active. Avoid delays and rush jobs. Have more rest and less get nervous. Something more important than a quarterly report has appeared in your life. So:
- The main thing is to establish a healthy and full sleep. Sleeping is recommended on the left side. An excellent solution in this matter is a special pillow for pregnant women. During pregnancy, this tool will provide you with a comfortable position during sleep, and after childbirth will help with feeding the baby.
- Get to know breathing exercises. So you can cope with shortness of breath, supply your cells with oxygen, prepare for labor.
- Read more calm literature and listen to classics. This favorably affects the development of the baby.
- Walk more. To avoid fetal hypoxia in the fresh air every day you need to be at least half an hour.
- You have plenty of free time to study the necessary literature on child care.
- It's time to prepare a dowry for the baby and, of course, the necessary things in the hospital.