At nineteen weeks pregnant, you are nearly halfway through your pregnancy! Your baby continues to grow, putting on weight as they prepare for birth. Pregnant women will notice weight gain as their uterus grows, taking up more space in their body. The growing uterus puts pressure on your ligaments, causing some discomfort for women, trouble sleeping and swollen gums.
But what else happens at nineteen weeks pregnant? That is what we are here to tell you! Keep reading to see what to expect in your nineteenth week of pregnancy, including common symptoms, what an ultrasound will show, and more.
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 19 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 19 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 19 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 19 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is about the size of a mango at nineteen weeks pregnant
- Your baby’s adult teeth are starting to grow, lining up behind their first set
- Your baby’s development is progressing, with their lungs continuing to develop
- Your baby is gaining weight in preparation for their birth
- You could experience stretch marks, tiredness and trouble sleeping at nineteen weeks pregnant
What Does It Mean To Be 19 Weeks Pregnant?
At nineteen weeks pregnant, your baby bump and baby are growing! You might feel bubbling in your stomach, which could be mistaken for wind. But it is your baby moving! Some women report feeling a fluttering sensation, too. While the movements are unclear yet, you will soon know what every kick feels like.
Some exercises, like running, might feel uncomfortable at nineteen weeks pregnant. The hormone relaxin, loosens your ligaments, removing support for your ankles, knees, and back, making running more difficult or painful than usual. You might need to swap running for some walking instead.
You might see stretch marks growing on your belly and struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position as your body grows and changes.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 19 Weeks?
Yes, you can detect pregnancy at nineteen weeks. You will have missed four periods depending on your cycle and should take a pregnancy test if you haven’t already. Home pregnancy tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG, levels in your urine. hCG, one of your pregnancy hormones, will increase its levels in your body in the first three to four months of pregnancy before dropping. Your hCG levels are still high enough at nineteen weeks to generate a positive pregnancy result.
Your doctor can also confirm your pregnancy with a blood test. The blood test will measure the hCG levels in your blood to confirm a pregnancy. At this stage, an ultrasound might also be used to confirm and date your pregnancy. Your baby’s development will be assessed to help provide an estimated due date for you.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you should get an ultrasound at nineteen weeks pregnant. Most women are offered an ultrasound at nineteen weeks, known as the anatomy, mid-trimester, or morphology scans. Don’t panic if you do not have your ultrasound this week; some women are offered the ultrasound between eighteen and twenty weeks.
The scan offers a detailed look at your growing baby, to check that your pregnancy is progressing normally. The ultrasound will look for any problems, too, like any conditions that could impact the birth of your baby.
Should your sonographer see anything of concern, a second opinion may be given, and then your options will be explained.
While we can see a lot on an ultrasound, the positioning of your baby can sometimes impact how much you can see. The scan can also reveal the sex of your baby! This depends on your baby’s positioning, but if you are lucky, you can find out the sex. Let your sonographer know if you don’t want to know the sex of your baby.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
In your second trimester, several tests will be offered to you. These might be offered to you before or during your nineteenth week of pregnancy, including the following:
- A glucose screening to check for gestational diabetes
- A multiple marker test to check for neural tube defects and chromosomal disorders
- An Amniocentesis to check the amniotic fluid around your baby
- A Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling to check the umbilical cord for disorders
You might also be offered genetic screening tests. These will check for hereditary conditions like thyroid diseases and Tay-Sachs disease. These tests are optional and will be offered depending on your medical history. You don’t have to have these tests if you don’t want to, and your doctor can offer you some guidance if needed.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, a heartbeat can be detected at nineteen weeks pregnant. The baby’s heartbeat can be detected through an ultrasound, with many parents hearing the heartbeat for the first time between eight to twelve weeks.
You can also detect your baby’s heartbeat through a Doppler machine. This looks like a small microphone on your stomach to hear the heartbeat. Your midwife will likely use this during a second-trimester appointment.
These can be tricky to use, especially if your baby is moving, so don’t panic if you cannot hear the heartbeat. You can purchase home Doppler machines, too, if you want to check yourself but remember, you might face the same issues.
The heartbeat will be heard at your mid-pregnancy ultrasound around week twenty, although you might have this booked sooner if needed.
Your baby’s heartbeat will sound fast, averaging 110 to 160 beats per minute. Your doctor can advise if your baby’s heart beats at an average rate.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
The common pregnancy symptoms at nineteen weeks pregnant include stretch marks, swollen and bleeding gums, and tiredness or trouble sleeping.
Stretch marks are commonly found on your pregnant belly, breasts, legs, or back. They will appear as purple or red marks, eventually fading to silver. These marks are caused by your skin stretching rapidly as your baby bump grows. There are several creams and lotions on the market that can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, using ingredients like cocoa and shea butter.
These common symptoms vary from woman to woman and can change in severity daily.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels drop at nineteen weeks pregnant, with an average of 1,400 to 53,00u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at nineteen weeks pregnant. You might notice leg cramps or pains in the side of your stomach, known as round ligament pain. These pains are caused by your ligaments stretching to make room for your expanding uterus. Your leg cramps might be caused by the extra weight and pressure applied to your joints.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness typically occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, but you might also experience it at nineteen weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts may feel tender or sore at nineteen weeks pregnant. This is a common symptom, with your breasts feeling full or aching.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen at any point of your pregnancy, including week nineteen. These might be weird food combinations or an aversion to foods you previously enjoyed.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at nineteen weeks, but it is more common during your first and third trimester. Frequent urination can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) and you can speak to your doctor about this if you have any other symptoms of a UTI.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue are common at nineteen weeks pregnant as many women find sleeping uncomfortable or difficult. Adding extra pillows to support you, placing a pillow between your knees, and meditation before bed can help.
Will I Feel Bloated At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Bloating is common at nineteen weeks pregnant. You can try eating smaller meals more frequently and avoid eating late at night to prevent bloating.
Will I Get A Headache At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common at nineteen weeks pregnant—these range in severity, with women who suffer from headaches experiencing them more frequently throughout pregnancy.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth is common during your first trimester of pregnancy. It can still occur at nineteen weeks pregnant, too.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell is common during your first trimester of pregnancy, but you might still experience it at nineteen weeks pregnant.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath typically happens later in pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing shortness of breath at nineteen weeks pregnant.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea can happen at nineteen weeks pregnant, but it might not be related to pregnancy. A stomach bug, food poisoning, or an allergy could cause diarrhea.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can happen throughout your pregnancy, including week nineteen. A white, milky discharge is normal throughout pregnancy.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can occur at nineteen weeks pregnant. Your ligaments are becoming softer and stretching, putting a strain on your pelvis and lower back joints, causing pain.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings typically happen during your first trimester, but you might experience them at nineteen weeks pregnant.
Is Spotting Normal At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting can happen at nineteen weeks pregnant and is normal. A light amount of spotting is normal, but any heavier bleeding or spotting that continues for more than twenty-four hours should be reported to your doctor or midwife.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 19 Weeks Pregnant?
The following symptoms are also common at nineteen weeks pregnant:
- Shinier and thicker hair
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
- Vaginal infections
- Urine infections
- Swollen feet and hands
- Dizziness
- Feeling hot
- Leg cramps
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Nosebleeds
How Big Is A Baby At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
At nineteen weeks pregnant, your baby is the size of a beef tomato, measuring 15.3cm long from crown to rump. They are gaining weight this week in preparation for their birth, and their adult teeth are growing, lining up behind their milk teeth.
Your baby’s skin is covered in a greasy white coating known as vernix caseosa, which will protect its skin, preventing it from being wrinkled at birth. Their lungs are developing, with their main airways starting to form.
Can You Feel The Baby At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
You might feel your baby move this week! Most women feel their baby for the first time between eighteen and twenty-two weeks, so you could feel it move this week!
You won’t feel your baby kick yet, but rather a bubbling or fluttering that is your baby moving and kicking in your womb. These movements might feel light, and you may need to sit still to notice them, but they are there! Over the next few weeks, these movements will become stronger, too.
Don’t panic if you can’t feel your baby move yet; it can take longer for some women to feel the movements.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
The common symptoms of miscarriage at nineteen weeks include heavy bleeding, tissue from your vagina, and cramping in your lower abdomen. These symptoms might start mild and become more painful, with some women experiencing contractions every five to twenty minutes.
You might find that any pregnancy symptoms you were experiencing, like sore breasts, stop. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
A miscarriage at this stage in pregnancy will have to be delivered. Your doctor might induce you to start labour artificially with medication. You might be allowed to go home and let delivery begin naturally. The hospital staff can guide you through the following steps and offer you and your family the support you need.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
At nineteen weeks pregnant, the chance of a miscarriage is less than 1%. Research by the American Journal of Epidemiology found that between weeks 14 and 20, the opportunity of miscarriage falls below 1%.
These statistics are based on the average pregnancy. Factors like age, weight, and medical history can impact your chances of a miscarriage. Speak to your doctor to find out more about this.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Several precautions to maintain your health at nineteen weeks pregnant are listed below.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
You should start taking prenatal vitamins when you discover you are pregnant. A multivitamin can be taken throughout your pregnancy; ensure it is suitable. It should also have a good dosage of vitamin D and folic acid; you can check the multivitamin label for the dosage.
Enjoy A Balanced Diet
To maintain your health, a balanced and healthy diet should be followed. A diet of lean protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and fruits and vegetables should be consumed. This will provide your body and growing baby with the nutrients and fuel you need for a healthy pregnancy.
Stay Hydrated
Alongside a healthy diet, you should drink eight to twelve cups of water daily. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), drinking water during pregnancy will aid digestion, form the amniotic fluid around your baby, and circulate nutrients through your body.
Get Plenty Of Rest
It can be tricky if you are struggling to sleep, but getting a good night’s sleep will maintain your health during pregnancy. It will allow your body a chance to rest and recover and provide your body with more energy to continue the pregnancy.
Try our tips for getting a good night’s sleep, or speak to your doctor if you struggle to rest.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoking doubles your risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. It can also increase your baby’s chance of birth defects and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Speak to your doctor for advice if you need help to quit smoking.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
At nineteen weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks while pregnant. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists found that drinking while pregnant can impact how your baby grows in the womb and is connected to a higher chance of miscarriage.
You should also reduce your caffeine intake while pregnant. Caffeine has been linked to stillbirths, a lower birthweight, and preterm weight. The Royal College of Midwives recommends reducing caffeine intake to 200mg daily.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid any supplements that are not suitable for pregnant women. Check the label of any supplements you take; if they say pregnant women should not take them, you should avoid them during pregnancy. Your doctor can also offer guidance on this.
You should also avoid high doses of vitamins A, C, and E, as they can harm your baby.
Can I Exercise While 19 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise while you are nineteen weeks pregnant, but there are some exercises you should avoid. Contact sports, sports where you could fall, involve excessive bouncing or are 2,500m above sea level, should be avoided.
You might also find that running becomes uncomfortable this week as your ligaments become looser. Swap running for walking and incorporate other gentle exercises like swimming.
Is It Safe To Travel When 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Travelling at nineteen weeks pregnant is safe, but there are some precautions. Speak to your doctor before flying if your pregnancy has any complications or you have deep vein thrombosis or high blood pressure.
Check before travelling to another country if you need any vaccinations or advisories in place.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at nineteen weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 19 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at nineteen weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
You might notice that you find sleeping harder at nineteen weeks pregnant. You can try gentle stretches and meditation before bed, sleeping on your side, using pillows to support your baby bump or other muscles, and sleeping with a pillow between your knees to enjoy better sleep.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 19 Weeks Pregnant?
Sleeping on your side is the safe position at nineteen weeks. This will ensure that your blood keeps circulating and your bump is protected while you sleep.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 19 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date at nineteen weeks pregnant is to use the date of your last menstrual period. Take the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days. This will provide you with an estimated due date.
Your doctor can also provide you with an estimated due date for your ultrasound. Your first scan, which usually happens at the end of the first trimester, is known as a dating scan, where your sonographer will measure your baby and look at its development to calculate how far in your pregnancy you are. Doing so gives you an estimated due date.
Due dates are simply estimates; it is common for your pregnancy to last longer than forty weeks, so don’t panic if your baby does not arrive on the due date.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 19 Weeks Pregnant?
At nineteen weeks pregnant, one of the biggest body changes is your growing belly. Your growing belly means you carry extra weight that can add pressure to your joints and ligaments. Back pain or pain in your leg muscles is common at this stage of pregnancy.
Abdominal pain is also a common change at nineteen weeks pregnant. Many women experience pains on the side of their stomach, known as round ligament pain. This is normal and can feel like an ache or a sharp pain.
Another body chance at this stage is pelvic pain. You can speak to a health professional about this if you are concerned. The general advice is to stay active, rest where possible, and take stairs one at a time.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body has increased the blood flow, pumping more blood around your body and to your baby. As your blood vessels expand to compensate, women see an increase in nosebleeds. The increased blood flow is also slower than normal, as your blood has further to go, which can cause dizziness.
Your belly is also growing as your uterus moves upwards and expands with your growing baby. This causes your skin to stretch, resulting in stretch marks for many women. These bright red or purple marks will fade in time, with several creams claiming to reduce their appearance.
Your body continues to grow and develop your baby, which can zap your energy! As your belly grows, sleeping can be uncomfortable, so be sure to have extra pillows to help create the perfect sleeping spot.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Below are our tips to help you prepare for the rest of your upcoming pregnancy.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might need to make lifestyle changes when you discover you are pregnant. These include stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs. All of these have a detrimental impact on your health and your baby’s health.
Speak to your healthcare provider if you need assistance with these changes. You should also stop smoking if you are trying to conceive, as smoking can make it harder to conceive, according to the CDC.
Speak To Your Doctor
You should be in regular contact with your doctor if you are pregnant. Routine appointments should be attended to ensure any questions are answered and your baby’s development is checked frequently. Your doctor is a fantastic resource throughout your pregnancy, so be sure to use them!
You should also speak to your doctor if you are trying to conceive. They can offer you guidance, support and run any necessary tests.
Stay Active
You should also stay active as you prepare and your pregnancy progresses to ensure you are fit and healthy. Your doctor can recommend exercises if you aren’t exercising regularly, such as walking or swimming to move your body.
Exercise within your limits, and don’t push yourself too far, which could cause injury or burnout.
Enjoy A Healthy Diet
Alongside staying active, you should enjoy a healthy and balanced diet. This will fuel your body with the necessary nutrients and keep you healthy throughout pregnancy. A diet of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and carbohydrates should be followed.
Your doctor can help you create a diet to follow throughout pregnancy.
Create A Support Network
You should also loom to create a support network to help you through pregnancy. Your friends, family, and partner can offer you support, a space to share your worries, and anything you need throughout pregnancy. But you can also look further afield, using apps and social media pages to meet other expecting mothers in your area.
These women will be going through the same experiences as you and can be on hand to offer support, reassurance, or some advice if needed. You can also join pregnancy and birthing classes to meet expecting mothers in your area and get guidance about the birthing process.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy week nineteen is an exciting one! You might feel your baby move as your pregnancy progresses and their development continues. Your healthcare provider will contact you for an ultrasound if they haven’t already, where you will see your growing baby and possibly find out their sex!
While you might struggle to sleep and experience swollen gums, you are halfway through your pregnancy and one step closer to meeting your baby.