Pregnancy: 19 weeks

The 19th week of pregnancy is characterized by the fact that active sensory development occurs! The brain allocates areas for the perception of smell, taste, hearing, sight and tactile contact. Some studies have shown that at this stage the baby perceives your voice, so do not be shy about talking to him.

If you are 19 weeks pregnant, your baby already weighs 240 grams and has grown to 15 centimeters in length. His arms and legs are now proportional to the rest of his body. The kidneys continue to produce urine, and hair begins to grow on his head. The baby's skin develops a cheesy lubricant - a protective coating that prevents the effects of amniotic fluid.

Important: Each baby's development is unique. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of fetal development.

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19 weeks of pregnancy and changes in the expectant mother

Here you are, week 19 of pregnancy, and you are starting to feel like you have gained weight. Over the next few weeks, your belly size will increase rapidly, and as a result, you may notice some soreness in your lower abdomen or side, especially when changing positions or at the end of an active day. This is most likely pain from the round ligament, which supports the uterus and stretches to accommodate the increasing weight.

Week 19 of pregnancy is accompanied by some skin changes that you may notice: your palms may turn red, but this is not a cause for concern, the redness is caused by excess estrogen. Dark spots may also appear on the skin, caused by a temporary increase in pigment. The appearance of such spots on the upper lip, cheeks, and forehead is called chloasma. You may also notice some darkening of the nipples, freckles, scars, and labia.

These dark spots will disappear after the baby is born. Therefore, the 19th week of pregnancy is the time to protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Wear a hat and use sunscreen.

Muscle aches "Try gently massaging the muscles or applying a heating pad" - Anonymous

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19 weeks pregnant: time to think about baby's name

For many couples, choosing a name for their baby is a fun game, for others it is a difficult process of negotiations. Either way, 19 weeks pregnant is the time to make a decision, because the name you choose for your baby will be recorded in his documents for the rest of his life (unless he decides to change it). Factors to consider when choosing a name:

• Sound and compatibility. The sound of a name is one of the main criteria when choosing it. Is it really melodic? Clear? Does the name go with the last name? Try to avoid names that end with the same sound that the last name begins with.
• Uniqueness. Unusual names have advantages – they help to individualize your child. On the other hand, a name that no one has heard before or that is difficult to pronounce may cause unwanted attention for your child.
• Relatives and Friends. Many parents name their children after grandparents, other relatives, or close friends. Don't want multiple Mishas in one house? Look further back in your family tree to see if you can find a name that suits you better. If you're worried about hurt feelings about a name on one side of your family, consider a double name.
• Lineage and Heredity: Heritage is an important part of life, and a child's name can reflect this.
• Meaning. The origin and meaning of a child's name is not only useful and interesting, but also character-building information.
• Initials and nicknames. Children can be especially cruel when it comes to nicknames, so when choosing a name for your child, take this factor into account and reject any that might be embarrassing.
• One of the best tests when choosing a name for a child: imagine that you have to shout his name loudly on the playground. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, think of another name.

19 weeks pregnant and activity

Week 19 of pregnancy is the time to look for a daycare. This may seem premature to you, but the best daycare centers usually have long waiting lists, and it is easier for you to do this now than when you have a small child in your arms. Consider options for crèches, kindergartens, and nannies for the baby. It is better not to use the service because it is not needed than to miss the chance when it is needed.