19th week of pregnancy: how the fetus develops and what happens in the body

I am currently in my fifth month of pregnancy. Four full months are already behind us. The baby continues to actively develop and gain weight. Many expectant mothers have already felt the first movements of the fetus. Let's see how his development is going.

19th week of pregnancy - sensations

During this period, the body slowly prepares for the birth of a baby and subsequent breastfeeding. Colostrum may sometimes appear from the mammary glands. This is a normal process, so no special measures should be taken. Simply wipe your nipples with a clean cloth.

An increase in the volume of blood circulating in the body can provoke decreased hemoglobin levels. This causes increased fatigue, weakness, and sometimes even dizziness. In addition, there may be a rapid pulse, and sometimes it becomes difficult to breathe. The reason for this is that the growing fetus puts pressure on the diaphragm, and therefore deep inhalations and exhalations are difficult. In this case, it is best to breathe shallowly but often.

During the second trimester, you may notice frequent urination and increased sweating. Remember that this is simply the physiology of pregnant women and these phenomena do not require any treatment. The growth of the fetus can provoke the appearance of stretch marks or stretch marks, as they are also called. To avoid this, try not to gain weight too quickly. Optimal weight gain about half a kilogram per week. This weight gain will allow the skin to adapt and there will be no stretch marks. As a preventative measure, you can lubricate your skin with oil, such as olive or grape seed. Special creams are excellent at preventing stretch marks.

During these weeks, the first fetal movements are felt. If you have already noted the first tremors, then now the baby’s activity will increase.

19th week of pregnancy - what happens to the baby

Now the baby is growing to the size of an average potato. He is already about fifteen centimeters tall, and his weight has increased to 200 grams. Now the most important thing for him is full development and further improvement. You must provide him with everything he needs for this with proper nutrition and comfortable rest.

Now the child has:

• The whole body is actively growing.
• The areas responsible for the senses are being improved in the brain.
• The spleen begins its activity, it continues to form and strengthen the baby’s immunity.
• The neck muscles gradually become stronger.
• There is further improvement of the motor process and fine motor skills of the fingers.
• The subcutaneous fat layer thickens.
• The respiratory system develops.
• Kids female actively accumulate eggs.
• The child alternates periods of active wakefulness and sleep. Moreover, the total duration of the quiet phase is approximately three quarters of a day.

There is still a lot of space in the uterus, so the baby’s kicks do not cause discomfort to the expectant mother, but only bring joy.

19 weeks of pregnancy - what's going on with mom

You are now almost halfway through your pregnancy. At this time, the stomach quickly increases. It becomes more difficult for you to find a comfortable position to rest. It is especially difficult to sleep on your back. Sudden movements can cause pain in the abdomen. The cause of this pain is the tension of the ligaments that hold the uterus. It can be reduced with the help of a special bandage.

Changes in hormonal levels and the production of a special secretion that protects the vagina from infections discharge from the genitals. The volume of discharge may be slightly increased due to increased production of the hormone estrogen. The discharge has a white tint or is completely transparent, there is practically no smell, as well as pathological impurities. Such discharge should not cause you any concern.

Any deviation from the norm, for example, a cheesy consistency, a greenish or yellowish color, an unpleasant odor or foamy discharge causes concern for health and should be a reason for a mandatory visit to the doctor. This type of discharge may be a signal that thrush is activating. This disease requires mandatory treatment. Another reason could be various types of infections. They can cause infection of the membranes of the fetus and the baby itself. The appearance of brown discharge, especially after sex, may indicate problems with the cervix, for example, this is how erosion manifests itself.

The most dangerous thing is the appearance of discharge with blood of scarlet or dark color. They directly indicate the possibility of fetal death or placental abruption. If, in addition to bloody discharge, cramping pain appears and the uterus becomes toned, then you need to urgently call a doctor at home.

The growth and active development of a baby requires a lot of minerals, which are taken from your body. Therefore, problems with gums or teeth may begin during this period. To correct the situation, drink special mineral complexes for pregnant women.
Preparing the body for childbirth, namely expanding the pelvic area, often causes pain in the back, lower back and changes in gait. To ease your condition, give up high-heeled shoes, rest more often, and raise your legs up when lying down.