Take day trips or even a holiday with your partner. Travel is harder with a baby!

Your baby at 19 weeks

You’re almost at the halfway point of your pregnancy, well done!

Your baby will be twisting and kicking, which may make you feel as though you have butterflies in your tummy; don’t worry if you can’t feel anything yet, especially if this is your first pregnancy. You probably won’t feel any definite kicking for a few weeks yet either.

Your baby is growing fat to keep warm after birth, and will be coated in vernix caseosa, a waxy substance that protects your baby’s delicate skin. It is normally gone by the time your baby is born, though it might be present if your baby is born prematurely.

This stage of your pregnancy is vital, as your baby’s senses are undergoing major development. If you’re having a girl, she will be carrying 6 million eggs, which will decrease to 1 million by the time she’s born. Male and female genitals can be distinguished by now, so you may want to find out what colour to paint your baby’s nursery!

Your baby is roughly 5.5 – 6 inches long, and weighs about 7 ounces, similar in size to a mango.

Your body at 19 weeks

You will grow faster from here onwards, so expect some pain and discomfort. This is because your ligaments and abdominal muscles are under a lot of stress, but the pain can be remedied by doing yoga, or even rubbing a damp, warm facecloth in the affected areas. If it becomes too much to bear, tell your doctor.

Increased levels of oestrogen might cause changes in your skin, such as red and dark patches, darker nipples and more freckles. Your skin will return to normal after your baby is born.

Pregnancy fact

By the time your baby is born, he or she will be more than 15 times the size they are now!

How you’re feeling at 19 weeks

Lack of sleep may make you irritable; try putting a pillow under your leg to help make yourself comfortable. Talking to your baby will keep your mood light and increase the bond that you will share, especially as your baby will be able to recognise your voice from inside the womb. You can even try calling your baby by his or her name if you’ve chosen it! If you’re still pondering what to call your little one, try looking at the most popular names of 2010 for some inspiration. Here are the top 20 Muslim names for boys and girls from 2010.

Pregnancy advice

• Exercise can reduce the length of labour by up to a third and your fitness levels peak during your pregnancy as you have an increase level of blood volume. There’s never been a better time to ease yourself into some mild exercise.

• If you’re thinking of taking a trip or holiday, firstly find out if it is safe for you to do so. make sure you know airline policies on flying whilst pregnant as they are all different!

18 weeks pregnant ← 19 weeks pregnant → 20 weeks pregnant

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