Your Pregnancy: Week 19

At 19 weeks pregnant your baby is the size of a $100 dollar bill! If you’re a first-time mom, you may not notice right away but you may start feeling flutters in your belly that seem like gas bubbles. What you’re actually feeling right now is your baby moving around.

Many of the symptoms you’ve felt in weeks prior will continue. You may still be feeling tired, your breasts are likely feeling swollen and enlarged and you may have trouble sleeping. As your belly grows, you may also notice a dark line extending downward from your belly button.
Chalk this development up to evolution; the linea nigra is said to help the newborn baby find its way up mom’s body to latch on and begin nursing. Apart from that, there are a few other common 19 weeks pregnant symptoms you should be aware of.

Dizziness and shortness of breath
As your uterus grows, it may put additional pressure on your blood vessels causing dizziness. You may also notice that you lose your breath more often these days as the baby is taking up more space squeezing other organs, like your lungs.

Abdominal aches and pains
Known as round ligament pain, your stretching muscles may start to cause you pain in your belly and lower back. This is to be expected but if it becomes unbearable, it’s important to let your doctor know.

Lower back or hip pain
With the added pressure on your insides, your lower back and hips may also hurt. Consider a body pillow to help distribute your body weight as you sleep. Laying on your left side can help improve your circulation and allows for better blood flow to the uterus and fetus at 19 weeks.

At 19 weeks, you’re now five months pregnant and halfway through your pregnancy. At this point, if you want to find out the sex of your baby, you may be able to do so.

You’re now halfway there, so if you’ve been wanting to find out the sex of your baby, the week 19 ultrasound is likely when you’d find out (if you want to know.) If you haven’t had an ultrasound yet, it should be happening soon, as your doctor will want to ensure your baby is developing well. This ultrasound will scan the baby’s heart, spine, and brain and you’ll likely go home with some images to share with friends and family. This ultrasound appointment may also include additional lab tests.

If you’re experiencing 19 week pregnant belly pain, round ligament pain could be the cause. Round ligament pain is a result of your uterus stretching. Often, simple yoga poses and rest can provide some relief.

• You may feel up to getting in some exercise at this point in your pregnancy. Check with your OBGYN to ensure it’s safe for you to work out and if so, low-impact exercises are best. Walking, yoga, and swimming for about 30 minutes a day, a few times per week is sufficient.
• At 19 weeks pregnant you’re just about halfway through your pregnancy and may start feeling overwhelmed with all you still have to do. Make it a point to rest when you can, especially if you’re experiencing sleeplessness in the middle of the night.

• Your baby will be here before you know it, so now may be a good time to start asking around for pediatrician recommendations. Often many offices allow you to talk with the pediatrician or office staff to answer questions. This is a good time to find a doctor who is a good match for you and your family.
• If you’re heading back to work after maternity leave, you may also want to start looking into childcare options. Begin setting up interviews with childcare facilities and daycare providers. Many times there are waiting lists, so get a headstart and do this early before you need to utilize their services.
• Many moms-to-be begin to feel anxious and overwhelmed at 19 weeks pregnant. Now is a good time to check things off your to-do list to help you feel as though you’re making headway. One helpful thing you can do right now is signing up for an infant CPR class. Not only will this make you feel as though you’re being productive when there’s a tendency to feel like you’re spinning your wheels, but you’ll also be working toward learning a potentially life-saving skill.

Continue taking your prenatal vitamins and ensure you’re consuming a wide variety of healthful foods. At this stage of your pregnancy, healthy carbohydrates will help fuel you and give you the energy you need to get through those afternoon slumps. Opt for wholegrain options to keep up your energy levels.

• Starches and carbohydrates
• Leafy green vegetables
• Cheese and yogurt
• Lean proteins
• Fruits and vegetables

Abdominal pain that is severe and doesn’t go away should always be reported to your doctor, whether you’re bleeding or not. Similarly, if you’re having week 19 pregnancy cramps, your doctor needs to know. Call your doctor right away if you are experiencing:

• Bleeding
• Excessive vaginal discharge
• Rapid weight loss
• Excessive cramping

Pregnant women are at a higher risk of illness as a result of a COVID-19 diagnosis and those diagnosed with COVID-19 have an increased chance of delivering pre-term (before 37 weeks), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Note: If you are visiting your doctor during COVID, be sure to confirm that the doctor’s office is following COVID protocols as indicated by the CDC.

According to research in 2016, despite the Affordable Care Act, 1 in 10 women in American were uninsured. In 2018, the percentage of uninsured women in America doubled from 6.8% to 12.8%. Uninsured women who become pregnant can seek free or low-cost health coverage through Medicaid or CHIP. Eligibility depends on income, household size, and often citizenship or immigration status. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply for coverage.