Second trimester · 19 weeks pregnant
Week 19: a protective coating
Vernix covers the skin and the senses are wiring up.
A white, waxy coating called vernix caseosa now protects your baby's skin from the amniotic fluid. The brain is developing specialised areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision and touch.
Size and weight
About the size of
a mango
Length
15.3 cm
Weight
240 g
Averages from standard growth charts. Measured crown to rump until week 20 and head to heel afterwards.
How your baby is developing
- Vernix caseosa, a waxy coating, covers and protects the skin.
- Brain regions for the five senses are developing.
- Scalp hair grows; the kidneys produce more urine.
- Arm and leg proportions are now close to those of a newborn.
How you may feel
- Round ligament pain
- Hip and pelvic ache, especially at night
- Dizziness
- Darkening of the areolas, linea nigra and any moles
- Leg cramps
Pelvic girdle pain affects about one in five pregnant women. Physiotherapy, a support belt and avoiding standing on one leg all help.
What's next
Tests and appointments
- Anatomy scan if scheduled this week.
What to do this week
- Sleep with a pillow between your knees and roll out of bed sideways.
- Keep moving but skip exercises that twist or strain the pelvis if they hurt.
- Ask for a physiotherapy referral early if pelvic pain limits daily life.
Call your doctor or maternity hospital if
- Any vaginal bleeding, or fluid leaking from the vagina
- Regular, painful tightenings or period-like cramps
- A severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden swelling of your face and hands
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain, fever, or pain when you pass urine
If something feels wrong, trust yourself and call 103 or your maternity hospital. You will never be wasting anyone's time.
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