19 Weeks Pregnant

Pregnancy Body Changes

Around 19 weeks pregnant, many women wonder whether having sex will hurt their developing baby, and the answer is no. Sex is considered safe at all stages of pregnancy, as long as your pregnancy is normal. Many expectant women find that their desire for sex fluctuates during the various stages of pregnancy, depending on their fatigue, growing size, anxiousness over the birth, and a host of other body changes.

During your week 19 prenatal checkup, your doctor will likely check your weight, your blood pressure, urine, your uterus, and your baby's heartbeat. Talk to your doctor about anemia, and signs to watch for.

You may start to notice blotchy patches on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. You also may begin to develop stretch marks and the dry, itchy skin that comes with them.

Your Baby's Growth and Development

Nineteen weeks into your pregnancy, your baby is about 5.2 to 6 inches long and weighs about 7 ounces. Your baby is also getting a lot more active by kicking, turning, twisting, moving its arms, and wiggling its fingers and toes. This may feel as if you have butterflies; a lot of first-time mothers may not feel the classic kicking until they are 26 weeks pregnant.

At 19 weeks your baby starts to develop brown fat, which will help keep your baby warm after birth. During the last trimester, your baby will add more layers of fat for warmth and protection.

Your baby is now covered with a white, waxy substance called vernix caseosa, which helps prevent delicate skin from becoming chapped or scratched. Premature babies may be covered in this cheesy coating at delivery.

The skin is developing and is transparent, appearing red because blood vessels are visible through it. Your baby is developing nerves that connect the muscles to the brain.

Your Pregnancy Week by Week