Pregnancy Week 19: Symptoms, Fetus Growth, and To-Do List
The second trimester of pregnancy, spanning from week 13 to week 26, is a crucial period marked by rapid fetal development and a variety of physical changes for expectant mothers.
During this phase, the fetus undergoes significant growth and critical development. Sensory systems start developing rapidly, with eyes forming and the retina developing around weeks 16-17. Ears form, and the fetus can hear sounds by weeks 20-21. Taste buds and smell receptors develop by weeks 14-15, and the skin develops, allowing the fetus to respond to touch around weeks 16-17. Motor skills and movement also progress, with the fetus starting to swallow and suck by weeks 16-17, and limb movements and kicking beginning around weeks 18-19. Grasping reflexes emerge by weeks 20-21, and by the fourth month, the fetus can stretch, make facial expressions, and suck its thumb.
Physical growth is also evident, as fat layers and skin thicken, providing insulation and protection, with vernix caseosa forming around week 20-21. Features such as eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails, and hair develop during this period. By the end of the second trimester, the fetus can hear and react to the mother’s voice.
Expectant mothers may experience a range of symptoms during the second trimester, including leg cramps, dizziness, nasal congestion, breast and belly growth, skin changes, Braxton-Hicks contractions, dental issues, increased hunger, and the first noticeable fetal movements described as fluttering.
To ensure a healthy pregnancy, several lifestyle modifications are recommended. A balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential, and expectant mothers should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Continuing to take prenatal vitamins is also crucial for fetal development. Regular prenatal checkups are necessary to monitor health and development, and pregnant women should engage in cautious, moderate exercise, avoiding heavy lifting. Getting plenty of rest is important for managing fatigue, and stress management techniques can help support overall well-being.
Pregnant women should also avoid harmful habits, such as alcohol, smoking, and substances that could harm fetal development. Genetic screening may be recommended between weeks 15 and 20, and it is important to wash all ground-grown foods, clean surfaces and utensils after preparing raw foods, store raw food away from ready-to-eat food, and heat ready meals thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection during pregnancy.
Carbohydrates and starchy foods should make up little more than one-third of what is eaten during pregnancy. Healthier snack options include small sandwiches, carrot, celery, or cucumber, yogurt with fruit, pitta bread with hummus, and light soups. Wholegrain or high-fiber options, such as wholegrain pasta, brown rice, or baked potatoes with skins on, are preferable for carbohydrate consumption.
In the second and third trimesters, a pregnant woman should consume an additional 300 to 400 calories per day. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, are important for fetal skeleton development, with low-fat dairy products being preferred. It is recommended to consume two portions of fish per week, but avoid fish with high levels of mercury such as shark, swordfish, or marlin.
Pregnant women should consult their physician with any questions about their pregnancy and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. The fetus might start kicking or prodding during week 19, and a female fetus has 6 million eggs in her ovaries at week 19.
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure that tests for chromosomal abnormalities, and options for genetic screening include simple blood work or amniocentesis. Fruit and vegetables should provide the cornerstone of the pregnancy diet, with five portions consumed daily. It is important to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
This period is often considered physically easier than the first trimester, with many women feeling more energetic and experiencing reduced nausea. However, the growing uterus and body changes require careful attention to comfort and health to ensure a smooth pregnancy progression.
During this phase, the fetus might undergo retargeting in its development, as it starts recognizing and responding to contextual sounds like the mother’s voice by the end of the second trimester. The second trimester also marks a crucial time for expectant mothers to focus on their health-and-wellness, including avoiding harmful habits like smoking and alcohol, and ensuring a balanced diet rich in dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Pregnant women are encouraged to engage in science-backed practices, such as regular prenatal checkups, cautious exercise, and stress management techniques, for the well-being of both themselves and their developing offspring.
As the second trimester progresses, some pregnant women might notice improvements in symptoms like nausea, and an increase in energy levels. However, it's important to remember that the growing uterus and body changes require careful attention, including careful monitoring of fetal development through options like amniocentesis. Women should consult their healthcare providers to ensure a smooth pregnancy progression and discuss any concerns related to fetal development, such as the current research on Paxlovid during pregnancy or the Pfizer vaccine's impact on women's health.
