19 weeks pregnant

Your baby is now as big as a mango!

Your energy is likely returning, your breasts may be feeling less tender, and your queasiness may have completely abated by now. If not, hang on — chances are good it will soon be behind you The top of your uterus is a bit above your pubic bone, which may be enough to push your tummy out a tad.

Starting to show can be quite a thrill, giving you and your partner visible evidence of the baby you've been waiting for. Take some time to plan, daydream, and enjoy this amazing time. It's normal to worry a bit now and then, but try to focus on taking care of yourself and your baby, and having faith that you're well equipped for what's ahead.

Your baby is now the size of a...

Mango.

In the last week, your baby has had a bit of a growth spurt and will have started putting on a fair amount of fat which is essential for him after delivery. He will also have become coated from head to toe in a white substance called vernix caseosa. Vernix is a greasy waterproof substance used to protect baby’s skin during labour. Some babies are born with vernix still visible on their skin and many believe that you shouldn’t remove the vernix for 24 hours after birth as it helps to prevent ongoing skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

Lots of babies start to grow hair around this time although don’t be disappointed if the baby comes out bald this is also very common. If you were to have a scan this week you will notice that baby’s arm and legs are no more in proportion to the rest of her body giving her a less alien appearance.

Pregnancy symptoms at 19 weeks

Abdominal aches and pains, dizziness, leg cramps and hip pain.

Tips and advice for pregnancy at 19 weeks

It’s a drag when you’re dragging yourself through the day. Make a point of getting your sleep — yes, it’s obvious, but between racing to the bathroom at midnight to pee and your mind racing with all those pregnancy worries, you may find it difficult to comply with your body’s ever-rising request for rest. So turn away from the computer (which can leave you too wired to fall asleep), turn in earlier (maybe after reading a book or magazine), and linger in bed longer. That extra sleep should give you some staying power.