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Congratulations! |
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You are in
Week 19 of Your Pregnancy |
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Size: 5.2 to 6 inches
Weight: 7 ounces
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| Source: "Improved birth weight table for neonates developed from gestations dated by early ultrasonography."
Journal of Ultrasound Medicine. 16:241, 1997. |
Your Baby
The sebaceous glands start producing vernix caseosa, a covering that protects the delicate fetal skin from the amniotic fluid. Myelination of the spinal cord also takes place.
You
As your uterus continues to push forward, your back is starting to arch, and you take on the typical pregnant woman stance. This, along with hormones relaxing your ligaments, can be a real pain in the back. This discomfort is going to be with you for the rest of your pregnancy, so sit down and elevate your feet. When you're doing stand-up work (at the counter in the kitchen, for example), try putting one foot up on a low stool. This helps relieve the pressure on your lower back.
Your heart is working overtime pumping up to 40% more blood through your system to bring your baby enough oxygen. It's normal to experience some heart pounding or palpitations, but call your doctor immediately if they are accompanied by shortness of breath.
