Week 19 of pregnancy

Your baby this week

About 272 g (estimated weight; Source: WHO fetal growth charts (Kiserud et al., PLoS Med 2017)) — about as heavy as a medium aloo (potato) (Source: USDA SR Legacy (FoodData Central) FDC 170026 'Potatoes, flesh and skin, raw': portion '1 Potato medium (2-1/4" to 3-1/4" dia)' = 213 g edible portion; SR28 FOOD_DES refuse 25% (Parings and trimmings). As-purchased weight = 213 / (1 - 0.25) = 284.0 g.). Every baby grows a little differently.

How your baby is developing

• A protective waxy coating called vernix caseosa begins forming on the skin.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)
• Brain areas involved in taste, smell, hearing, vision, and touch are developing rapidly.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)

How you may feel

• Skin pigmentation changes — such as a dark line down the belly (linea nigra) — may appear.NHS
• Backache is increasingly common as posture adapts to the growing bump.ACOG

Nutrition this week

• Iron — blood volume rises ~50% — iron demand climbs (Red meat)
• Calcium — fetal skeleton mineralising (Dairy)
• Vitamin D — calcium absorption + bone (Fatty fish)

When to reach out

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing clots.ACOG
• Severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain.ACOG
• Severe, persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down (possible hyperemesis gravidarum).NHS
• Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or chills.WHO
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or a racing/irregular heartbeat.NHS
• Pain or burning when urinating (possible urinary tract infection).NHS
• A severe or persistent headache that doesn't improve.ACOG
• Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet.ACOG
• Visual disturbances — blurring, flashing lights, or spots.ACOG
• Fluid leaking or gushing from the vagina (possible ruptured membranes).NHS
• Persistent pain in the upper abdomen, especially under the ribs on the right side.ACOG

These apply to this week specifically. See the full list of urgent warning signs the CDC publishes for pregnancy and the year after birth.