Pregnancy Week 19
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Your Baby's Growth and Development
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Your baby is getting bigger and bigger, measuring in at close to 6 inches by pregnancy week 19! Between now and delivery our baby will grow in size up to 15 times the size she is today! The changes that occur in the upcoming weeks of pregnancy are truly remarkable.
By pregnancy week 19 your baby is already producing her first bowel movement, called meconium. Most babies start passing meconium in the first few days after delivery. It resembles a black, sticky and tarry substance (not pretty, but it is very necessary newborn babies excrete this substance after birth). Meconium is the result of build up of various materials in your baby including amniotic fluid during pregnancy.
Very rarely some babies will have their first bowel movement while still in utero. This may result from fetal distress and is a cause for concern. If your baby breathes in meconium during delivery this can lead to severe complications including pneumonia. Fortunately most doctors can tell early on if your baby has passed meconium during delivery and will take precautions to prevent your baby from inhaling the meconium during delivery. Most doctors will use a tool called the DeLee suction device to help remove meconium from your baby's airway during delivery.
One thing you should know... there is virtually no way to know what babies will or will not pass meconium during delivery. So don't stress out about it. It is relatively rare, and when it does happen your doctor will know what to do to help protect your baby from complications.
Pregnancy week 19 is a busy week. During this time your baby is also producing a substance called vernix. This white and sticky substance coats and protects your baby's skin during pregnancy. Many baby's will still have some vernix on their skin after birth, especially those born a little early.
Changes In Your Body
Your uterus now sits just below your belly button. Some women notice more round ligament pain during this time as their uterus continues to grow and expand. You may notice as your belly continues to expand and grow your balance shifts somewhat. A shift in your center of gravity is quite normal as your belly expands during pregnancy. Just be careful when walking about and climbing stairs!
Many women notice they start feeling a little dizzy or lightheaded at times around pregnancy week 19. This is also quite normal as your center of gravity shifts. I noticed these symptoms were more common when changing position or getting up too quickly. Doctors refer to this phenomena as hypotension, and is usually nothing to be overly concerned about.
At times the uterus may place pressure on your vena cava or aorta, two important arteries supplying blood to your body. This may also result in hypotension at times when you lie down. You can usually relieve any dizziness you feel by lying on your left side rather than your back.
One of the simplest ways to reduce the pressure placed on your vena cava and other arteries is by using a pregnancy pillow to support your legs, neck, head and lower back during pregnancy. Snoozer Full Body Pregnancy Pillows are ideal for this task. Simply go to bed lying on your left side so you do not press against your vena cava. Insert parts of the pregnancy pillow between your legs to relieve pressure on your vena cava and you will find your circulation may improve and you are more likely to get a good night sleep. Some women also use pregnancy pillows while at work. You can prop them on a stool so you can elevate your legs to relieve pressure on your legs while sitting at work. And don’t be shy about owning a pregnancy pillow at work or in your home. You can easily store your pregnancy pillow in a discreet carrying case and tuck it under your desk when not in use. Some moms-to-be choose to buy two, one for travel or work and another for home so they do not have to pack a pillow every time they venture out.
Remember, your comfort and security are vital to your health and that of your baby. So if using a pregnancy pillow helps improve your circulation and helps you feel better, then by all means use one! And do not feel shy about it; you may be surprised to find out just how many women enjoy the benefits of a Snoozer Pregnancy Pillow year ‘round.
Traveling During Pregnancy
The second trimester is usually an ok time to travel during pregnancy. For most women traveling is safe and leads to few complications. You will probably feel most of the pregnancy complications or side effects you'd normally feel when traveling.
During my first two pregnancies I flew and went on long road trips through my second trimester. There are subtle steps you can take to help improve your comfort while traveling. Here are just a few things to consider:
- Be sure to take extra snacks along. You'll find you are hungry and don't want to be in a place where healthy snacks are hard to find. If traveling by air keep in mind most airline food is full of preservatives and sodium that will lead to bloating. Pack your own food if you can.
- Drink lots of extra water.
- Be prepared to stop more than normal. If you are on a long road trip, take frequent breaks to use the bathroom and stretch your legs. This will help alleviate your discomfort.
- Try many small meals instead of a couple of larger ones each day to help minimize heartburn and indigestion.
- Get as much sleep as you can while traveling to help promote your well-being.
Read next about your baby's growth and development, as well as the changes in your body during pregnancy week 20.
