Week 19 of Your Pregnancy

It's week 19 of your pregnancy, and (if you’re lucky) you've got a spring in your step. Here’s what else you may expect this week.

Pregnancy Journey Week 19

Design By Alice Morgan / Illustration by Tara Anand

It’s week 19 of your pregnancy, which means you've almost reached the halfway mark. At this point, your belly is (more likely than not) popping out a little bit more. “The uterus is not at navel level, which contributes to people showing," explains Yamel Belen, R.N., a doula and owner of One Love Doula. But there’s more going on too! Read on to learn what's happening this week of your pregnancy. 

Pregnancy Week 19 Quick Facts

  • At 19 weeks, you’re five months pregnant
  • You have 21 weeks until your due date
  • You're in your second trimester

Your Unborn Baby's Size At 19 Weeks

At this stage, your unborn baby is approximately 6.02 inches long and weighs about 8.47 ounces. That's roughly the size of a mango!

Pregnancy Journey Weekly Reminder

Design by Alice Morgan

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 19

As your belly grows, you may experience some new or recurring symptoms, including:

When your feet and ankles swell, it changes the game. I went from wearing a size 8.5 to only being able to wear a size 10 crocs. Belen says this symptom is common. But swelling of the feet can also be indicative of high blood pressure so it’s important to have your health care provider examine you. If your blood pressure is normal, swelling may just be part of your pregnancy.

At this point in pregnancy, you may also be able to feel your unborn baby move (if you haven’t already). It typically feels like a flutter in the lower abdomen and it’s more likely you’ll be able to feel it now if this isn’t your first pregnancy. But if you’re a first-time pregnant person, it’s more likely you’ll feel it around next week.

Developmental Milestones

Your unborn baby is forming the five senses as the nerve cells in the brain are developing. The bronchioles–aka the main airways of the lungs–are also forming. 

Another incredible milestone: your body is working to protect your unborn baby. "Their body is starting to be covered in vernix," says Belen. Vernix caseosa is a creamy biofilm that protects their delicate skin from amniotic fluid. It also hydrates the unborn baby’s skin so it won't wrinkle or chap. Babies typically have some amount of vernix on their skin when they are born, especially if they arrive before their due dates.

Prenatal Tests And Doctor's Appointments

You typically won't have a scheduled prenatal visit during week 19. But you can look forward to a more informational visit in your upcoming ultrasound for week 20. You'll get to see images showing how your unborn baby has developed over the past few weeks.

"The anatomy ultrasound looks at all the parts of the fetus, fetal growth, and fluid levels,” explains Jill Purdie, M.D., a board-certified OB-GYN at Pediatrix.

Common Questions At This Stage Of Pregnancy

Should I worry about my blood pressure during pregnancy?

High blood pressure—also called hypertension—can cause serious issues for a pregnant person, including preeclampsia and stroke, when it’s uncontrolled or severe. It can also increase the risk for preterm delivery and low birth weight in the fetus. That’s why it’s important for your health care provider to check your blood pressure at every prenatal visit, especially since it doesn’t always cause symptoms. 


If a patient has high blood pressure prior to pregnancy, it’s important to work with your health care provider on a plan for managing it, such as taking medication. If a patient gets diagnosed with gestational hypertension—or high blood pressure during pregnancy typically diagnosed after 20 weeks—the same steps should be taken. It’s also important to continue tracking your blood pressure at home through a home blood pressure monitor. This way patients can contact their doctor if it is higher than usual. (Speak with your insurance as these can be covered.) 


Patients who had high blood pressure during pregnancy should continue to monitor it after delivery as problems can occur at that time as well.


Should my breasts still be tender?

"Breast changes are very common in pregnancy,” says Belen. “By now, you will also see changes in breast size.” And yes, tenderness can accompany the growth. Try wearing soft, relaxed-fit bras to keep from adding unnecessary pressure to your breasts.

Things You Might Consider This Week

Sleep may be starting to get more difficult because of your growing belly. "People report no longer being able to sleep on their stomachs," explains Belen. Now is the time to get some help to catch those z’s. Some people may feel more comfortable “with additional pillows for support during sleep and may even choose to use a pregnancy pillow," says Dr. Purdie. I found that even putting pillows under my arms when I sat on the sofa was a relief too! 

You may also want to compile any questions you might have for your health care provider at your upcoming 20-week appointment. It could be helpful to write them all down so you don’t forget. And remember, every question is valid. 

Now could also be a good time to start thinking of a theme for your nursery if that’s important to you. Pinterest, YouTube, and TikTok are great places to find some inspiration. Once you gather some themes, why not run them by your loved ones who have an eye for decor and get their opinions? It doesn't have to be an elaborate display; simple and sweet works just as nicely.

Support You May Need This Week

Think of any resources you need that would be helpful on your pregnancy journey and beyond. Whether this is your first baby or you have multiple children in the home, see if you're eligible for food resources like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) or other food assistance programs if that will be helpful. Some organizations also offer care specifically for first-time parents.

To find resources near you, search programs by the state you live in.

Head over to week 20 of pregnancy

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