19 Weeks Pregnant - what to expect
Now you're 19 weeks pregnant, this week is all about bunged-up noses, strange preg cravings, greasy hair and tomato meatball wraps (yum!)
Watch our video to see what your baby looks like this week
Time for a little cheesy varnish. Yes, really. Your baby’s skin is getting a nice, thin, waxy coating called vernix caseosa (literally ‘cheese varnish’ in Latin) that’ll protect it from the amniotic fluid and stop it going all wrinkly. Gouda thought it, eh?
So what's happening to your body this week?
As if pregnancy hasn’t chucked enough physical indignities on us yet, here comes the almost-permanently bunged-up nose.
And when it’s not bunged up, it’s running, itching or (delight of delights) gently dripping down the back of your throat.
Pregnancy rhinitis (yes, it’s so common, it has a fancy medical name) happens because your higher oestrogen levels are turbo-boosting your nose’s mucus production at the same time that your higher blood volume is swelling up the blood vessels in your nose. Result: tissue overload and Darth Vader breathing.
To un-stuff things a bit, put a towel over your head, lean your face over a bowl of hot water, and breathe in the steam. Dramatic poor-me sighing as you do so, optional…
Our MFMer's 19-week bump of the week
Has your bump got noticeably bigger this week? Check out other MFMers' belfies in our 19 week bump gallery.
Did you know? Your baby's now the length of... a jumbo sausage roll
This week, your baby measures 15.3cm - about the same as a jumbo sausage roll! If you're not sure how jumbo that is, why not pop into Greggs to find out...
And is around the weight of... a cooking apple
Your baby now weighs around 8oz (226g)!
4 things you might need to know this week
- Is vaping safe in pregnancy?
- Bananas in ketchup? Celebs share their strangest preg cravings
- Which cleaning products are safe?
- Slapped cheek disease: the toddler virus you need to know about
Tip of the week from our community
“Greasy hair? Oh don't mention the greasy hair! I have to wash mine every other day now. Go and buy the cheap own-brand stuff because you'll go through that much of it," said Liz, a member of our MadeForMums community.
Thought about nappies yet? Here's how to choose what to buy
Weeing and pooing is going to become a big part of your day once your baby arrives. There's lots of it and in the early days you'll be changing your baby around 10-12 times in every 24 hours.
So here comes a decision – are you Team Disposables or Team Reusables? Or maybe you're in the intersect bit – Team Disposables And Reusables. There are pros and cons for both types and the key is to plump for what feels right for you.
And don't forget, those nappies are not set in stone – you can always change your mind.
Our preg recipe for week 19 - Tomato meatball wraps
Why tomatoes are great for your growing baby
Vitamin A? Check. Vitamin C? Check. Iron? Check. Folic acid? Check. Tomatoes definitely pass muster on the pregnancy-nutrient checklist – plus, they are the go-to source of lycopene, an antioxidant compound that’s thought to protect against cell damage in the body. Their chromium content means they’re pretty decent at helping control blood-sugar levels too: a good pick-me-up snack choice for moody/peckish moments.
See the full recipe and get cooking...
Baby namer - what do you think of these Italian names?
Looking overseas for more exotic sounding baby names? What about these classic Italian names?
Sofia
Sofia is a popular name in Italy and comes from the Greek word for wisdom. You can also use the nickname FiFi.
Celeb baby-name-check: F1 heiress Tamara Ecclestone named her daughter Sophia.
Angelo
A variation of Angel, this Italian name means messenger of God. It's also a good tribute to Michelangelo, the famous artist who painted the Sistine Chapel.
Celeb baby-name-check: Adele named her first son Angelo.
Check out our dedicated Baby Names section for more inspiration.
So that's plenty for this week, want to take a peek at what lies ahead - or look back at last week?
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