Pregnancy week 19

Pregnancy calendar week 19 of being pregnant - Your baby's movements are stronger and more coordinated because her nervous system is now more sophisticated.

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Week by week pregnancy guide > Pregnancy week 19

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You

If you haven't felt your baby move before, you may feel her for the first time this week. You may have an ultrasound scan this week or next. Many hospitals encourage your partner to attend with you.

You may start developing stretchmarks, about 90% of women do. Help keep them at bay by keeping your weight gain steady with exercise and a healthy diet. There is not much you can do to avoid them if you are prone to them. Try using wheatgerm/vitamin E cream or oil on your breasts or stomach. Stretchmarks do fade to silvery lines in the months after birth.

Your baby

Your baby's movements are stronger and more coordinated because her nervous system is now more sophisticated. The first strand of hair will begin to grow on her head.

Your baby will begin to recognise your voice and may respond to loud noises or music by making jerky movements possibly showing that whatever she is hearing is too loud and frightening. She will also feel your touch when you massage your abdomen. Your baby now sleeps and wakes at regular intervals and has started to exercise her lungs and practice her breathing techniques.