Everything you need to know about week 19 of pregnancy

19th Week of Pregnancy (Week 19)

Welcome to the 19th week of pregnancy – you have now reached the second half of the 5th month! At this stage, many pregnant women consciously feel their baby’s movements for the first time. Whether it’s a gentle flutter or a light kick: it is a special moment that, for many expectant parents, is the first real “hello” from their child.

There are also noticeable changes on the outside: your baby bump is getting rounder, your skin may be more sensitive, and you might already see a fine dark line on your belly – the so-called Linea nigra. In week 19, your baby continues to mature, with important developmental steps ahead.

The 19th Week of Pregnancy at a Glance

Your Baby in Week 19:

• Your child is now about 15–16 cm long (from head to bottom) and weighs around 230–250 g.
• The skin is still thin and transparent, but the vernix caseosa continues to form to protect it.
• The sensory organs continue to develop – especially hearing. Your baby can now even react to your voice!
• Small movements with arms, legs, hands and feet are becoming more frequent – thumb-sucking is also possible.
• The organ of balance in the inner ear is maturing, giving your baby a first sense of “up” and “down”.
  
  

Your Body in Week 19:

• Your uterus now reaches just below your navel.
• The growing baby bump can cause a slight pulling sensation in the groin – the round ligaments are stretching.
• Skin changes, increased sweating and improved blood circulation are now also typical symptoms.
• Your breasts are slowly preparing for breastfeeding; some women already notice colostrum.
  
  

Baby’s Development in Week 19

A lot is happening in your belly during the 19th week: your baby’s facial features are becoming finer and the body now looks much more in proportion. Eyelids, ears, nose and lips are clearly recognisable. Inside, the organs continue to mature – especially the brain, liver and kidneys are already working hard.

Your baby’s skin is covered in vernix caseosa, which protects it from the amniotic fluid. The first fine lines are also forming on the surface of the skin – such as fingerprints, which are now developing.

Your baby remains active: arms and legs are stretched, little hands grasp reflexively, and many babies discover their thumb as a comforter during week 19.

The developing organ of balance now helps your child to orient themselves better in the womb. At the same time, hearing is becoming more refined – your baby can now hear sounds from both inside and outside more clearly.

Your Body in the 19th Week of Pregnancy

In week 19, you will notice the changes in your body even more consciously. Your uterus continues to grow upwards and for many pregnant women now gently presses against the stomach. This can cause heartburn or shortness of breath – both completely normal at this stage.

Your skin may be more sensitive – you may notice pigmentation changes such as dark spots on your face or the previously mentioned Linea nigra on your belly. Your breasts are also changing: the nipples become darker, and colostrum (the first milk) may already leak out.

The increasing weight can also lead to back pain. Pay special attention to your posture, get enough movement and allow yourself relaxing moments. Mild calf cramps, feelings of tension or that familiar “pulling” in the groin are often caused by the stretching of the ligaments – your body is working around the clock for your little miracle.