Pregnancy week 19 - baby's development and your body

The fetus is growing and becoming stronger, able to move more consciously and react to sounds. If you haven't already felt the fetus's movements, you may start to feel them soon.

Size:

The fetus is about 15–16 cm or 5.91–6.30 inches in size, from head to rump.

Weight:

Approximately 240 grams or 8.47 ounces.

Fetal development:

The fetus can now hear and may react to loud sounds. It moves intentionally and has established a sleep cycle.

Up until weeks 18–20, all fetuses are roughly the same size, but from now on, they begin to grow at different rates based on genetic factors and the nourishment they receive.

With ample room in the womb, the fetus moves its arms and legs freely. Its skin is covered with fine hairs called lanugo, and fetal fat is beginning to form, helping retain warmth and protect the skin.

The fetus now has eyelids, hands, feet, and toenails, and its fingerprints are clearly visible.

Your body:

Your belly is growing, and you may start feeling fetal movements around this time, though this can vary based on the placenta's position.

By now, early pregnancy symptoms have typically subsided, and many experience fewer bothersome symptoms, though this can vary. If you’ve had nausea, it may have eased by now or will likely do so by week 20. However, for those who experienced stronger nausea, it may persist a bit longer.