Week 19: Baby finds their senses

Your baby is about the size of a mango now and developing a waxy white coating called vernix, which protects their skin in the amniotic fluid, held in place by that fine lanugo hair. Behind the scenes, their brain is busily mapping out areas for each of the senses — touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight.

The kicks are getting stronger and more regular, which is lovely — and worth paying attention to. From around now it’s good to get to know your baby’s usual pattern of movement. If it ever changes or slows, call your midwife straight away; it’s always worth checking, and never a bother.

A couple of common second-trimester niggles: constipation (which a high-fibre diet and plenty of water really help) and more vaginal discharge, which is normal as long as it stays clear or milky.

Your bump is growing fast, and you may be noticing more obvious changes: skin stretching (and sometimes itching), a deeper linea nigra, and the first stretch marks for some — all completely normal. A fragrance-free moisturiser soothes the itch, though no cream truly prevents stretch marks. If itching ever becomes intense, especially on your palms and the soles of your feet later in pregnancy, do mention it to your midwife, as it occasionally signals a liver condition worth checking.

With movements becoming a lovely daily reassurance, this is a nice point to start gently noticing your baby’s rhythms — not to count obsessively, but to get a feel for their busy and quiet spells, which matters more later on. And keep tending to the basics that keep you comfortable: hydration, fibre for digestion, supportive shoes, and rest when your body asks for it.

Now’s a great time to start daily pelvic floor exercises if you haven’t — Continence Health Australia recommends them throughout pregnancy and recovery, and your future self will thank you.