Trimester 2
Week 19
Your baby is about the size of a mango.
Length: 15.3 cm · Weight: 240 g
Common this week: Active baby kicks, Round ligament pain, Constipation, Increased discharge, Heartburn, Back pain.
Baby development
- The baby is covered in vernix caseosa — a protective white waxy coating.
- Lanugo (fine soft hair) covers the whole body to help anchor the vernix.
- The baby's senses are all developing — touch, taste, smell, hearing, sight.
- The brain is designating specialised areas for each sense.
Changes for you
- Baby kicks are becoming stronger and more regular.
- Some women experience round ligament pain that can be quite sharp.
- Constipation may worsen as the uterus presses on the bowel.
- You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) — this is normal.
Tips
- Eat high-fibre foods (wholegrain bread, fruit, vegetables) and drink plenty of water for constipation.
- Do pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) daily — important for birth recovery.
- Keep a kick-count diary from now on — note if patterns change.
- Wear a maternity support belt if back pain is significant.
Appointments
- Morphology scan if not done last week.
- Routine antenatal check.
Warning signs
- Decreased fetal movement
- Unusual discharge (blood-tinged, green, or foul-smelling)
- Cramping
Australian notes
- Continence Foundation of Australia recommends pelvic floor exercises throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
- If the placenta is low-lying (placenta praevia), a follow-up scan at 32 weeks is usually recommended.