19 Weeks Pregnant

19 weeks pregnant: baby size, movement and the anatomy scan

At 19 weeks pregnant, you are in the second trimester and almost halfway through pregnancy. Nineteen weeks is often described as about 4 and a half months pregnant, although clinicians usually track pregnancy by week rather than month.

This is a common time for the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan, sometimes called the anomaly scan in the UK. It is usually done around 18-22 weeks, depending on your provider and local schedule.

Week 19 follows 18 weeks pregnant and belongs to the second trimester. Next, read about 20 weeks pregnant, often seen as the halfway point.

Your baby at 19 weeks pregnant

The fetus is often around 15 cm from head to bottom, though size estimates vary. Many guides compare the baby with a mango or large tomato.

The senses are developing quickly. Brain areas linked with taste, smell, hearing, sight and touch continue to mature. The bones are strengthening, tooth buds are developing, and the immune system is beginning important early work.

Your baby is swallowing amniotic fluid, moving in the uterus and may be getting stronger each week. Some people feel flutters or kicks by 19 weeks, especially in a later pregnancy, while others do not feel clear movement until around 20-22 weeks.

Your anatomy scan

During the anatomy scan, the sonographer checks fetal growth and looks carefully at major structures such as the brain, spine, heart, abdomen, kidneys, limbs and face. They also check the placenta location and amniotic fluid where possible.

It can be exciting, but it is also a medical scan. Sometimes a repeat scan is needed because the baby’s position, body habitus or timing makes it hard to see everything clearly. That does not automatically mean something is wrong.

Your body and symptoms

You may notice more weight gain, a more obvious bump and mild shortness of breath with activity. Common symptoms include round ligament pain, backache, leg cramps, dizziness, heartburn, constipation, nasal congestion and swelling in the feet or ankles.

Gentle movement such as walking or swimming can support circulation. Call your healthcare professional if you have severe pain, bleeding, fluid leakage, fainting, chest pain, severe headache, sudden swelling or symptoms that worry you.

Ideas

• Write down anatomy scan questions, including placenta location, growth, amniotic fluid and whether all views were completed.
• Use a seat belt correctly: the lap belt should sit low across your hips and under your bump, with the shoulder belt between your breasts and to the side of your bump.
• Rest with your feet up when possible, and avoid sitting with legs crossed for long periods.
• Choose low-impact activity such as walking, swimming or stationary cycling if your healthcare professional says exercise is safe for you.
• Use the pregnancy calculator if you want to compare your due date with your scan dating.

Frequently asked questions about 19 weeks pregnant