Women’s Services
This week, your baby is as big as a mango.
The following information was reviewed by Dr. Chor, Michael
More of the baby’s features are growing including hair and fingerprints.
A thick, white layer of sebum gradually appears on the baby's skin. It is made up of lanugo, oil from the baby's glands, and dead skin. The production of fat is necessary to protect the baby's delicate skin. Without fat, the skin of the newborn will be wrinkled.
In the 18th to 22nd week, the baby will start to kick the mother's belly with his or her little feet, and you may start to feel the fetal movement. Amazing, right? If the placenta is located on the front wall of the uterus, fetal movement may not be felt until around 23-24 weeks.
The bronchioles in the baby's lungs are developing. This is an important milestone in your baby's development, and it means that your little one is one step closer to being able to breathe on their own after birth.
The average baby's brain has developed 13 billion motor neurons by the time they are born. This is significant because these are the nerves that help the brain coordinate muscle movement. This means that even before they start to learn how to talk or walk, babies' brains are hardwired to start making connections that will help them develop these skills.
By 19 weeks, your baby's hearing is much more developed. In addition to being able to hear the flow of blood vessels and the digestion of food in the womb, they can also hear your voice. You and your partner can start chatting with your baby and feel the baby's reaction together.
During the 19th week of pregnancy, your baby's body is developing rapidly. You may start to develop stretch marks during this stage. Other pregnancy symptoms to pay attention for include fatigue, nausea, and back pain. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage these symptoms and get the care you need during your pregnancy.
Pain and cramps extending from the calf are common during the second to third trimester, sometimes even at night. This is often due to calcium deficiency.
Although pregnant women may have an increased appetite, they should not overeat. Excessive weight gain can lead to health problems for both the mother and child. Pregnant women should eat nutritious foods and pay attention to their diet to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Stretch marks are streaks that can appear on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, or other parts of the body. They are especially common during pregnancy, and while they may affect appearance, they are harmless to the human body. Massaging with maintenance oil and anti-stretch cream during pregnancy can help reduce stretch marks.
Whether you’re planning for an addition to your family or are already pregnant, OT&P’s Maternity Team is here to help.