19 Weeks Pregnant

What’s happening this week

Your baby…

an impressive week for growth – increasing to around 240 grams
lanugo (fine hair) appears all over the baby’s body
eyelashes develop
permanent teeth buds are forming behind the already formed milk teeth buds
if you are having a girl her ovaries contain primitive egg cells.

You…

breasts begin secreting colostrum in preparation for nursing
may be bothered by varicose veins (caused by the enlarged uterus interfering with blood flow in the lower extremities).

As pregnancy progresses, you may feel hungrier – but watch the temptation to fill up on ‘empty’ calories – see our tips for healthy snacks. You may start thinking about those first few moments after your baby is born…

What gets breastfeeding off to a good start?

The early days of breastfeeding matter. You can be sure of getting off to a good start if you bear these key points in mind:

have as much skin-to-skin contact as possible
breastfeed as soon as possible after the birth
make sure you are holding your baby well at the breast
get someone to check that your baby is well positioned at the breast
feed your baby on demand
do not offer extra feeds of formula milk
avoid using teats and dummies
have your baby by the bed (rather than in another room)
your LMC will help establish breastfeeding.

Snack time

You don’t have to eat a green leafy vegetable every time you feel peckish, but opting for a wise choice will be good for your baby, and for you.

If you feel like a nibble………try

a biscuit
an apple, orange, banana, grapes ….
some chunks of cheese and celery
a flapjack (oats are a good source of protein)
a small packet of raisins
fruit juice and sparkling water
packet of crisps
a cake
some sweets
a fizzy drink

Be kind to your teeth and gums

Check in with your dentist as soon as you can. Your gums, together with the other soft tissues in your body, are made even softer by pregnancy hormones. You may notice some bleeding when you brush. Even so, keeping your teeth clean is key to preventing more serious problems. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush, and use a toothpaste suitable for tender gums if they’re bothering you (your dentist can advise). Frequent sugary foods, drinks and snacks may increase problems. Some women develop gum infections during pregnancy, and these will need treating as soon as possible.

Always let your dentist know you are pregnant – that way you won’t be given X-rays or mercury fillings which are not recommended during pregnancy.

Cranberries and cystitis