Week By Week Pregnancy Guide Weeks Nineteen To Twenty One
Week Nineteen
Around this week, vernix caseosa forms on the baby’s skin. Vernix caseosa is a white, cheesy substance that protects your baby’s skin from the amniotic fluid. The placenta continues to grow and provide nourishment for the baby.
Your body may experience hormone related skin changes that will disappear after delivery. You may notice blotchy patches on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin.. You may also notice itchiness and dry and flaky patches or rashes. Lotions and oils can help to reduce the dryness and itchiness. Try to drink plenty of water and include lots of vitamin rich fruit and vegetables in your diet.
Week Twenty
You’re now halfway through your pregnancy and your baby is already adopting the same sleep and awake time patterns as a new born baby. Scalp hair has begun to grow. If your baby is a girl, her uterus is starting to develop.
Your uterus is level with your navel now and you may experience some tenderness as your belly button sticks out as the uterus presses on it. The linea nigra or line between n navel and pubic hair has darkened but this will fade again after delivery.
You may experience kicks and movement from the baby as he or she becomes stronger. If you are expecting twins, your uterus will be a couple of inches higher than for a single baby.
Week Twenty One
This period of rapid growth will begin to slow down this week, The heart grows stronger and the legs reach their relative proportions. Multiple babies will be kicking each other as they move around in the womb.
Your pregnancy is probably showing now. Your uterus is just above your navel and average weight gain is between ten and fifteen pounds. If you’re eating a healthy diet calorie counting shouldn’t be something to be worried about. You may suffer from swollen ankles and feet at the end of each day. Try to drink plenty of water and rest with your feet raised up. Fluid retention can be even worse in a multiple pregnancy. Try to drink lots of water, and rest as much as possible.
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