What To Expect At Week 19

At 19 weeks, your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 cm, head to bottom – about the size of a large heirloom tomato. The hair on their scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby’s brain is designating specialised areas for smell, taste, hearing, sight, and touch. Some research suggests that they might be able to hear your voice now, so don’t be shy about reading aloud, talking to them, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you. You may be noticing some skin changes. You may also have patches of dark skin due to a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks and forehead, they’re called chloasma, or ‘mask of pregnancy’. You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That dark line from your belly button to your pubic bone is called a linea nigra – don’t worry though, it will disappear after you give birth.

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