Week 19: The poo factory is now open

Fetal development in pregnancy week 19:



fetus in fifth month
Your amazing little baby is now around 10 inches in length! If this
seems a bit shocking, you’ll be relieved to know they’ve not actually
grown over 3 inches, but that their little legs are now straight enough
to be measured. This is when doctors begin measuring fetal growth from
head to toe, (no longer “crown to rump” or CR). Lanugo (little hairs)
covers their whole body now, trapping that charming cheese-like vernix
caseosa (see week 18) to the surface to the skin. This week your lil’
fetus will start on an appetizing diet of amniotic fluid which they are
now capable of swallowing, digesting, and passing the fluid as far as
their tiny “large” intestines. Fortunately for you, this nice little
lump of baby-poop won’t be coming out while they’re still in your womb.
Some time shortly after they’re born, this fun lump will become the
first in a long line of baby poops. (What finally comes out— commonly
known as “meconium” to the science world, will be black and sticky, and
you’ll be very glad it happens only once!)

And how's mom doing?
Unlike generations of women before you who
were taught pregnancy was practically an ailment (10% of women DID die
in childbirth back then), we now have scientific evidence that exercise
is a good thing when you’re pregnant. In fact, most physicians
recommend continuing or starting a pregnancy-friendly proper
exercise can do a lot towards increasing your overall flexibility (at a
time where your body wants to stiffen up) thereby somewhat reducing the
pain and tension during labor exercise regimen. Walking,
running, swimming, weight training and yoga (see week 20) are all good
for your heart and overall physical stamina during this physically
challenging time. Not to mention proper exercise can do a lot towards
increasing your overall flexibility (at a time where your body wants to
stiffen up) thereby somewhat reducing the pain and tension during
labor. Last but not least, exercise can keep you from gaining
unnecessary amounts of weight (which you’ll have to fight off later
after birth if you don’t do it now). Obviously, you’re going to want to
avoid sports where you are at risk of falling or being hit in the
stomach. Basically, stay away from sports like basketball, volleyball,
soccer, and skiing. Instead, opt for the pool, weight room, and/or yoga
class. We’re not saying you should stress yourself out trying to be a
world-class athlete, but if you’re eating right and getting enough
sleep, exercise during this health-critical phase of your life, will
keep your collective energy levels higher and increase your feeling of
well-being, as well as ensuring that you and your baby are in top
physical and mental condition.