Second trimester · Pregnancy week by week
Week 19 of pregnancy
Baby is the size of a mango. About 6.00 inches, 240g.
By week 19, the fetus's senses are developing rapidly. Preeclampsia begins to be diagnosable after 20 weeks; Black women's BP trajectories should be tracked closely now. Source
What's happening with the baby
The fetus has formed taste buds. Sensory areas of the brain develop. Brown fat accumulates for temperature regulation. Vernix caseosa (waxy coating) forms to protect skin.
What's happening for you
Lower back pain often increases. Many women feel a sharp pain in the side (round ligament) when changing positions. Skin may itch (especially the bump). Heartburn often starts as the uterus presses on the stomach.
Common (normal) symptoms this week
Lower back pain, round-ligament pain, mild itching of the bump, heartburn, mild leg cramps, increasing fetal movements, mild swelling of feet by end of day.
Call your OB or 911 if
- Severe abdominal or one-sided pelvic pain with bleeding — possible ectopic pregnancy.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour) with cramping.
- Fainting, severe dizziness, or shoulder-tip pain — ectopic with internal bleeding is an emergency.
- Fever over 101°F with chills or pelvic pain.
- Severe vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down for 24+ hours (hyperemesis).
Why this week matters for Black families
Late in the second trimester is when preeclampsia becomes diagnosable (after 20 weeks). Black women have a 60% higher rate of preeclampsia and a 3x higher rate of preeclampsia-related death. The diagnosis combines new-onset blood pressure ≥140/90 with signs of organ stress. Track your own blood pressure between visits if you can — many Black-led OB practices recommend a home cuff at this stage. If your readings trend up, call your OB before the next appointment, not at it.
What to do this week
Anatomy scan if not done. Begin home blood pressure tracking if you have any preeclampsia risk factors — record morning + evening BP daily, share with OB at next visit. Discuss third-trimester planning. Continue exercise (walking, swimming, prenatal yoga).
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References
- ACOG Practice Bulletin 222 — Preeclampsia.
- NIH NICHD Preeclampsia Resources.
Last medically reviewed: .
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