19 weeks pregnant - all you need to know

Your pregnancy symptoms in week 19

Overheating in pregnancy

Because of the increased blood flow in your body, you will be warmer than usual and you might notice that you sweat more. Keep your clothing light and cool, and drink plenty of water.

Find out how much water you should drink in pregnancy.

Are you getting pelvic pain?

Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) - also known as or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) - affects about one in five mums.

Symptoms include pain in any of the pelvic joints (front or back) when doing things like walking, climbing stairs and turning over in bed.

“I suffered with pelvic pain (SPD) throughout both pregnancies. It was only after discovering a support group's webpage I realised I could get medical and other support. If you begin experiencing any of the symptoms take action early and insist on an assessment and referral for acupuncture and physio if necessary.”

Jess, mum of two

To find out more about PGP and how to alleviate it, visit the Pelvic Partnership website.

Pigmentation

Spotted dark patches (on pale skin) or white patches (on dark skin)?

This is called pigmentation. It’s normal in pregnancy and the marks usually disappear a few months after the birth.

What to do in week 19

Do I need to give up exercise as I get bigger?

If you’re used to running, it’s fine to carry on during your pregnancy as long as you feel comfortable. Use the ‘talk test’ to make sure you’re not overdoing it - you shouldn’t be so out of breath that you can’t hold a conversation.

Once your bump starts to show, running may become uncomfortable. This is partly due to the hormone relaxin, which loosens your ligaments and means that there’s less support for your knees, ankles and back.

Free prescriptions and NHS dental care

If you haven't yet applied for your maternity exemption certificate, which you can use to get free NHS dental treatment and free prescriptions, ask your doctor or midwife about it.

You'll need to fill in a form FW8.

Your antenatal care

If you haven’t had your second pregnancy ultrasound scan yet, you might have it during this or next week. This scan will look at how your baby is developing and growing, and the position of your placenta.

Pregnancy and work

You’ll need to give your MAT B1 form to your employer so you can claim maternity leave and pay.

You don’t actually need to let your work know you’re pregnant until you reach week 25, but telling them earlier will let them start planning for your absence - and this can make your maternity leave and return to work smoother.

They might guess anyway if your bump is showing!

Find out more about how to manage a working pregnancy.

Pregnancy and mental wellbeing

Wherever you are in your pregnancy, it's important to focus on your own wellbeing as well as your baby's. That's why we've created a tool to help you make a Wellbeing Plan, which will help you feel good now and be supported after the birth. 

Complete your pregnancy and post-birth wellbeing plan.