PREGNANCY
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
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Your little one is getting busier by the day! They’re wriggling, turning, and kicking more often now—and they’ve even discovered they can touch their face and play with their umbilical cord. If this isn’t your first pregnancy, you may already be feeling those movements regularly. If it’s your first, don’t worry—it can take a few more weeks before the flutters become noticeable.
Inside, your baby’s brain is in a period of rapid growth, developing the areas that will control smell, taste, touch, and hearing.
At 19 weeks, you’re about 4½ months pregnant.
Your baby is about the size of a plump heirloom tomato.
Right now, you’re in complete control of your baby’s environment. Your bub can already hear your voice and even taste the flavours of the foods you’re eating. Amazingly, some of your lifestyle choices now can influence your child’s long-term health—a concept known as the “foetal programming hypothesis.”
Nutrition is one key way to support both your health and your baby’s. Carbohydrate-heavy foods like bread, pasta, and potatoes can fuel inflammation in the body. Choosing lower-glycaemic, anti-inflammatory foods may reduce the risk of pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, ease swelling and joint pain, and help you feel more comfortable as your pregnancy progresses. It’s worth discussing dietary changes with your midwife or doctor to find the best plan for you.
This isn’t just good for you—it may also set your baby up for lifelong health. A win–win!
Prostaglandins are natural hormones that regulate inflammation and the tightening and relaxing of muscles. In pregnancy, they help the cervix soften (ripen) and the uterus contract. Synthetic prostaglandins are often used in hospitals to help induce labour.
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
