GUIDE
Your baby is yawning, hiccupping, and flexing — and you may be feeling those movements more clearly than ever.
At the size of a sweet potato, your baby's nervous system is maturing rapidly and the anatomy scan is just around the corner.
Be prepared from day one
Your baby is about the size of a sweet potato — around 5.5 inches long and weighing roughly 7 ounces. This week brings some delightful developments.
Your baby is now yawning, hiccupping, and swallowing amniotic fluid regularly. These are not just cute behaviors — they serve important developmental purposes. Swallowing helps the digestive system mature, and the breathing-like movements that cause hiccups are early practice for the lungs. If you feel a rhythmic tapping sensation in your lower abdomen, that might be baby hiccups.
The nervous system is maturing rapidly. Nerves are being coated with myelin, a fatty substance that insulates them and allows signals to travel faster. This process — called myelination — will continue well after birth and is essential for coordination and reflexes.
If you are carrying a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are now fully formed, and she already has about 6 million eggs in her ovaries — the most she will ever have. If you are carrying a boy, his genitals may be visible on ultrasound, though the anatomy scan at 20 weeks is usually the most reliable time for sex determination.
Since last week, the bones continue to harden and your baby's movements are becoming more coordinated and frequent.
Movement is likely becoming a bigger part of your daily experience. Many women feel definite flutters by 18 weeks, and some feel distinct kicks. The sensation varies — some women describe it as popcorn popping, others as a gentle fish-like swishing. If you are still not feeling anything, do not worry. Placenta position, baby's position, and whether this is your first pregnancy all affect when you first feel movement.
Your uterus is now about the size of a cantaloupe and sits roughly at your belly button level. As it grows, it pushes your center of gravity forward, which is why back pain is increasingly common. The hormone relaxin is also loosening your joints and ligaments in preparation for birth, which can make your lower back and pelvis feel achy. Our round ligament pain guide covers related discomfort.
You may notice that you feel hungrier than before. Your calorie needs have increased by about 300-350 calories per day in the second trimester — roughly the equivalent of a small meal or a couple of healthy snacks. Focus on nutrient-dense foods rather than eating for two in a literal sense.
Sleep may be getting more complicated. Finding a comfortable position with a growing belly is a challenge, and vivid dreams can make sleep feel less restful. A pillow between your knees and behind your back can help you settle on your side.
Every pregnancy is different. These symptoms are common but not universal.
With the anatomy scan approaching and movement becoming more noticeable, this is an exciting and actionable week.
If your scan is scheduled for the next couple of weeks, confirm the date and ask whether you need a full bladder or any other prep. Decide in advance whether you want to know the baby's sex — and make sure your partner is on the same page.
You do not need to do formal kick counts yet — that comes later. But start noticing when you feel your baby move. After eating, when you are resting, or late in the evening are common active times. Getting familiar with your baby's patterns now will help you recognize changes later.
Good posture, supportive shoes, and gentle stretching can prevent back pain from escalating. Prenatal yoga and swimming are particularly helpful. Avoid lifting heavy objects, and when you do lift, bend at the knees, not the waist.
Your body is producing significantly more blood, and iron is essential for making hemoglobin. Lean red meat, spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals are good sources. Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C (like citrus) to improve absorption.
When in doubt, call your provider. Trust your instincts — you know your body best.
At 19 weeks, your baby will be the size of a mango and will be developing a protective coating called vernix caseosa. All five senses are coming online, and you are rapidly approaching the halfway mark of your pregnancy.
If heartburn has become a regular companion, know that it is one of the most common second trimester complaints — and there are effective ways to manage it.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.
