Weekly Pregnancy Calendar: Week 19

on February 11, 2009 at 6:45 AM

Photo by bam61907

I'm following a first-time pregnant mom, 19-year-old bam61907, on her exciting journey from bump to baby. Check back every Wednesday for the latest developments!

Week 19

What's Happening with Mom: I've been so into feeling the baby kick this week -- it's been awesome! I felt him kick six times in one minute the other night.

Another highlight was the surprise gift of cute new baby clothes from my friend Jessica. She's been really supportive of my pregnancy and always interested in getting the latest updates. My mom has been great, too. We've always been close, but now I call several times a day to chat, ask questions, and update her.

This week I have been extremely tired. I'm a belly sleeper, and it feels weird now to sleep on my stomach, so I'm having to adjust. I still have the cramping (which the doctor says is just stretching or round ligament pain) every day. I've had an increased appetite and toast sounds really good to me. I was craving a Starbucks Frap today and I'm so proud of myself because I didn't give in!

The thing I'm most focused on now is counting down the days until my big ultrasound to find out the sex. I am so anxious. I'll be happy with either a boy or a girl, but I know Justin would love to have a little boy.

What's Happening with Baby: I'm about six inches long now -- half a foot! Motor neurons in my brain continue to develop, allowing for voluntary muscle movements which you'll feel increasingly in the coming weeks. My delicate, thin skin is protected by a soft, downy hair called lanugo and a white, pasty substance known as vermix.

Question of the Week from Answers

If you like to sleep on your belly, how long can you continue to do so? -- Anonymous

Until it's uncomfortable for you! -- SuperMommy0212

The answer varies for everyone, but basically until it gets uncomfortable. Your baby is well protected in there so don't worry about hurting him. -- asmith62877

I'm a stomach sleeper, too, and I ended up using a large pillow to kind of sleep half on my tummy and half on the pillow towards the end of my pregnancies. -- Trinjo

Talk to your doctor about the best positions for sleep.

Are you a tummy sleeper or a back sleeper? What's most comfortable for you? Are you getting any sleep?

Past weeks:

Week 18

Week 17

Week 16

Week 15

Weeks 13 & 14