Pregnancy Calendar

Week 19

• baby is nearing 6 inches this week and weighs between 7 and 9 ounces
• your little one's skin is covered with a greasy cheeselike substance called vernix caseosa which helps protect the baby from scrapes and keeps the skin soft
• if you have an ultrasound during this time you may see your baby roll over, suck its thumb and swallow amniotic fluid
• your baby is still very lean, with very little fat, it is nearly 1/3 the length it will be at birth, but weighs only 1/16th of its estimated birth weight
• do you know if you are having a boy or a girl? Do you want to know?

Week 20

• length is around 6 ¼ inches and weight is between 9 and 10.5 ounces
• little feet are over an inch long
• mommy may be able to feel those little feet pushing off as the baby does its water aerobics
• your uterus is probably right up to your belly button
• you are halfway there if you are counting weeks from Day 1 of your last period!!
• the increasing weight of your uterus may cause varicose veins in your legs, especially if you have inherited a tendancy to develop them
• if you do notice varicose veins developing, and especially if they cause discomfort, try to put your feet up whenever possible to allow the blood to drain, support hose may help

Week 21

• you are halfway there if you are counting from date of conception!!
• your baby is between 7 and 7.5 inches (around 190mm) and weighs between 10.5 and 13 ounces
• as your baby swallows amniotic fluid, it travels into her developing digestive system, helping to prepare it for breastmilk or formula after birth
• if you are sitting a great deal during the day or if you are travelling, a good habit to establish is taking a short walk every hour or so
• your growing baby and his cozy womb are getting heavier and may cause circulation problems in your legs if you sit for long periods of time
• if you've been exercising regularly up to this point, keep it up!
• you may notice that your sense of balance is changing, listen to your body and modify your activities if necessary - walking and swimming are generally considered safe for pregnant women - have questions? ask your doctor or an exercise instructor certified in prenatal fitness

Week 22

• baby's length is around 7.5 inches and he weighs between 12.25 and 15.3 ounces
• a layer of fine downy hair completely covers your baby, this hair is called lanugo and it helps hold the protective vernix to the skin
• little eyebrows can be seen as well as hair on the head
• starting into the 2nd half of your pregnancy you are probably feeling comfortably pregnant
• morning sickness is most likely over, you look great in maternity clothes, and you're not too big to get around easily
• keep taking those prenatal vitamins!