Pregnancy Diary Week 19
Discover your pregnancy journey
Pregnancy Diary Week 19
This week continues to see changes for you and your baby. Find out what fascinating changes are happening inside your body during pregnancy week 19. Also find out how the humble blackberry, which grows abundantly in Ireland, can help both you and your baby.
Discover
How your baby is growing
What you can expect at this time
A beneficial food for your pregnancy nutrition
Pregnancy Diary Week 19: How Is Your Baby Growing?
Your baby is now over 8 ounces in weight and around 10 inches in length. Surprised for the sudden increase in length? Your baby can now stretch her body a little bit so her length can now be measured almost accurately.
The length of her legs and arms are now proportioned with the rest of her body now. Hairs continue to sprout on her scalp and her kidneys continue to produce urine. Also, the baby begins to digest the diet of the amniotic fluid. If you are having a baby girl, she may already have around 6 million eggs in her ovaries.
What you can expect
Pregnancy symptoms such as pains and aches in the abdominal area are still present. This is due to the stretching muscles caused by the growing baby. Leg cramps and hip pains can also be experienced. Also, lightheadedness or dizziness can occur.
Apart from these symptoms, you are aware of your growing size. This is normal, and the main thing is to continue to eat a healthy, varied, well-balanced diet.
You may also notice that the palms of your hands are getting red. This is actually caused by extra oestrogen in the body. Some women have noticed red patches on their cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. This phenomenon is called chloasma. You may also have noticed the darkening of your freckles, nipples, underarms, scars, vulva and thighs. After delivery, these darkened spots will eventually fade
Blackberries For Pregnancy Nutrition
Blackberries are powerful fruits composed of highly potent substances that are beneficial to the body. They contain high levels of Vitamins A, E, C, K and fibre. Vitamin A is useful in optimising eye health. Meanwhile, Vitamins E and C contain antioxidant properties which help fight infections and enhance one’s immunity. Vitamin E helps in preventing blood clotting and promotes better calcium absorption.
Fibres are beneficial in reducing cholesterol, improving digestion and enhancing colon health. Blackberries are also rich in polyphenols, ellagic acid, anthocyanins and antioxidants. that are renowned for their cancer-fighting abilities. These nutrients also contain anti-inflammatory effects. According to research, inflammation is a major risk factor for cancer.
Apart from their fibre content, which is helpful in warding off constipation, blackberries are excellent sources of folate, that plays a vital role in the healthy growth and development of your foetus. According to research, folate is useful in preventing the development of neural tube and other birth defects. It also helps in reducing women’s risk of miscarriage.
Aside from its ability to increase one’s energy, blackberries are also believed to be rich in sodium but minimal in fats which can help in enhancing foetal brain development. This superfruit is also rich in potassium and Vitamin E.
When eating blackberries, take safety precautions first. Make sure to wash them first as they may contain fertiliser, pesticides and other chemicals. Never eat stale berries which normally have moulds. They can cause food poisoning and abdominal pain.
Pregnancy Diary Week 19
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DISCLAIMER
All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.
ANNOUNCEMENT
This website was formerly Merrion Fetal Health. The clinic has undergone a rebrand and is now known as Merrion Ultrasound.