19 weeks pregnant

19 weeks pregnant

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Your baby is now developing one of their most unique human features: their fingerprints. They are also developing the means to become more physically coordinated. It’s still important that you get enough zinc in your diet to promote your baby’s healthy development.

Your baby's development at week 19

On the move in week 19

As you head into week 19, your baby is forming their own unique set of fingerprints. Both their fingernails and toenails are also continuing to grow and their hands can now make a firm grip.

Because your baby’s blood vessels are visible in their skin, it has a red appearance, and vernix – a creamy-white protective coating – is developing.

…your baby is forming their own unique set of fingerprints.

A fatty substance called ‘myelin’ is also forming around your baby’s nerves. This insulates the nerves, supporting the motor neuron connections between their brain and their muscles, enabling movements to be more coordinated. Although, since your baby’s body won’t have formed much myelin by the time they are born, their movements will still appear jerky and uncoordinated.

By week 20, you’re likely to have an anomaly scan. This is to check that your baby is growing and developing healthily. Your midwife or doctor will give you more information about this. The HSE also offers in-depth advice about this routine screening.

Complete pregnancy nutrition from A to Zinc

Eating a balanced diet while you’re pregnant is more important than ever. It should include good sources of zinc, a trace element with a number of vital functions. Zinc helps your body process the fat, protein and carbohydrates in food in order to nourish your growing baby.

During pregnancy the Recommeneded Daily Allowance (RDA) is 10mg per day, which you should be able to get from your diet.