Day 138 of 280, second trimester
You are 19 weeks and 5 days
As the weeks go by, you'll need to rest more and limit the time you spend on your feet.
142 days until your due date
By now you may find standing for long periods tiring. The growing weight of your baby and uterus causes discomfort and possibly muscle strain, and as your center of gravity shifts, you may stand awkwardly, putting pressure on ligaments that are already softened by hormones. Standing for a long time can also make blood and fluid pool in your legs, causing pain and dizziness.
If possible, take short, frequent breaks to put your feet up. If you have to stand for long periods, resting one foot on a stool or box now and then can help. Wear supportive shoes and consider maternity support hose.
Don't stand for more than three hours at a time, so if your job involves standing, make sure you get proper breaks.
Explainer
Days out
Being out and about will tire you, so when you go out for the day, plan plenty of breaks to sit and rest.
Ask a Doctor
The bigger I get, the harder sex becomes. What should we do?
As pregnancy goes on, you'll need to try new positions that suit your growing belly. You can still use the missionary position if your partner supports his weight on his hands so he doesn't press on your belly, but being on top is often better, and as your belly grows you can squat or kneel over him. Side-by-side and rear-entry positions are also comfortable. Have fun experimenting to find what works for you.
Focus on
Your baby: That's tasty!
Flavors from the food you eat pass into the amniotic fluid, which your baby swallows, so what you eat can influence your baby before she ever tries solid food. Studies show that being exposed to a flavor in the uterus and through breast milk makes babies enjoy it more in solid food. These early experiences may lay the foundations for healthy choices and help explain cultural differences in cuisine, so start your baby on the road to good food choices by eating healthily now.
Appointments and key dates around now
- 20-week screening scanBetween 18 and 21 weeks
Read the full 19 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.