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Week 19

Support and information from NCT

NCT offers reliable support and information about the various stages of pregnancy, week by week.

Your developing baby

This week, your baby will start to be covered in ‘vernix’ - a protective waxy coating. This waxy layer protects the skin while your baby is in the amniotic fluid. 

As your growing uterus now reaches your abdominal wall, you may feel your baby kick or roll over as they move around.

Week 19

Exercise during pregnancy

Exercise during pregnancy is important for your health and that of your baby. Walking is a great way to improve aerobic fitness and help tone your legs. It is easy to incorporate into your day - get off the bus one stop earlier, park the car further away, or take the stairs rather than the lift – just walk!

Alternatively, you could try swimming as the water supports your bump and is great for your circulation. It’s also an excellent way to maintain your abdominal tone.

Also take time to relax!

Pregnancy is a time of great change so it’s not surprising that you might sometimes feel overwhelmed. Making time to relax can make a huge difference to how you’re feeling.  

Our Yoga for Pregnancy classes offer you a time to relax and focus on your new baby. This class uses gentle yoga-based exercises and stretches to prepare you for birth. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other expectant mums.

Depression in pregnancy

Pregnancy is generally seen as a time of great excitement. Perhaps because of this, depression in pregnancy can be difficult both for women and the people around them to recognise and talk about. Antenatal depression can begin at any point during pregnancy and symptoms include lack of energy, feeling emotionally detached, tearfulness, chronic anxiety and feeling isolated and guilty. If you or your partner are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your partner, midwife or GP.

Checklist

Have you informed your employer of your pregnancy?

Legally, you must do this by week 25.

Further information

NCT offers reliable support and information about the various stages of pregnancy, week by week. Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.
 

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