Birthing Anxiety: Mental Health and Pregnancy Week 19

It's week 19 of pregnancy and you are experiencing birthing anxiety. It is quite common. Learn how to manage birthing anxiety and build a positive mental health strategy.

Its pregnancy week 19! You are nearly halfway through your pregnancy. Sleep deprivation and increased body weight are causes that make you get tired easily. You are likely to feel hungry all the time. You may be not getting enough sleep because of cramps in your legs.  The chances of urinary tract infections is high. Be aware and drink plenty of water.

Baby in your belly is the size of a mango (15 cm long and weighs 240 grams).

Your baby's lungs are being formed. Teeth are developing.  An oily coating that covers your baby's body helps to control his or her body temperature and maintain healthy skin. He or she has also put on quite a bit of weight.

• It's normal to have a lot of questions and worries about your delivery. Share your feelings and concerns with everyone or if necessary seek the advice of an experienced person.
• Keep yourself active and do light exercises. But do not tire yourself too much.
• Take notice whether you are starting to get quite breathless doing your usual daily chores. If breathlessness seems more than usual contact your doctor.
• Practice breathing and concentration of the mind exercises when going to bed. Alongside do some stretching exercises These will help you sleep better.
• Sleeping with a pillow between your knees helps reduce low back pain.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects at this time, seek the help of others, if there is no way out. Follow basic rules while lifting heavy objects - when lifting something heavy, bend your knees with a gap between the legs, (do not bend from the waist), then slowly straighten both arms and legs without any pressure on the waist.

1. I have a white discharge, is it an infection of any kind? What should I do?
2. I have to go to the bathroom frequently, and there is itchiness when I pee. Do I have an infection?
3. I notice secretions from my breasts, is this normal?
4. I feel lifeless, I don't enjoy things, what can I do?

1. Don't forget to take your folic acid and vitamin supplements.
2. Before giving birth have discussions with your doctor and antenatal nurse. Follow their advice.
3. Exercise and carry out concentration or mindfulness exercises regularly before going to bed (bedtime = meditation + stretches)
4. Make a plan for the time of childbirth (birth plan).