Pregnancy Week 19: The Vernix

Mango size — 6 inches. Vernix caseosa — a waxy, cheese-like coating — covers baby's skin to protect it from amniotic fluid. Sensory development accelerating. Baby has wake/sleep cycles now.

Leg cramps hit at 2 AM — calf muscles seize from low magnesium and increased blood volume. Heartburn begins as progesterone relaxes the esophageal sphincter. She cannot eat and lie down within 2 hours.

• 01Pediatrician: the shortlist-and-interview task lands at week 27, with meet-and-greets booked for weeks 32-36. Nothing to do yet except ask friends with kids who they use and check whether those practices take your insurance and have after-hours lines
• 02Stock magnesium supplements (check with OB first) and Tums/antacids. Keep them on her nightstand. For leg cramps: flex the foot toward her shin, not away

Cook low-acid meals this trimester. Skip spicy, tomato-based, and citrus-heavy dinners. Bland sounds boring but she will be grateful at 11 PM when heartburn does not wake her up.