Week 19: Mango Magic

Your baby's the size of a large mango and is covered from head to toe in a cheesy, white protective substance

By Dr Janice TUNG, Associate Consultant and Associate Professor Tan Thiam Chye, Visiting Consultant, , Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital

3 green mangoes

What's Happening to Your Baby?

Your baby's sensitive skin is prone to wrinkling and pruning from the amniotic fluid, and is covered with a cheesy, white protective substance called vernix caseosa. Most of this will be gone before birth. Your baby's legs and arms are now in proportion and the little dear can clench the fists. And while your hair may feel like it's stopped growing, a common pregnancy symptom, your baby is busy sprouting hair on the head.

What's Happening to You?

You might notice a thin dark line that runs down your belly from your belly button to your pubis. This is called the linea nigra and is perfectly normal. Your skin may be experiencing pigmentation changes like darkening of the nipples, palms, underarms and vulva. This should all fade after delivery with time. You'll also be dealing with stretch marks — beauty and wellness sites advocate the use of coconut oil to minimise the marks but there's no credible study to prove it works. Just remember that these are proud scars of childbirth and represent the miracle of motherhood.

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This article was last reviewed on 28 Jun 2021