17 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Growth, Symptoms, Signs, Belly, Tips

17 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Growth, Symptoms, Signs, Belly, Tips

17 Weeks Pregnant; You are in your 17 Weeks Pregnant; you are almost halfway there and there is a lot to do, which can be overwhelming. Our best advice? Don’t try to do everything yourself—ask for help. And whatever doesn’t get done? You’ll see that it’s not that important.

• You are in the middle of your second trimester, which means that those unpleasant early symptoms (extreme fatigue and morning sickness) are likely to cause other problems: increased vaginal discharge and stretch marks (to name a few).
• Sorry, stomach sleepers, it’s time to find a new sleeping position. Sleeping on your stomach can restrict blood flow to the baby. Sleeping on your side is ideal and recommended at this point.
• If you had an amniocentesis and did not get a definitive result, you may need to have a cordocentesis this week (more information on this below).
  During this period, your baby is developing rapidly and has already acquired the sucking reflex. (Get your pacifiers ready!)

17 Weeks Pregnant: Baby

The baby’s cartilage is now turning into bone. And the baby is growing some muscle and gaining some fat on those bones, which will not only make the baby look like a chubby human rather than an alien, but also help it do important things like regulate its body temperature and metabolism. Gaining body fat now may help the baby be healthier later, help its brain develop properly, and possibly reduce the risk of some diseases.

The baby’s heart is pumping blood, and the placenta is working extra hard to provide the necessary blood vessels to supply the baby with nutrients and oxygen and remove waste. The umbilical cords are also becoming longer and stronger to meet these needs.

During this period, a slippery, white substance called vernix develops on the baby’s skin, protecting it from the amniotic fluid.

How big is your baby at 17 Weeks Pregnant?

A baby at 17 Weeks Pregnant is about the size of a pomegranate. Your 17-week-old foetus is approximately 13 cm long and weighs about 165 grams.

How many months is 17 Weeks Pregnant?

17 Weeks Pregnant, you are four months pregnant. However, there is a problem here: Pregnancy is technically longer than nine months—it lasts 40 weeks, which is 10 months if you count four weeks per month. Of course, some months are a bit longer than four weeks. It can all be a bit confusing, which is why doctors track pregnancy in weeks rather than months.

17 Weeks Pregnant: Ultrasound

If you have chosen to have a cordocentesis, you can have a 17 Weeks Pregnant ultrasound. In this procedure, the umbilical cord blood is tested for signs of chromosomal abnormalities. Your obstetrician will use an ultrasound to locate where the cord connects to the placenta; this is where they need to take the blood. Typically, this diagnostic test is performed after 17 Weeks Pregnant; it can be used if amniocentesis results are inconclusive and you and your partner want a more definitive answer about the baby’s health.

What is your baby doing in the womb at 17 Weeks Pregnant?

The baby is moving around in your uterus. The limb coordination that occurred at 16 weeks has helped the baby become quite active this week! They can move their joints and jump, turn, and twist inside the amniotic sac, testing their gymnastic abilities. If this isn’t your first pregnancy, you may have noticed some of these movements, but don’t worry if you haven’t. By 17 Weeks Pregnant, many expectant mothers have not yet felt the baby move.

17 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development

• Your baby’s bones
  Your baby’s skeleton is transforming from soft cartilage into bone. Support your baby’s bone health (and your own) by eating calcium-rich foods. Getting enough calcium also reduces your risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia.
• Umbilical cord
  The umbilical cord—your baby’s lifeline to the placenta—is growing stronger and thicker. By the end of pregnancy, it will be approximately 23 cm long and 2.5 cm thick. The umbilical cord delivers nutrients to your baby and removes waste products.
• Your baby’s skin
  Sweat glands are beginning to develop. By next week, your baby’s skin layers will be fully formed.

17 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms

At 17 weeks pregnant, symptoms are mostly caused by your rapidly growing baby. This week, you may be experiencing the following:

• Increased body fluids
  Due to increased blood flow, vaginal discharge, sweat, mucus and other fluids continue at full speed.
• Strange dreams
  Did you give birth to a squirrel? Did you marry your boss? Strange dreams may be caused by your hormones, but they may also be the result of your nerves and expectations.
• Itchy breasts and belly
  As your baby grows, your skin may become thinner, more elastic, and more sensitive. Resist the urge to scratch and find a soothing skin cream to relieve the itching.
• Faster weight gain
  By now, you may have gained approximately 2.5 to 4.5 kg. Gaining about 0.5 kg per week during the second trimester is normal. Sudden or excessive weight gain may be a sign of a problem, so consult your obstetrician if it exceeds this.
• Stretch marks
  As you gain weight and your uterus continues to expand, stretch marks may be inevitable (especially if you are 17 weeks pregnant with twins!). It varies from woman to woman. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and use a quality moisturiser to combat stretch marks.
• Constipation
  Unfortunately, constipation is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and your expanding uterus. Iron supplements and prenatal vitamins may contribute to the problem. To prevent and alleviate constipation, make sure you drink plenty of water, eat foods high in fibre, and exercise regularly. You can also discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking a stool softener or magnesium, and perhaps switching to a prenatal vitamin with less iron.

How Does Your Belly Look at 17 Weeks Pregnant?

The baby is growing stronger, and your 17 Weeks Pregnant body is growing too—about 0.5 kg larger each week. (If you are 17 weeks pregnant with twins, weight gain should be roughly the same.) Make sure to document your growing 17 Weeks Pregnant belly by taking plenty of photos. We promise: one day you will look back and remember this time. You will want to have a memory of how your body changed.

Can I feel the baby at 17 Weeks Pregnant?

There’s a name for those first exciting kicks you might feel at 17 Weeks Pregnant: quickening. These feelings are wonderful, but don’t worry if you haven’t felt them yet (especially if this is your first pregnancy). It varies for every woman, but the baby’s first movements are typically felt anytime between 16 and 22 weeks.

I am 17 weeks pregnant. Can I lie on my stomach?

It’s time to find a new sleeping position. When you lie on your back, your growing baby and uterus put pressure on the inferior vena cava, a large blood vessel. This can restrict blood flow to the baby and lower your blood pressure. At 17 Weeks Pregnant, it is best to start sleeping on your left side for optimal blood flow to your baby. (Really, any position other than lying on your back is fine. If you are a back sleeper, wedge a pillow under your hip to roll onto your side.)

Consider taking a childbirth class, listening to a pregnancy podcast, or even searching Google for prenatal yoga classes near you to help you connect with your body and reduce the stress and anxiety you’re experiencing. Remember, there are many ways to prepare your body and mind for this journey ahead, so try to avoid feeling overwhelmed by sticking to resources that resonate with you and feel like something you want to explore, rather than feeling like you need to know everything.

17 Weeks Pregnant: Tips

What can you do this week to feel happy, healthy and wonderful?

• Take cooling showers
  Look, pregnancy is hard work, so it’s natural to sweat more than usual. Pregnant people are more likely to get heat-related illnesses. This is because your body is doing what it needs to do to keep the baby cool! Rest, wear loose clothing, drink plenty of water, and talk to your doctor about how to replenish the salts and other minerals you lose through sweating. Try cooling off with a slightly cooler shower than usual in the mornings.
• Stop the itching
  Don’t let your itchy skin drive you crazy. Soothe your 17 Weeks Pregnant belly with aloe vera gel to lock in moisture. Double the moisturising effect by combining aloe vera gel with a moisturiser containing vitamin E or cocoa butter to really nourish your skin.
• Practise portion control
  You’re eating for two, but don’t overdo it; during 17 Weeks Pregnant, you should consume an extra 200 to 400 calories per day to nourish yourself and your baby, depending on your pre-pregnancy weight and physical activity level. Focus on eating small meals consisting mostly of lean protein, produce, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats.
• Wear the right underwear
  Vaginal discharge isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Wear breathable cotton underwear to stay cool and dry. If you need extra protection, try an unscented daily pad.

17 Weeks Pregnant: Checklist

• Try some relaxation techniques
  Deep breathing, guided imagery, prenatal yoga and massage, and progressive muscle relaxation can help you stay balanced and even sleep better. Try practising these relaxation techniques now; they can be important tools for navigating early parenthood.
• Learn the best way to wear your seatbelt
  Wearing your seatbelt and fastening it correctly is extra important during pregnancy. Secure the lap portion just below your belly and snugly over your hip bones, and place the shoulder strap snugly between your breasts and across your belly. If you are in a car accident, even a fender bender, report it to your healthcare provider immediately.
• Get help with meal planning
  Eating well during pregnancy is crucial for supporting your growing baby and getting the nutrients you both need. However, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by pregnancy nutrition advice and worry that your diet will never be sufficient. Don’t worry: there are several simple, online tools available to help you plan your meals during pregnancy. You can also check out our list of the best foods for pregnancy and try these healthy pregnancy recipes.
• Use sunscreen
  To prevent changes in skin pigmentation (known as melasma or chloasma) during pregnancy, make sure to use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen whenever you’re outside, even on cloudy days. Sun exposure intensifies pigment changes, so you may want to wear a wide-brimmed hat and avoid direct sunlight between 10:00 and 14:00, when the sun is strongest. See which sunscreens and other skin products are safest to use during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (17 Weeks Pregnant)

Is it normal that I still can’t feel my baby moving?

Yes! It is normal not to feel your baby moving at this point. This usually happens between 18 and 24 weeks. This is especially true for first-time mothers, as they may not know how to describe what they are feeling. Quickening — or early foetal movement — can easily be confused with gas bubbles.

Of course, this timeline varies from woman to woman: Some mothers notice quickening by the end of their first trimester, especially if they know what it feels like, while others may not feel anything resembling tiny, tapping feet until they are six months along. Most experts recommend starting to count kicks from the 28th week onwards, so if you haven’t felt your baby moving by then, consult your doctor.

Can I visit the dentist during pregnancy?

You can and should visit the dentist during pregnancy, but there may be some limitations on the services and procedures you can safely receive. Your oral health may be affected by pregnancy, and hormones can lead to an increase in plaque, gum inflammation, and cavities.

Additionally, it is important to avoid gum disease during pregnancy because it has been linked to premature birth. While regular cleanings, cavity fillings, local anaesthesia, and even dental X-rays when necessary are safe during pregnancy, you should avoid elective or non-emergency procedures (such as teeth whitening) until after your baby is born.

Is it normal to experience occasional nosebleeds during pregnancy?

Unfortunately, nosebleeds are quite common during pregnancy. One reason for this is pregnancy rhinitis, or inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose. Pregnancy congestion is usually caused by increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Another cause of nosebleeds is that your body circulates much more blood during pregnancy, leading to increased blood flow to the nasal tissues.

Keeping the air in your environment moist with a humidifier can help with nosebleeds during pregnancy, and using saline nasal sprays can also be helpful. If you cannot stop the bleeding or have high blood pressure, contact your doctor immediately.

How can I prevent varicose veins during pregnancy?

Similar to stretch marks, varicose veins are common during pregnancy and are often hereditary, meaning there may be nothing you can do to prevent these unsightly (and sometimes itchy or even painful!) enlarged veins. However, there are some strategies to treat and prevent varicose veins during pregnancy:

• Change your position frequently
• Elevate your legs and feet while sitting
• Exercise daily
• Wear maternity stockings or tights
• Wear flat, supportive shoes
• Avoid crossing your legs while sitting
• Sleep on your left side
• Stay hydrated and limit your sodium intake

Can stress during the second trimester affect my pregnancy?

Chronic or frequent stress can affect your pregnancy; it can negatively affect not only your own nervous system but also your baby’s. While every expectant mother experiences some normal stress during pregnancy, prolonged stress or excessive stress caused by serious issues such as depression, anxiety, and difficult life events can have long-term effects. Stress can increase your risk of poor sleep, weight gain issues (either too much or too little), high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Stress can also increase the risk of your baby being born prematurely or with low birth weight.

 

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17 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Growth, Symptoms, Signs, Belly, Tips