17th week of pregnancy

A brief summary of the 17th week of pregnancy:

• You are now in the middle of your second trimester, which means that your early symptoms (severe fatigue and morning sickness) have probably subsided. However, they may have been replaced by some new changes: increased vaginal discharge and stretch marks.
• Unfortunately, for those who like to sleep on their stomachs, it’s time to change positions. Sleeping on your stomach can block blood flow to the baby. At this stage, sleeping on your side is recommended as the best and safest position.
• If the amniocentesis test was inconclusive, you can make an appointment for a cordocentesis this week (more information below).
• During this period, your baby is developing rapidly and has even acquired the sucking reflex (you can start preparing pacifiers!)

You are 17 weeks pregnant, almost halfway through and there is so much to do that it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Best advice? Don’t try to do it all by yourself, ask for help. And there are things you can’t keep up with? In time you will realize that they are not that important.

17 Weeks Baby Development

This week your baby’s rubbery cartilage is slowly turning into bone. Some fat is starting to build up around the baby’s bones, making him look more and more like a chubby little person and helping his body regulate temperature and metabolism. The body fat stored now can help his brain develop properly in the future and reduce the risk of some diseases.

Your baby’s heart is now pumping blood and the placenta is working extra hard, dilating the blood vessels needed to supply the baby with oxygen and nutrients, and removing its waste. The umbilical cord is also getting longer and stronger to meet the baby’s needs.

During this period, vernix, a white, slippery substance, begins to form to protect the baby’s skin against the amniotic fluid.

17th Week of Pregnancy How Big Has Your Baby Grown?

In the 17th week of pregnancy, your baby has reached the size of an onion. It is about 13 centimeters long and weighs about 167 grams.

What does your 17th week baby do in the womb?

Your baby is moving in the womb. In week 16, thanks to her improved limb coordination, she has become very active this week! He is moving his joints, jumping, turning and doing gymnastic movements inside the amniotic sac. If you have given birth before, you may notice these movements, but don’t worry; this is completely normal if you haven’t felt your baby yet. At 17 weeks, many expectant mothers may still not feel their baby’s movements.

How many months does 17 weeks correspond to?

17 weeks pregnant means you are four months pregnant. But a pregnancy is technically longer than nine months; it lasts 40 weeks in total, and if each month is calculated as four weeks, that’s 10 months. This is why doctors track pregnancy in weeks instead of months.

17th Week Ultrasound

If you have chosen to have a cordocentesis, you may have an ultrasound this week. In this procedure, blood is taken from the umbilical cord to check for signs of chromosomal abnormalities. With the help of the ultrasound, the doctor finds the point where the cord joins the placenta and the blood sample is taken from this point. This diagnostic test is usually performed after 17 weeks and can be an option for parents who want a clearer answer about their baby’s health if the results of amniocentesis are inconclusive.

17th week of pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms

The symptoms you experience in the 17th week of pregnancy are usually caused by your rapidly growing baby. Here are some of the things you may experience this week:

Increased Body Fluids: Due to increased blood flow, vaginal discharge, sweating, mucus and other fluids may increase.

Strange Dreams: Did you give birth to a squirrel? Did you marry your boss? Having strange dreams can be hormonally driven, but excitement and anxiety can also contribute.

Itchy breasts and tummy: As your baby grows, your skin may become thinner and more sensitive. Resist the urge to scratch and use a soothing skin cream to relieve the itching.

Don’t Gain Weight Faster: You may have gained about 2-4 pounds by now. It is normal to gain about half a pound a week during the second trimester. However, sudden or excessive weight gain can be a sign of another problem, so talk to your doctor if you notice anything extreme.

Stretch marks As you gain some weight and your uterus continues to expand, you may develop some stretch marks (especially if you are expecting twins!). It is different for every woman. You can try to keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and use a good moisturizer to combat stretch marks.

17 Weeks Pregnant Belly

As your baby is getting stronger, your body is also growing-about half a pound a week. (If you are expecting twins, the weight gain will be similar.) Don’t forget to take lots of photos to document your growing belly. You will look back on this period one day and want to remember the changes in your body.

Can Baby Movements Be Felt in the 17th Week of Pregnancy?

These first exciting kicks are known as “acceleration”. These sensations are great, but don’t worry if you haven’t felt them yet (especially if it’s your first pregnancy). It’s different for every woman; the baby’s first movements are usually felt between 16 and 22 weeks.

Can I Lie on My Belly at 17 Weeks?

It is time to find a new position for sleeping. When you sleep on your back, the growing baby and uterus can put pressure on a large blood vessel (the lower main vein). This can affect the blood flow to the baby and your blood pressure. For your 17-week pregnant belly, it is best to sleep on your left side to optimize blood circulation. (If you are a back sleeper, you can relax by placing a pillow under one hip to tilt your belly to the side).

Recommendations for 17 Weeks of Pregnancy

Things you can do this week to feel happy, healthy and well:

Take a Cold Shower

Pregnancy is hard work, so it’s natural to sweat. Pregnant women may be more prone to heat-related illnesses because your body is working extra hard to keep the baby cool. Rest, drink plenty of water, wear comfortable clothes and consult your doctor about how to replace the salt and minerals you lose through sweat. In the morning, you can relax by starting your day with a shower that is a little cooler than you are used to.

Prevent Itching

Don’t let itchy skin bother you. To soothe your 17-week pregnant belly, you can lock moisture into your skin with aloe vera gel. For more intense hydration, combine aloe vera gel with a moisturizer containing vitamin E or cocoa butter to nourish your skin.

Portion Control

You may be eating for two, but be careful not to overdo it. At 17 weeks pregnant, depending on your pre-pregnancy weight and physical activity level, 200-400 extra calories per day is enough. Choose nutritious meals in small portions, focusing on balanced meals with lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and heart-healthy fats.

Wear the Right Underwear

Vaginal discharge can be uncomfortable, but you can deal with it. Choose breathable cotton underwear to keep you cool and dry. If you need extra protection, try using an unscented day pad.

To-Do List for the 17th Week of Pregnancy

Reminders for this week:

• Decision time Will you want to find out the sex of the baby at your next ultrasound (if you don’t already know)?
• Start researching birth plan options.
• Start planning your maternity leave.
• Start collecting ideas and inspiration for the baby’s room.