Now that you’re 17 weeks pregnant, you’re almost halfway through and there’s so much to do. You might have started making plans like whether to find out your babies gender or not or choose the kind of birth class you’ll like to attend. Don’t try to do it all yourself though, always ask for help.
YOUR GROWING BABY
At week 17, your baby is about 5.1 inches long and weighs about 5.8 ounces – roughly the size of a pomegranate. His rubbery cartilage is now turning into stronger bones and he’s also growing some flesh and fat around them. The umbilical cord is also growing stronger and thicker.
17 WEEKS PREGNANT SYMPTOMS
More rapid weight gain. You may have gained about 5 to 10 pounds by now as its normal to gain a pound or two per week in the second trimester. If the weight gain is too sudden or excessive, talk to your doctor.
Increased body fluids. More sweat, mucus, vaginal discharge are normal at this stage because of your increased blood flow.
Weird dreams. Having strange dreams might be caused by your raging hormones or by your nervousness and anticipation.
Itchy boobs and belly. Your skin is stretching thinner and more sensitive as your baby and your belly grow. Try not to scratch, and find a soothing skin cream to ease the itch.
Stretch marks. As you’re putting on more weight and your belly is expanding, you might start to get stretch marks especially if you’re pregnant with twins. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and use a good skin moisturizer to avoid leaving your skin dry and itchy.
17 WEEKS PREGNANT BELLY AND BODY
Your 17 weeks pregnant belly is growing bigger and your belly is expanding some more. You’ll gain about one to two pounds per week and you’ll find your appetite increasing. You might still have the pregnancy glow and your hair and nails growing speedily. Your hormones and milk-producing gland are developing to get your body ready to feed your baby.
17 WEEKS PREGNANT ULTRASOUND
Your baby’s growing some meat on his growing bones and putting on some fat. She’s still coated with the fine hair called lanugo for body warmth till she has enough body fat. Her heart is now regulated by the brain, which means it’s not beating so randomly any more, but still about twice as fast as yours. She will also be practicing the skills she’ll need when she’s born like sucking and swallowing.
PREGNANCY TO-DO LIST AT 17 WEEKS PREGNANT
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