Week 17 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 17

• You're in the second trimester, so those unpleasant early symptoms (severe tiredness and morning sickness) have most likely given way to new difficulties, such as increased vaginal discharge and stretch marks

• It's time to find another sleeping position. Sleeping on your stomach may reduce blood flow to the baby. Side sleeping is excellent and advised at this stage

• If your amniocentesis yielded inconclusive findings, you may be scheduled for a cordocentesis this week

• At this period, the infant is rapidly growing and has already learnt the sucking reflex

• If you are in Week 17 of your pregnancy you are in the second trimester and in the fourth month

• 23 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy

Baby's Movement and Development at Week 17

The baby's squishy bone is now developing into bone. The baby is gaining some fat on those bones, which not only makes the infant appear closer to what they will look like when you meet but also helps their body control their temperature and metabolism. Putting on body fat now may help your baby be healthy later on, allowing their brain to grow properly and maybe lowering their chance of certain disorders.

The baby's heart is pumping blood, and the placenta is working overtime to accommodate the blood vessels required to provide the infant with nutrition and oxygen while also eliminating waste. Their umbilical cord is also becoming longer and stronger to ensure that it meets their demands.

Around this period, the infant develops vernix, a slippery, white substance that provides a barrier between the skin and the amniotic fluid.

The baby is moving around in your uterus. The limb coordination that occurred during week 16 has helped Baby become more mobile this week! They can flex their joints and bounce, flip, and spin around in the amniotic sac. If this is not your first pregnancy, you may have already noticed some of these movements, but don't be concerned if you haven't. Many pregnant mothers have yet to feel their baby move at 17 weeks.

What is Baby Movement Like at 17 Weeks?

Quickening may seem like a little twitch, so don't panic if you don't feel it right away. It may happen anytime between now and week 22. Be on the alert for a fluttering feeling, which may be misinterpreted as gas or stomach rumbling.

How to Get Your Baby to Move at 17 Weeks?

While 17 weeks may still be too early to detect foetal movement, there are a few things you may do to encourage your little one to wiggle in the womb. Eating a snack, chatting or singing to your baby, gently rubbing your tummy and lying down on your back have all been proven to encourage activity in utero, just check with your doctor first.

• Baby Weight- Around 100 grammes
• Baby Length- 5 inches long
• Baby Size- Comparable to pomegranate

Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes This Week

When you are 17 weeks pregnant, your symptoms are most likely caused by your baby's fast growth. Here's how you're probably feeling this week:

• Even if you don't regularly snore while sleeping, pregnancy congestion may cause you to do so
• Sciatica or back discomfort at 17 weeks is rather prevalent. You're fast developing, and the added weight and strained muscles might take a toll. Try yoga or Pilates to gently work the region (but ask your doctor first), use a heat pack, or consider purchasing a chair support cushion
• Stretch marks may develop as your belly expands. These are a normal part of pregnancy, and every pregnant woman has them
• Sharp pains or mild aches in your lower abdomen may be caused by round ligaments straining around the uterus
• There is still a potential you'll get headaches and episodes of dizziness, so take it easy!
• You may have a strong appetite as a result of your baby's increased requirements
• Hormones may produce skin changes like reddish blotches on your face, which are sometimes known as the "mask of pregnancy." This symptom isn't a reason for worry and usually goes away following delivery
• Your breasts may continue to expand as you prepare to nurse

Body Changes This week

You won't feel nauseous, but now that you're showing, you can be the focus of unwanted belly stroking or rubbing. If someone is making you uncomfortable, don't be hesitant to urge them to maintain their distance.

Can I rest on my stomach when I'm 17 weeks pregnant?

It is time to discover a different sleeping posture. When you lie on your back, your expanding baby and uterus exert strain on a large blood artery called the inferior vena cava. This may reduce blood flow to the baby and decrease your blood pressure. For optimum blood flow, start sleeping on your left side around. (Any posture other than flat on your back is good; if you're a back sleeper, tuck a cushion under one hip to tilt your tummy to the side.)

17-Week Ultrasound

If you have decided to undergo a cordocentesis, you may be able to have an ultrasound at this stage. This method examines umbilical cord blood for symptoms of chromosomal disorders. The doctor uses an ultrasound to locate the point where the cord joins the placenta, which is where the blood has to be drawn from. Typically, this diagnostic procedure is conducted after 17 weeks; it may be conducted if the findings of an amniocentesis were inconclusive and you and your partner want a clearer answer concerning the baby's health.

Your Baby Bump at Week 17

The baby is becoming stronger, and your body is gaining weight, about half a kg per week. (Weight gain should be similar if you're pregnant with twins.) Make sure to take plenty of pictures of your developing tummy. We guarantee that one day you'll look back and remember this moment. You'll want to maintain a record of how your physique evolved.

Stretch marks might appear as your stomach expands. Although they are an inevitable aspect of pregnancy, you can find some relief from them by using a thick moisturiser. Make sure that the ingredients of the moisturiser are safe for pregnancy, before using it.

Tips for Week 17

Being 17 weeks pregnant is a significant milestone for both you and your baby. Here's some additional professional advice on how to transition to this new stage while keeping you and your baby safe.

• It is time to adjust your fitness routine. While exercise is typically beneficial to both you and your baby, avoid contact sports, or any activity that increases your risk of falling or injuring yourself after the first trimester. That still leaves plenty of excellent exercise choices
• Even if you're eating for two, you should attempt to maintain your weight throughout your pregnancy. Obesity increases the risk of pregnancy problems such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Understand your goal weight and learn more about safe pregnancy weight gain
• Your pregnancy hormones may cause havoc on your ligaments and even your lips. During your routine visit, ask your dentist to search for symptoms of loose teeth and periodontitis
• Don't allow itchy skin to drive you insane. You can use any cooling gel or moisturiser to soothe your skin, but make sure it does not contain any ingredients that are considered unsafe for pregnancy, like retinol or salicylic acid.

Checklist for Week 17

• Prepare for your anatomy scan and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider
• Continue with routine prenatal care
• Schedule a prenatal massage
• Begin exploring possibilities for your birth plan
• Begin planning your maternity leave
• Get some ideas for the baby's nursery

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 17 of Pregnancy

1. Can I feel the baby at 17 weeks?
   The first thrilling kicks you may experience in week 17 have a name: the quickening. Those feelings are lovely but do not be concerned if you haven't felt them yet (particularly if this is your first pregnancy). The initial movements of the baby vary from woman to woman, although they are usually felt between 16 and 22 weeks.
2. 17 weeks pregnant symptoms: boy or girl?
   Many of us have heard that if you are pregnant and suffer terrible morning sickness, you are having a girl. Carrying the bulk of your weight up front and desiring salty snacks? Some say this implies a baby boy will arrive. Trying to find out your baby's gender is enjoyable, but gender-specific pregnancy symptoms are mostly misconceptions. There is no scientific evidence for them. The most accurate method to establish your baby's sex before birth is by an ultrasound, which is generally done around week 20, or an amniocentesis, which is performed around week 16 (Not in India). Of course, you may wait until your kid is born and let nature disclose the great surprise.