WHAT’S GOING ON WITH BABY?
Your Baby at 17 Weeks Pregnant
Baby’s growth and size
Baby has grown almost a whole inch since last week and is between 5 and 5.5 inches long. The weight gain picks up as well. This week, baby is about 5 ounces now!
What’s new developmentally?
Fat stores are starting to form under baby’s skin. Not only will these fat stores keep baby warm once they are outside of you, but they also provide your baby with energy. These fat stores are called brown fat.
Speaking of skin, your baby is also beginning to develop sweat glands. Another fun skin development, your baby’s oil glands begin producing vernix around this time. Vernix is white, greasy substance that covers and protects their skin. Think of it as a moisturizer! Since baby spends basically 9 months in a swimming pool, they need something to protect their skin.
Unless your baby is born way past their due date, you will notice this thick cheesy substance on their skin at birth. Fun tip: instead of rubbing all of it off, try rubbing it into baby’s skin instead – there are lots of benefits for them and their skin!
Fun facts about your week 17 baby
- Baby grows toenails this week
- The umbilical cord is becoming longer but also thicker and stronger
- Baby is beginning to hear your voice
WHAT’S GOING ON WITH MAMA?
Week 17 of Pregnancy
Week 17 pregnancy symptoms
- Constipation
- Varicose veins
- Round ligament pain
- Dizziness
- Breast changes – areola and nipple get darker and larger
- Heartburn
- Sinus congestion or rhinitis – safe OTC medications for pregnancy
- Pregnancy brain
- Pregnancy glow, nail, and hair growth
- Unusual dreams (hello hormones)
- Stretch marks and itchy boobs
How should I be feeling at 17 weeks pregnant?
Baby is sure putting on the weight and you might have started to also! Chances are you are still feeling better than you did in your first trimester, even if your bump (and other areas) has started to pop.
It is normal to gain about 1 – 2 pounds per week in the second trimester. Remember though, pregnancy looks different on everyone! With some extra weight, you might begin to notice your skin is itchy or extra sensitive in some places. You might even have some stretch marks developing.
Most people think you can only get stretch marks on your belly, but they are also common on your thighs, upper arms, breasts, calves, and booty too! If you are interested in my favorite stretch marks creams you need to make sure you check out this article!
Speaking of breasts, you might also notice some dark veins appearing in your breasts. This is related to the increased blood flow that happens in preparation for milk production – our bodies are simply amazing, aren’t they?
WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON?
More Week 17 Info
17 weeks pregnant ultrasound
Between weeks 16 and 18, you may be offered a test for something called Alpha Fetal Protein (AFP). This test helps screen neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
If your screen is positive, your OB provider will refer you to a high-risk specialist or Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor for more testing.
No stress if you don’t have an ultrasound scheduled this week. The second trimester ultrasound, also known as anatomy scan, typically takes place between weeks 18 and 21.
WHAT’S GOING ON WITH YOUR BUMP?
17 Weeks Pregnant Belly
TIPS & RESOURCES FOR WEEK 17
Tips for 17 Weeks Pregnant
- Get a pregnancy planner or journal if you haven’t already
- Start documenting your bump with a weekly picture – I used the Baby Story: Pregnancy Pictures app during my pregnancies
- Consider investing in a pregnancy pillow – I have a couple on my Amazon Storefront to help you narrow your search
- Start thinking a babymoon if you plan on taking one
- It’s never too early to start looking into childcare options – trust me on this one, mama, preschools and daycares fill up fast
- Make a point to check in with your mental health – it’s never too early to start doing this and mama, you sure deserve it
- Do some research on the anatomy scan so that you come prepared with questions if you have any – you can learn more here
- Apply stretch mark cream or regular lotion daily
- Begin researching birth classes – there are SO MANY out there but I actually have online natural, epidural, and C-section courses that you can take all from the comfort of your own home, so check them out here
- Sign up for my free second trimester prep pack to receive my second trimester checklist, baby registry checklist, and old wives’ tales checklist
- Sign up for MLN weekly pregnancy updates to stay up to date on everything going on with your pregnancy. So much good information, and it’s all free!
TIPS & RESOURCES
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