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

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?