17 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development, Belly Size & More

At 17 weeks pregnant, you are well into your second trimester, a stage often called the honeymoon phase of pregnancy due to its relatively smoother journey than the first. During this time, your baby is growing rapidly, and you might start to notice more visible changes in your body, including a burgeoning baby bump. It is expected that your nausea and morning sickness will have gone down. You should also be feeling less tired. Your uterus that has already expanded will continue to do so, and you will probably experience indigestion. This milestone brings a mix of exciting developments for both you and your little one.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about being 17 weeks pregnant, including symptoms, baby development, belly size, and tips to support your journey.

Your Baby’s Growth During Pregnancy – Week 17

This particular week, your yet to be born little one is developing swallowing and sucking skills in preparation for breastfeeding. Your baby’s body is also starting to form body fat and should mature by the time of delivery. Your baby’s heartbeat is no longer scattered and can now beat up to 150 beats, controlled by the baby’s brain.

Another big development for your kid in the 17th week is the formation of fingerprints (3). By the end of the 17th week, your baby may also be covered in vernix, which is a white substance that forms a coating on the baby’s skin.

What Is the Baby’s Size?

Well, your little one is basically the size of a pomegranate now. To elaborate, at 17 weeks, the baby size should be around 150-175 grams and around 5-6 inches long. In fact, your baby is growing rapidly since last week and will continue to grow rapidly in the coming weeks. For now, your baby may just as well fit into your hand (1) (4).

You would also be happy to know that your baby’s skeleton is slowly transforming into the solid bone from the soft cartilage structure that has formed so far. Your baby has developed some body fat making it ready for changes as well.

Common Body Changes

Along with your baby’s body transformation, you are bound to see some more body changes at 17 weeks pregnant in yourself. For starters, you should be feeling better regarding morning sickness and nausea. Also, your body should feel less tired.

More importantly, you should have your bump in place. However, the size of the bump is different for different women. Another new development in the 17th week of pregnancy is that you will be able to feel some movement inside your tummy, but it will barely make any ripples. This, of course, will change in the coming months.

Symptoms of Pregnancy at Week 17

If you have been wondering what signs of a 17-week pregnancy are different from the preceding weeks, here is your one-stop guide to find out the same (1).

• Your body is trying hard to make space for your baby, which is you may need to be prepared to feel somewhat uncomfortable as you face indigestion and heartburn.
• Constipation and gas problems will also see a rise during your 17th week of pregnancy
• Expect mood swings as your hormones go haywire.
• Changes in hormonal levels can cause pigmentation of the skin, and this will start happening in the 17th week of pregnancy.
• Expect some nerve pain, especially in your legs, as your baby is getting heavier inside of you.

Belly at 17 Weeks of Pregnancy

As is expected, your belly should definitely be showing that you are pregnant. More importantly, some stretch marks and veins around your belly should start showing as well.

Most women now begin to gain some weight seeing that the baby has grown quite a bit. This weight gain may also be attributed to the fact that most women get their appetite back as morning sickness recedes (2).

17 Weeks Ultrasound

For most of you, the doctor may not schedule an ultrasound scan, as not much has changed. In special cases, though, you might be asked to go for a scan, but it should not worry you too much.

You can continue to see that your baby’s heartbeat has settled at a steady pace and has and the facial features should start showing definition as well. More importantly, your baby’s immune system is in place and is protecting your baby from any diseases. Also, your baby can now feel sharp noises and harsh lights. Hormones will also have started to function in the form of adrenal glands. Best of all, your baby can feel your emotions and can recognise voices.

What to Eat?

By now, you would be wondering about “what foods to eat when 17 weeks pregnant” and started eating more calories than your pre-pregnancy diet. Keeping in mind your earlier diet, add essential 17th-week pregnancy foods by consulting the list below. Remember that starving yourself at this point of your pregnancy is unacceptable. Also, you don’t have to overeat or eat for two – just maintain a slight increase in calories you normally consume (2).

• Load up on proteins in the form of lean meats, fish, pulses, beans, and tofu. A bit of red meat is also advised to be added to your diet.
• Eat lots of green leafy vegetables and whole fresh fruits to control blood pressure and reduce anaemia risks.
• Stock up on calcium in the form of milk, yoghurt, cheese and other milk products to promote bone health.
• Add Folic Acid to your diet to prevent birth defects.
• Add Vitamin C as well in the form of either fruits or supplements. These help in tissue repair.
• Don’t forget to add Zinc to your diet as it promotes a healthy pregnancy.
• Stock up on nuts and low-fat snacks for your hunger urges.
• Divide your meals in order to not starve yourself.

Tips & Care

The most important thing at this stage of pregnancy should be to keep yourself strong and cheerful. Since the baby eats what you eat and feels what you feel, make healthy lifestyle choices that can successfully carry you through delivery. Below are some pointers that should come in handy to help you take care.

Dos

• Keep yourself safe
• Keep your living conditions hygienic
• Stay hydrated at all times
• Eat at proper times with proper portions
• Take medication if your doctor has prescribed any
• Stay positive
• Indulge in light exercises like some yoga and meditation
• Maintain regular hours of sleep and get plenty of rest throughout the day
• Maintain sanitation and personal hygiene
• Ensure that you stay stress-free as far as possible

Don’ts

• Starve yourself or your fetus
• Expose yourself to areas with questionable hygiene conditions
• Binge on junk food
• Indulge in drinking and smoking
• Overdo any workout

What You Need to Shop For?

Shopping for seventeen weeks pregnancy should not be much of a problem. Remember that you have to keep comfort as a priority. Make sure you shop for some nice maternity wear in cotton, such as maternity dresses, tops, stretchable leggings, trousers, etc. Go for clothes that give your growing belly enough room and makes this phase of pregnancy easy-peasy.

Don’t forget to buy some nice body pillows as well that will help you sleep better by increasing comfort and posture while sleeping on the side. Body pillows come in real handy during the later stages of pregnancy, too (7).

For footwear, go for comfortable shoes with a good grip.

Also, keep motivational books handy as they will help you unwind and keep you cheerful.

Don’t forget to stack some nice healthy snacks in your pantry because as you might need them often.

FAQs

1. Can I sleep on my back at 17 weeks pregnant?

While it’s generally safe to sleep on your back at 17 weeks, many doctors recommend starting to transition to side-sleeping, particularly on the left side, to improve blood flow to the baby and avoid pressure on major blood vessels (5).

2. Is it safe to travel during the 17th week?

The second trimester is generally considered the safest time to travel during pregnancy. Be sure to take breaks to stretch, stay hydrated, and consult your doctor before planning long trips (6).

Don’t panic due to the constant changes, and get well equipped to deal with the forthcoming changes for a safe and successful pregnancy.

References/Resources:

1. Week 17; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-17/

2. 17 weeks pregnant: baby’s development, your baby bump and vitamin D; Tommy’s; https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/pregnancy-week-by-week/17-weeks-pregnant

3. You and your baby at 17 weeks pregnant; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/13-to-27/17-weeks/

4. Pregnancy Calendar: Week 17; Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/week17.html

5. Pacheco. D; Sleeping While Pregnant: Second Trimester; Sleep Foundation; https://www.sleepfoundation.org/pregnancy/sleeping-during-2nd-trimester

6. Travelling in pregnancy; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/travelling/

7. Do You Need a Pregnancy Pillow?; The Health Care Authority of the City of Anniston; https://rmccares.org/2019/04/11/do-you-need-a-pregnancy-pillow/

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