17 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect?

July 1, 2019

17 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect?

Baby’s Growth During Pregnancy – Week 17

Important developments are taking place within your baby’s nervous system this week. A fatty substance called myelin is started to coat the baby’s spinal cord. This will help to speed up messages from their nerves to their brain. Your baby’s hearing is getting better. If you play music, they may react to it by moving around.

This particular week, your yet-to-be-born little one is developing swallowing and sucking skills in preparation for breastfeeding.

Another big development for your baby at the 17th week is the formation of fingerprints. 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?

A baby at pregnancy week 17 is the size of a pomegranate. Your 17-week fetus is about 5.1 inches long and weighs about 5.9 ounces. For now, your baby may just as well fit into your hand.

17-week Symptoms of Pregnancy

When you’re 17 weeks pregnant, symptoms are most commonly due to your rapidly growing baby. Here’s what you’re likely feeling this week:

Increased bodily fluids

Vaginal discharge, sweat, mucus, and other fluids are in full force because of your increased blood flow. Its gross but all part of a process.

Weird dreams

Having strange dreams might be caused by your hormones, but it might also be the result of your nerves and anticipation. Be calm and do not overthink them.

Itchiness

As baby’s growing, your skin is stretching thinner and can be more sensitive. You might feel itchy on your belly or your breasts. Resist the urge to scratch, and find a soothing skin cream that eases the itch.

Stretch marks

You are putting on some pounds and your uterus continues to expand. Therefore, getting some stretch marks might be inevitable.

17 weeks pregnant belly

Make sure you document your growing 17 weeks pregnant belly by taking lots of photos. We promise you that one day you’re going to look back and reminisce about this time. You’ll want to have a keepsake of how your body changed.

By now you should have your bump in place. However, the size of the bump is different for different women.

17 Weeks Ultrasound

The doctor may recommend an ultrasound at 17 weeks to check for any developmental anomalies Baby’s rubbery cartilage is now turning to bone. And baby’s growing some meat on those bones, putting on some fat. Your 17-week fetus is growing a stronger, thicker umbilical cord too.

You may have a 17 weeks pregnant ultrasound if you’ve opted to have a cordocentesis. In this procedure, umbilical cord blood is tested for signs of chromosomal abnormalities. The doctor uses an ultrasound to find the place where the cord meets the placenta—that’s the spot where she needs to remove the blood. Typically, this diagnostic test is performed after 17 weeks; it may be used if amniocentesis results were inconclusive and you and your partner want a more definitive answer about baby’s health.