17 Week Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips and Baby Development

August 11, 2023
Queens
Management Pregnancy, Overall Health, Pregnancy Week By Week
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Welcome to your 17th week of pregnancy, where significant changes and exciting developments are taking place for both you and your baby.

At this stage, your little one is busy gaining muscle and accumulating fat, contributing to their growth and development. As you progress further into the second trimester, you might also begin to experience new symptoms such as aches, pains, or even a stuffy nose.

In this guide, we will delve into the remarkable growth of your baby and the delightful movements you may soon feel, as well as provide insights into common symptoms and offer helpful tips to navigate through this stage of your pregnancy journey.

In this Article

1 17 Week Pregnant – Baby Development
2 17 Weeks Pregnant Is How Many Months?
3 17 Weeks Pregnant Bump
4 17 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
5 17 Weeks Pregnant – Tips to Follow
6 Takeaway at Seventeen Weeks Pregnant

17 Week Pregnant – Baby Development

At 17 weeks, your baby weighs approximately 5 ounces and measures around 5 inches in length, roughly the size of your palm.
Fat tissue development begins in specific areas such as the face, neck, breast, and stomach wall before gradually spreading to the back, shoulders, arms, legs, and chest.
Muscles and bones continue to grow and strengthen, supporting your baby’s overall development.
At 17 weeks, tiny toenails are beginning to sprout on your baby’s feet, adding to their growing list of adorable features.
Additionally, a protective film called vernix forms on your baby’s skin. Vernix acts as a natural moisturizer and helps to protect delicate skin from the amniotic fluid.
Your baby can make sucking movements with their mouth and may start drinking the amniotic fluid.
The umbilical cord is growing denser and longer to deliver nourishment to your baby, while the placenta is expanding and enhancing circulation to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to support your baby’s growth and development.

17 Weeks Pregnant Is How Many Months?

Seventeen weeks of pregnancy is approximately 4 months and 1 week. Pregnancy is generally divided into three trimesters, each consisting of three months. Therefore, at 17 weeks, you would be in the second trimester of your pregnancy.

17 Weeks Pregnant Bump

As you progress to 17 weeks in your pregnancy, the visibility of your belly bump may become more pronounced, although this can vary depending on your unique pregnancy journey and body. The increasing size of your uterus is a contributing factor, which may also have an impact on your centre of gravity.

17 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

More Rapid Weight Gain

Expect a gain of about 5 to 10 pounds; normal to gain 1 to 2 pounds per week in the second trimester. Consult your OB if weight gain is sudden or excessive.

Itchy/Sensitive Skin

Stretching belly and breasts may lead to itchiness and stretch marks; drink water, and apply moisturizer to alleviate discomfort.

Haemorrhoids

Dilated rectal veins due to increased blood volume; prevent with a high-fibre diet, water intake, and exercise; contact a healthcare provider for severe pain or bleeding.

Heartburn/Indigestion

Eat six small meals, avoid spicy foods, eat slowly, and avoid lying down after eating.

Leg Cramps

Stretch before bed, massage calf muscles, stay hydrated, be physically active, and wear supportive shoes.

Lower Back Pain

Growing uterus changes to posture, exercises, stretching, heating pad, avoid prolonged standing; consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

Increased Bodily Fluids

Heightened blood flow leads to increased vaginal discharge, sweat, and mucus production.

Stretch Marks

Weight gain and expanding uterus may lead to stretch marks; hydration and moisturizer can help minimize their appearance.

17 Weeks Pregnant – Tips to Follow

Stretch to prevent sciatica. Use a heating pad or try back stretches.
Hormonal changes can slightly loosen teeth. See a dentist for significant issues and maintain good oral hygiene.
Ease round ligament pain by resting, modifying workouts, and considering a belly band.
Hormonal changes can cause skin issues. Protect skin with shade, a wide-brimmed hat, and SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Consider calcium supplements if needed.
Take colder showers to cool down, relieve aches, and improve blood circulation.
Apply aloe vera gel or a combination of aloe vera and vitamin E/cocoa butter moisturizer to hydrate and nourish your skin.
Consume 2,200 calories per day with small meals consisting of lean protein, produce, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Wear cotton underwear for comfort and to stay cool and dry. Consider using unscented pantiliners for extra protection.
Stay active with safe exercises like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga.

Takeaway at Seventeen Weeks Pregnant

At seventeen weeks pregnant, your baby is growing rapidly, developing fat and muscle, and even starting to suck their thumb. As your bump becomes more noticeable, you may experience symptoms such as aches, itchy skin, and possible weight gain. To alleviate discomfort, try soothing creams, practice portion control, and wear breathable underwear. Stay active with prenatal exercise and take cold showers to stay cool.

If you have any concerns or need prenatal care, consider reaching out to Queen’s Gynecology for expert guidance and support on your pregnancy journey. We have a strong and supportive team of award-winning obstetrician-gynaecologists to help you with every step of pregnancy.

Summary

At 17 weeks pregnant, significant changes are happening for both you and your baby. Your baby is gaining muscle and accumulating fat while developing adorable features like toenails. You may start feeling your baby’s movements, and your belly bump may become more visible. Symptoms like itchy skin, weight gain, and lower back pain are common. Tips include stretching, dental care, managing round ligament pain, sun protection, calcium intake, and practicing self-care. To ensure a healthy pregnancy, regularly book appointments with a gynecologists.

Week	Pregnancy Symptoms	Tips and Advice	Baby Development
Week 1	– Missed period	– Take a home pregnancy test	– Fertilization occurs
Week 2	– Tender breasts	– Begin taking prenatal vitamins	– Blastocyst implants in the uterus
Week 3	– Fatigue	– Schedule your first prenatal visit	– Embryonic development begins
Week 4	– Morning sickness starts	– Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine	– Neural tube forms
Week 5	– Increased urination	– Eat a balanced diet	– Heart starts beating
Week 6	– Mood swings	– Stay hydrated	– Brain and head development
Week 7	– Constipation	– Start gentle exercise	– Limb buds form
Week 8	– Food cravings	– Get plenty of rest	– Webbed fingers and toes develop
Week 9	– Weight gain begins	– Avoid raw or undercooked foods	– Tail disappears, now considered a fetus
Week 10	– Visible baby bump	– Wear comfortable clothing	– Organs continue to develop
Week 11	– Darkened areolas	– Practice relaxation techniques	– Baby can swallow and produce urine
Week 12	– Reduced nausea	– Consider prenatal classes	– Sex organs distinguishable
Week 13	– Increased energy	– Continue regular check-ups	– Baby’s fingerprints form
Week 14	– Less frequent urination	– Plan for maternity leave	– Baby’s facial muscles develop
Week 15	– Quickening (baby moves)	– Do pelvic floor exercises	– Baby can make facial expressions
Week 16	– Round ligament pain	– Stay active with low-impact exercises	– Develops sense of hearing
Week 17	– Nasal congestion	– Consider a prenatal massage	– Baby’s skeleton starts hardening
Week 18	– Belly button changes	– Stay well-hydrated	– Vernix caseosa covers the skin
Week 19	– Braxton Hicks contractions	– Eat small, frequent meals	– Baby’s kicks become stronger
Week 20	– Leg cramps	– Begin monitoring baby’s movements	– Baby is covered in lanugo (fine hair)
Week 21	– Shortness of breath	– Sleep on your side	– Eyebrows and eyelashes appear
Week 22	– Linea nigra (skin darkens)	– Practice relaxation techniques	– Rapid brain development
Week 23	– Backache	– Consider prenatal yoga or swimming	– Baby can recognize your voice
Week 24	– Swollen ankles	– Elevate feet when sitting or lying	– Lungs continue to mature
Week 25	– Increased appetite	– Continue regular prenatal check-ups	– Baby may respond to loud noises
Week 26	– Heartburn	– Sleep with extra pillows for support	– Eyes open for the first time
Week 27	– Braxton Hicks intensify	– Pack your hospital bag	– Baby can hiccup
Week 28	– Trouble sleeping	– Monitor blood pressure	– Baby’s kicks become more regular
Week 29	– Shortness of breath	– Avoid lifting heavy objects	– Baby’s bones fully developed
Week 30	– Swollen hands	– Stay hydrated and avoid salt	– Baby may be head-down in preparation for birth
Week 31	– Increased vaginal discharge	– Take childbirth classes	– Baby’s immune system develops
Week 32	– Hemorrhoids	– Practice perineal massage	– Baby’s toenails and fingernails grow
Week 33	– Trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep	– Rest and nap when possible	– Baby’s bones start to harden further
Week 34	– Frequent urination	– Prepare for maternity leave	– Baby’s central nervous system matures
Week 35	– Braxton Hicks increase	– Avoid prolonged standing or sitting	– Baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled
Week 36	– Pelvic pressure	– Finalize birth plan	– Baby continues to gain weight
Week 37	– Lightening (baby drops)	– Stay active with walking	– Baby’s head positions for birth
Week 38	– Fatigue increases	– Do pelvic exercises	– Baby’s lungs are fully mature
Week 39	– Cervix effacement	– Rest and conserve energy	– Baby’s immune system continues to develop
Week 40	– Contractions begin	– Monitor contractions	– Baby’s digestive system is ready for breast milk
Week 41	– Dilation of cervix	– Stay calm and patient during labor	– Baby’s head molds to fit through the birth canal

Please note that every pregnancy is unique, and symptoms and developments may vary from person to person. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care during pregnancy.