17 weeks pregnant: Signs, Tips, Symptoms, Baby's Development

Published on April 1, 2022 – Last Updated on October 18, 2022

The special time in a women’s life is pregnancy. Your body is going through so many changes, and you are creating new life! It’s incredible. Your baby is the size of a turnip at 17 weeks pregnant, and he or she is beginning to acquire taste buds. You may be experiencing some Braxton Hicks contractions and feeling more energetic than usual.

This blog post will discuss what you expect in the 17th week, your symptoms, and your baby’s development. If you are unsure of what pregnancy week you are in, please use our estimated due date calculator.

What to expect during the 17th week of pregnancy

During the 17th Week of Pregnancy, you may expect the following:

Braxton Hicks Contractions: Some women experience these contractions earlier in their pregnancy, but they will become more frequent now. Braxton Hicks contractions are practiced contractions and are nothing to worry about.

Energy Levels: You may find that you have more energy than usual during this stage of your pregnancy.

Taste Buds: Your baby’s taste buds are developing, so you may find that they are more interested in your food.

Weight Gain: You will continue to gain weight this week, with an average of about half a pound.

Second Trimester: This is the second trimester of your pregnancy. After the First Trimester, second-trimester pregnancy symptoms decrease morning sickness and increased energy levels.

Stretch Marks: You may start to notice stretch marks on your belly, especially if you have a lot of weight to gain.

17 Weeks Pregnant Tips

Make sure to check out our Pregnancy Week by Week post where you can find great information for each stage of pregnancy based on weeks.

At 17 weeks pregnant, you may be starting to feel more comfortable in your skin. Nausea and fatigue of early pregnancy are often starting to fade, and you may have more energy to tackle your everyday tasks.

However, there are still a few things to keep in mind during this trimester. For example, it’s important to continue eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. It would help if you also started thinking about prenatal care and whether you want to take a childbirth class.

Pregnancy Symptoms:

During this week, You passe through Different Symptoms like

Braxton Hicks contractions:

These are false labor pains and are perfectly normal. They may be uncomfortable, but they are not indicative of natural labor. Read more on contractions : pregnancy contractions timer, contraction counter app & best contraction app.

Increased energy levels:

Many Pregnant women report feeling more energetic during this week of pregnancy. This is likely due to the increased blood flow and hormones in your body.

Taste buds forming:

Your baby is now developing taste buds and will likely prefer sweet tastes over bitter ones.

Other symptoms you may experience include:

Fatigue:

Feeling tired is normal during pregnancy and is likely due to your body’s extra effort to support your growing baby.

Heartburn:

Heartburn, or acid reflux, is common during pregnancy. This is caused by the increased pressure on your stomach from your growing uterus.

Nausea:

Nausea, or morning sickness, is common during pregnancy. The rising hormones in your body cause it and usually goes away within a few weeks.

Constipation:

Constipation is a common symptom during pregnancy. It is caused by the increased pressure on your abdomen from your growing uterus and the hormonal changes in your body. You can do several things to ease constipation, including drinking plenty of water, eating fiber-rich foods, and exercising regularly. If constipation persists, you may need to take a laxative.

Backache:

Backaches are quite typical during pregnancy, especially in the later weeks. This is due to the extra weight you are carrying and the changes in your posture as your baby grows. You can do several things to ease backache, including taking a hot bath, using a heating pad, and wearing comfortable shoes. However, if backache persists, you may need to see a doctor.

Headaches:

Headaches are relatively frequent during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. They are caused by the increased hormones in your body and usually subside after the first trimester. You can do several things to ease headaches, including drinking plenty of water, taking ibuprofen, and getting enough sleep. However, if headaches persist, you may need to see a doctor.

Baby’s development

During this week, You passe through Different Body changes like

The baby’s skeleton starts to harden:

Up until now, your baby’s skeleton has been made of soft cartilage. This week, it starts to turn to bone.

Baby’s Head:

The baby’s head is still relatively large in proportion to the rest of its body.

The baby grows hair:

Your baby’s first hair, called lanugo, begins to grow this week. This delicate, downy hair will cover their entire body and eventually fall out before they’re born.

The baby develops taste buds:

Your baby’s taste buds are beginning to form this week. They will start to prefer sweet tastes over bitter ones.

The baby’s ears move to their correct position:

By the end of this week, the baby’s ears will have moved from the side of their head to their correct position.

The baby’s eyes begin to form:

This week, the baby’s eyes started to form. However, they will not be completely formed until the end of the third trimester.

The baby’s heart starts to beat:

Your baby’s heart starts beating this week. You can hear it beating at your next ultrasound appointment.

Baby’s Skin:

The baby’s skin is thin and translucent this week. You may be able to see the blood vessels through their skin.

Circulatory and Urinary Systems:

The baby’s circulatory system is beginning to form this week. The heart starts beating, and the blood vessels start to develop.

The baby’s urinary system is also beginning to form this week. The pregnancy progresses, and The kidneys begin to produce urine stored in the bladder.

17 Weeks Fetus

At 17 weeks pregnant, you may be starting to feel like your baby is really on the way. You might be feeling tiny flutters in your belly, called quickening, as your baby’s arms and legs start to move. Baby’s also growing lots of tiny little hairs all over their body. You might even be able to find out the gender of your baby at your next ultrasound! All of this amazing growth is thanks to the nutrients you’re taking in and passing along to your little one. So keep up the good work, mama! Your baby is 17 weeks old and counting!

Changes in Your Body Appearances:

You may be experiencing some changes in your body appearance as you are 17 weeks pregnant. For example, your breasts may be growing and changing color, you may have a dark line running down your belly, and your skin may be stretched out. These are all regular changes that happen during pregnancy!

Blood Flow:

During this week, the amount of blood flowing through your body increases. This is because your body makes more blood to support your growing baby.

Pregnancy Hormones:

The hormones in your body are changing and growing this week. This is why you may be experiencing more energy, nausea, and changes in your breasts.

Breasts:

Your breasts may be growing this week, and you may notice a change in their color.

Healthy Weight Gain:

It would be best to gain about a pound a week in your pregnancy. If you are not, talk to your doctor.

Tips for staying healthy and comfortable during this stage of pregnancy

You can do several things to stay healthy and comfortable during this stage of pregnancy. Here are a few tips:

Drink plenty of water: Drinking water is vital for you and your baby. It will assist you in remaining hydrated and preventing constipation.

Eat fiber-rich foods:

Eating fiber-rich foods is an excellent way to prevent constipation. Some good examples of fiber-rich foods are whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Exercise regularly:

Exercising regularly is vital for both you and your baby. It will help keep you healthy and comfortable and help prevent constipation.

Take a prenatal vitamin:

Taking a prenatal vitamin is essential for both you and your baby. It will help ensure that you get all the nutrients you need and help prevent congenital disabilities.

See your doctor regularly:

Seeing your doctor regularly is essential for both you and your baby. They will be able to monitor your health and your baby’s development.

Please visit your doctor as soon as possible if you feel any discomfort or pain.

As the pregnant woman’s partner, it is essential to support her during this time. Here are a few ways you can do this:

Understand her changes:

Pregnancy can be difficult for a woman, both physically and emotionally. Therefore, it is essential to understand the changes she is going through.

Be supportive:

Be supportive of her decisions and choices. Pregnancy is a time when she needs all the support she can get.

Help out with household tasks:

Pregnancy can be a lot of work, both physically and emotionally. So try to help her out with household tasks whenever you can.

Give her plenty of rest:

Pregnancy can be tiring, both mentally and physically. So make sure she gets plenty of rest whenever possible.

Be there for her

The most important thing you can do is be there for her. Listen to her, support her, and let her know that you love her.

Prenatal Visit:

At 17 weeks prenatal visit, your doctor will likely:

Check your weight and blood pressure
Listen to your baby’s heartbeat
Check the size and position of your uterus
Ask about any symptoms you may be experiencing
Give you a physical exam
Answer any questions you may have
Offer resources and advice on prenatal care
Schedule future appointments

If you are having any issues or discomfort, please notify your doctor. They can assist you in obtaining comfort.

Conclusion:

The 17th week of pregnancy is an important time for fetal development. By the end of this week, your baby measures about the size of 5 inches long and weighs almost eight ounces.-You may start to feel some symptoms during the 17th week of pregnancy, including fatigue, nausea, and heartburn.-Your body will also go through some changes in appearance, including a growing belly and more prominent veins.-To stay healthy during the 17th week of pregnancy, it’s essential to eat a balanced diet and get plenty of exercises.-If you have any concerns or questions, be sure to talk to your doctor.

FAQs

What is my unborn child doing at week 17 in the womb?

At 17 weeks pregnant, your child is the size of a turnip and is beginning to develop taste buds. As a result, you may be experiencing some Braxton Hicks contractions and feeling more energetic than usual.

What should I eat during the 17th week of pregnancy?

It’s essential to eat a balanced diet during the 17th week of pregnancy. Vegetables, whole grains, and Fruits should all be included in your meals.

Can I exercise during pregnancy week 17?

Yes, you can exercise during the 17th week of pregnancy. Exercise is essential for both you and your baby. It will help keep you healthy and comfortable and help prevent constipation.

Can I take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy week 17?

Yes, taking prenatal vitamins is essential for both you and your baby. It helps you get all the nutrients you need and helps prevent congenital disabilities.

What are pains regular at 17 weeks pregnant?

Braxton Hicks contractions, fatigue, nausea, and heartburn are regular during the 17th week of pregnancy.